What is a recommended approach when approaching a red light or stop sign?

• A. Continue through if it looks clear.
• B. Slow gradually, position for a safe stop, and come to a controlled stop in a legal area with hands visible and bike under control.
• C. Stop abruptly in middle of intersection.
• D. Stop in the crosswalk.

Answer: (B)

When approaching a red light or stop sign, the right move is to slow gradually, position yourself for a safe stop, and come to a controlled halt in a legal area with your hands on the brakes and the bike under control. This approach gives you time to scan for pedestrians, vehicles, or other hazards, signals your intent to stop to others, and keeps you out of the way of cross traffic or pedestrians so you can resume riding safely when it’s appropriate.

Why this works well: slowing early reduces the risk of sudden surprises, stopping in a clearly legal spot ensures you’re not blocking a crosswalk or entering an intersection, and maintaining a visible, braked position with the bike under control helps you stay predictable and ready to react if the light changes or a hazard appears.

Why the other options aren’t good: continuing through on a red light or stop sign ignores signals and can put you in conflict with other road users; stopping abruptly in the middle of an intersection creates a hazard for turning traffic and pedestrians; stopping in the crosswalk blocks pedestrians and is not a legal stopping point.