A: We are not aware of any laws addressing how to position one’s feet when stopped. Whether to put down one (and which one) or both feet depends on the situation and your experience level.

Consider a typical intersection, on level ground, controlled by a traffic signal. While stopped at a red light, riders may minimize fatigue by shifting to neutral, releasing the clutch lever and placing both feet on the ground. In this position, apply the front brake to keep from rolling and to illuminate the brake lamp.

However, this may increase the risk of a rear-end collision, because it will take time to shift into first gear to move if a hazard approaching from behind is observed.

To better guard against a rear-end collision, some riders choose to keep the bike in first gear with the clutch lever engaged. In this position, keep your left foot on the ground and your right foot on the footrest, while applying either the front or rear brake.

In either case, always remain aware of what’s going on around you. Periodically glance at your mirrors and flash your brake lamp to alert vehicles approaching from the rear. Have an escape path in mind in case one of those vehicles is piloted by a distracted or intoxicated driver who doesn’t notice you or the red traffic light.

If you decide to wait in neutral, be ready to quickly shift into first gear and accelerate out of the way if an emergency situation develops.

Novices may be better off leaving the bike in first gear regardless of how long they’ll be waiting, so they don’t fumble while attempting to shift into gear.

Stopping at a stop sign presents a different situation, because you are likely to stop for only a brief time. It’s usually best to leave the transmission in first gear and put only your left foot down.

However, if you are in a long line of vehicles, you may want to keep both feet down and power-walk the bike as the vehicles in front of you slowly advance.