Whether you live and bike in Colorado or plan a biking trip to the Centennial state, you need to know your legal rights and duties as a bicyclist. Bicycles and cyclists are treated nearly the same as motor vehicle drivers and are expected to know and follow any designated state, city, and local bicycling ordinances.
The following article provides general information regarding Colorado’s bike laws and regulations. You can find Colorado’s bicycling statutes at Official Bicycling Laws in Colorado.
If you or your loved one suffered bicycle accident injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact an experienced Colorado bicycle accident attorney. You may qualify for compensation for your accident-related injuries.
Colorado’s Newest Bike Law
Colorado’s newest bike law is the Safety Stop.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation or CODOT, the Safety Stop allows:
- People on bikes and other “low-speed conveyances” the legal option to ride slowly through stop signs without stopping first, as long as they are yielding right-of-way to pedestrians and other road users who have the right-of-way;
- Bicyclists and users of low-speed conveyances to proceed at red lights after coming to a complete stop if there is no oncoming traffic; and
- Bicyclists and low-speed conveyance users to approach intersections at a reasonable speed and choose to apply the Safety Stop; or
- They may continue to perform a traditional stop at both stop signs and red lights.
The Safety Stop is only for bicyclists 15 and over. Younger riders must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to use the Safety Stop.
Riding on the Road
Due to the size and weight differences between motor vehicles and bicycles, special safety rules apply when the two share Colorado’s roads.
For example:
- When riding on the road below the speed limit, bicyclists are to ride as far to the right as possible;
- Bicyclists may move to the left when avoiding hazards, overtaking vehicles, or riding in a substandard-width lane;
- Bicyclists may ride as near to the left-hand side of the road as practicable when traveling on one-way roads;
- Bicyclists are generally required to ride single file;
- Bicyclists must use hand signals at least 100 feet before turning or stopping;
- Bicyclists must use the left turn lane or perform a box turn to make a left turn; and
- Like motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists are prohibited from driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Motor vehicle drivers must pass bicyclists from the left side and maintain three feet from a bicyclist when passing. A motor vehicle driver may only return to the right lane after safely clearing a bicyclist.
Bicyclists are Vulnerable Road Users
Bicyclists are vulnerable road users. Motor vehicle drivers who engage in reckless behavior resulting in the severe injury or death of a bicyclist may be convicted of a Class 1 traffic misdemeanor.
Motor vehicle drivers who negligently injure bicyclists may also be subject to a civil claim for damages.
Contact an Experienced Denver Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If a motorist injured you or your loved one, contact the experienced Denver bicycle accident attorneys at Dulin McQuinn Young. We will review your personal injury claim at no cost and advise you of your legal options.
Dulin McQuinn Young has successfully served the injured of Denver for decades. Our track record sets us apart from other personal injury law firms.
At Dulin McQuinn Young, we are driven to hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions and recover the maximum compensation for our clients. Call our law firm in Denver now to schedule your risk-free case assessment.