Bicycle Laws in Colorado

Every day, bicyclists in Colorado are at risk of suffering life-changing injuries due to the actions of careless and reckless drivers. One of the most effective ways to prevent a bicycle accident as a vulnerable cyclist is by learning and obeying Colorado’s bicycle laws. Consulting with a Fort Collins bicycle accident lawyer can provide invaluable guidance on navigating the legal complexities following an accident.

Cyclist Rights and Responsibilities 

In Colorado, bicyclists are given all of the same duties applicable to motor vehicle drivers, except those that do not apply based on the nature of a bicycle. Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) § 42-4-1412 gives cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This means bicyclists must comply with all traffic laws and roadway rules when biking on public roads.

Drivers in Colorado have a legal obligation to respect a cyclist’s right to the road. Motorists must maintain a safe following distance when driving behind bicycles. If a driver wishes to overtake a cyclist, he or she must maintain at least three feet of separation between the right side of the vehicle – including all mirrors – and the left side of the bicycle at all times (CRS § 41-4-1003).

Roadway Rules for Bicyclists 

Bicyclists in Colorado should ride in the road rather than on sidewalks. Sidewalk riding is prohibited in most incorporated cities and towns. Cyclists must ride in the same direction as the flow of traffic and keep as far to the right-hand side of the road as possible except when turning left or to avoid debris. Upon approaching an intersection, a bicyclist must yield the right-of-way to other road users, as applicable.

A person operating a bicycle or electric bicycle must obey Colorado’s speed limits and may not ride on high-speed roadways, such as highways. They may not ride more than two abreast, meaning two bicycles riding side-by-side in the same traffic lane. No bicycle shall carry more than one person at a time unless it is equipped to do so. Cyclists cannot attach themselves or their bikes to motor vehicles.

Bicycle Lanes

It is important for bicyclists to use designated bike lanes and bike paths where available in Colorado. These lanes are separated from regular traffic for optimal safety. Bicyclists automatically have the right-of-way in bike lanes. Under CRS § 42-4-714, the driver of a motor vehicle must yield to bicyclists and other authorized users in bicycle lanes.

Traffic Signs and Signals

Bicyclists are subject to traffic signs and signals when biking on public roads. However, Colorado’s new Safety Stop Law (CRS § 42-4-1412.5) allows vehicle operators who are at least 15 years old and who have the right-of-way to ride directly through intersection stop signs, as long as they do not exceed 10 miles per hour. This law also permits cyclists to proceed straight or turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Helmet Use

Helmets are not a legal requirement in the State of Colorado. However, they should always be worn by cyclists for safety reasons. A bicycle helmet is proven to be the most effective way to prevent head and brain injuries in an accident. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, policies requiring bicycle helmets have been associated with up to a 55 percent reduction in head injuries.

Bicycle Equipment

Bicycles in Colorado must have the required equipment. Otherwise, the bike is not deemed safe to ride on public roadways. Mandatory bicycle equipment under CRS § 42-4-221

includes the following if ridden between sunset and sunrise:

• A lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front.
• A red reflector visible for 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of a vehicle’s lower beams.

• Reflective material on both sides of the bicycle visible from 600 feet when directly in front of a vehicle’s lower beams or a lighted lamp on both sides visible from 500 feet.

In addition, all bicycles must be equipped with a brake or brakes that allow the bike to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement. Riding a bike without the proper equipment is a Class B traffic infraction.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Riding a bicycle under the intoxicating influence of any drugs or alcohol is against the law in Colorado as it is for motor vehicle operators. The state’s DUI (driving under the influence) law applies to bicycles, as they are considered vehicles. According to CRS § 42-4-1301, operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or one or more drugs is a misdemeanor. This charge can be elevated to a felony if there are aggravating circumstances, such as a repeat offender.

Bicycle Safety Tips in Colorado 

Obeying Colorado’s bicycle laws can keep you out of the path of motor vehicles. It can also make your actions predictable to surrounding drivers, which can help reduce the risk of an accident. General cycling safety tips include:

• Always wear a properly fitting, safety-approved bicycle helmet.
• Check your bicycle’s tires and other equipment before every ride.
• Plan ahead – know your route and the weather where you’re going.
• Keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times – it’s the law.
• Use hand signals at least 100 feet in advance of a stop or turn.
• Be extra cautious when cycling through intersections and parking lots.
• Make eye contact with drivers when passing through intersections.
• Leave ample room between your bicycle and motor vehicles.
• Avoid riding your bicycle in low visibility conditions and at night.
• Avoid lane-splitting, or riding on the line between two lanes.
• Stay visible by wearing bright colors and reflective material.
• Ride defensively and stay alert to your surroundings at all times.
• Be prepared to react to changing roadway situations.
• If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable riding your bike at any time, dismount and walk the bike.

If you get into a bicycle accident despite your best efforts to stay safe, try to remain calm and call 911 to report the collision. Check yourself for injuries and get medical care immediately. Exchange information with the driver who hit you so that you can file an insurance claim.

Injured in a Bicycle Accident? An Attorney in Colorado Can Help

In 2023, 1,061 bicycle accidents were reported in Colorado. Bicycle accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bike accident in Colorado, contact a personal injury lawyer at Cannon Law right away for assistance. We can discuss your legal options during a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to financial compensation from a driver for your past and future losses. Contact us at (970) 471-7170 today to learn more.