In 2018, a record 22 bicyclists died as victims of traffic collisions. As of September of 2021, there had already been 12 crashes resulting in the death of a cyclist. To stay safe as a bicyclist in Colorado, you should be predictable since breaking the rules is the primary reason for bicycle accidents in the state. Motorists expect you to obey the state’s bike laws and follow the rules of the road. When you don’t, they can’t predict your movements and you increase the likelihood of a collision. In a collision, it is common knowledge that a helmet can help reduce the risk of injury. But, are bicycle helmets required in Colorado?
There are actually 5 important bicycle laws that we want to examine as we consider staying safe as a bicyclist in Colorado. Failing to follow these laws could not only result in serious injury but could also leave you legally responsible for many possible negative outcomes.
Where Can You Ride Your Bicycle?
According to Colorado law, bicycles are the same as any other vehicle. As such, according to the Colorado Revised Statutes at section 42-4-1412, you have the same legal responsibilities and rights as other drivers when you are on public roads if you are a bicyclist.
Colorado right of way laws allows bikes to ride on all streets and public roads, excluding highways. Two bikes can ride side-by-side as long as they don't interfere with traffic flow, but a bike cannot be next to another vehicle while in the same lane unless passing.
In downtown areas like Denver, bikes can only ride on the roads. They must keep off the sidewalks entirely.
Traffic Laws
As mentioned, you are bound by the same traffic rules other vehicles follow when on the road. These laws include riding on the right side of the lane, following the Colorado right of way laws, stopping at stop signs and red lights, riding in the direction of traffic, and signaling when you want to turn.
The police enforce traffic laws on bicycle riders the same way they do with vehicle drivers. However, there are a few laws that only apply to bicyclists. For instance, as a bicycle rider, you can text and call as you ride. Automobile drivers are not allowed to text while driving and only drivers over 18 are allowed to make phone calls while driving.
Colorado Helmet Law
Head and face injuries reduce drastically when one is wearing a helmet. But even though many states enact universal helmet laws, there are no current universal Colorado bicycle helmet laws. It is okay for riders of any age to ride bikes without a helmet.
However, if you are in a bike accident without a helmet and injure your brain or head, the court might deem you negligent for failing to protect yourself, considering the risks of injury. Therefore, despite the Colorado helmet law, always ensure you have one to protect yourself against injury.
Bicycle Equipment Requirements
If you are using a bicycle in Colorado, it must have a white light in the front that offers visibility up to 500 feet. The bike's back must have a reflector or a red light that reaches 600 feet. The purpose of the lights is to make your bike visible to other vehicles or motorists on the road. This is especially true between sunset and sunrise or when bad weather conditions provide insufficient riding light.
Your bike should also have reflective material on both sides that can be seen from 600 feet away. Bicycles must have working brakes. And if you plan to carry someone else on your bike it must be equipped with a second seat.
Colorado Right Of Way Laws
Like other drivers, bicyclists must surrender the right of way to other bikes or vehicles when appropriate. If you are riding on the sidewalk, yield to pedestrians. If you are at the intersection, red light, stop sign, four-way stop, or crosswalk, yield to other vehicles including bicycles.
If you fail to yield the right of way and end up in an accident or a collision, the liability is placed on you even if you suffer the most significant injuries.