Bicycle Safety Law Tips

Bill sponsors Sen. Greg Brophy and Rep. Michael Merrifield aside State Patrol Chief James Wolfinbarger celebrate the new law.	Colorado Shares the Road	Governor Bill Ritter addresses the new law to protect motorists and bicyclists.

The members of Bicycle Colorado are excited that the Bicycle Safety Act will go into effect on August 5, 2009. Here's what this new law will mean to you while biking or driving.

For a downloadable poster (PDF) explaining the new laws, click here.

Better Traffic Laws for Bicyclists

3 Feet: Enjoy a Little Breathing Room
Bicyclists get at least 3 feet of space when vehicles pass. To help give you 3 feet, motorists can cross a centerline when clear to pass you safely.

Riding with Friends
Two bicyclists may ride side-by-side when clear but please move to single-file to allow other vehicles to pass.

Be Safe, Be Seen
Ride as far right as is safe. But that doesn't mean you have to ride in the gutter - riding in the right half of the lane often is the safest and most visible spot.

Go With the Flow
Your choice - bicyclists can ride to the far right or far left on a one-way street. Remember, still no riding upstream - ride in the same direction as traffic. 

 

Better Traffic Laws for Motorists

Keeping Traffic Moving
Enjoy more freedom to safely pass a bicyclist by crossing the centerline only when safe to do so. If not clear, simply ease up and wait for the next safe opportunity. By keeping three feet passing distance, you create a safer environment on the road.

Bicyclists Easier to See
One of the challenges drivers face is not seeing a bicyclist on the road or seeing them at the last second without time to react. The new law allows bicyclists to ride where motorists are already looking so that you may adjust sooner and more safely.

Road is Open for the Public
Yes, bicycles are legal on public roads. Please treat everyone on the road with respect. It is illegal to swerve at, buzz, or throw things at bicyclists.

Pass Other Cars When Safe
Before passing another car, first check that there are no bicyclists in the oncoming lane. This keeps you and the driver you are passing safe. 

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