Hotline OK’d for Bicyclists to Report Aggressive Drivers
State Patrol’s “Star CSP” Cracks Down on Unsafe Drivers

Bicyclists have a new tool to help make Colorado’s roads friendlier to bicycling.

The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) confirmed that its hotline to report aggressive driving is available to bicyclists if they see a motorist putting a bicyclist at risk.

The phone number is Star CSP (*277) when dialed from a mobile phone. Thanks to a State Patrol partnership with mobile phone companies calls to this hotline are free.

This is not like a normal phone number; you do not need to dial an area code. Simply press the * key (usually the lowest left key on a phone pad) and then 277. This number only works on mobile phones. If you are calling from a non-mobile phone dial 303-239-4501 or any State Patrol Communication Center.  In the case of an emergency dial 911.

Bicycle Colorado confirmed bicyclists' use of this hotline during discussions with the State Patrol to remove the cap on bicycling events.

When dialing Star CSP bicyclists should be prepared to communicate:

• Vehicle license plate number - this is mandatory
• Location and direction of travel
• Vehicle and driver description, if possible
• The aggressive driving behavior being demonstrated

The license plate number is the key. This allows the State Patrol to identify the vehicle owner’s name, driving record, and address. Without the license plate number, identifying the vehicle is impossible.

According to the State Patrol website, they enter this information into an aggressive driver database and send a warning letter after receiving three complaints. If the State Patrol receives additional complaints they send a trooper to make personal contact with the registered owner of the vehicle to take appropriate enforcement action.

Bicyclists may report aggressive driving from any road in Colorado, not just a state highway. If you are not on a state highway the State Patrol will offer to connect you to the local police or sheriff to file a report. Ask the State Patrol to please take your report and enter the license into the aggressive driver database before being transferred.

We applaud the State Patrol for its work keeping roads safe. Star CSP is an important tool for bicycling safety and helping to ensure aggressive drivers are held accountable for their actions. Colorado State Patrol’s Star CSP website is: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/StatePatrol-Main/CBON/1251594510991

Star CSP is an important tool to help keep roads safe - please share this info with your friends.

ABOUT BICYCLE COLORADO

Bicycle Colorado is the nonprofit organization dedicated to building a bicycle-friendly Colorado.  We are supported by thousands of members who work together to protect the rights of bicyclists and improve bicycling conditions. Click here to learn more about Bicycle Colorado or to become a member.