Larimer County Bicycle Enforcement

Larimer State Representative Don Marostica and Bicycle Safety Bill sponsor State Senator Greg Brophy provided valuable insight the intent of the law and legislative procedures. Jeff Morrell from Bike Fort Collins presented many great local examples for discussion. Thanks to all for moving the conversation forward.

The outcome everyone agreed upon is making road safety and education a priority. Both motorists and bicyclists need to follow the rules of the road and practice share the road behaviors. The results will benefit all road users.

The meeting covered many topics but focused on bicyclists' ability to ride side by side, safe passing expectations for motorists, and bicyclists' need to carry identification.

TWO ABREAST

We believe Colorado Statute gives bicyclists the ability to ride two abreast as long as bicyclists are not impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. Senator Greg Brophy wrote the two abreast statute and shared with the Sheriff this interpretation was his intent.

We hope moving forward, the Sheriff's enforcement priorities will focus on clear violations of statute, not on technicalities made by persons who are otherwise behaving safely and responsibly.

Though we do not agree with the Sheriff on every section of the statute, we are glad to share common ground on the vast majority of Colorado's bicycling rules. Our shared goal of improving road safety depends not on technicalities but on common sense behaviors. We look forward to working cooperatively on achieving this important goal.

We will continue to monitor Larimer County's enforcement practices. We invite and encourage you to share with us any encounters you have with law enforcement through the web form at this link.

MORE THAN TWO ABREAST

Bicyclists riding in larger groups need to note that Colorado law specifies they may ride no more than two abreast. Individuals may be stopped and cited by law enforcement for not following this rule.

SAFE PASSING OF BICYCLES

Colorado statue is clear that an overtaking vehicle must create a safe pass of the forward vehicle. Everyone at the meeting agreed bicycles are vehicles on the road and have a right to be there. An overtaking vehicle should provide at least three feet of distance between its edge and the bicyclist. On roads with no shoulders, this means a motor vehicle will need to enter the oncoming lane in a passing zone to complete a safe pass. When there is a no-passing zone, motorists should slow down and wait for a passing zone or as bicyclists move to single file, pass safely as conditions allow.

CARRYING IDENTIFICATION WHILE BICYCLING

The Sheriff stated during the meeting that a bicyclist being cited for a traffic violation without identification will not immediately be taken to jail. We are very pleased to hear this statement.

Bicyclists are not required to carry identification while riding but having I.D. along is a very, very smart idea. First it will help emergency personal identify a bicyclist if they are unable to speak for themselves. Second, if a traffic citation is issued it helps prove to the law enforcement officer that correct information is being provided.

Never provide false information to a law enforcement officer. It is against the law and carries a far greater penalty than a traffic citation.

The Sheriff clarified that if a bicyclist is being cited, doesn't have identification, and provides an unverifiable name (through the Larimer County database) they will be held until proper identification can be provided.  It is our understanding this is a consistent practice throughout Colorado's law enforcement community.

ENFORCEMENT AREAS

The Sheriff has publicly stated his officers will be taking extra weekend patrols for traffic enforcement on roads near Carter Lake and Horsetooth Reservoir this summer. Their goal is to cite unsafe and illegal behavior by motorized and non-motorized users. The roads are not complete streets, have small to no shoulders and few passing zones. If you drive or bike on these roads, please follow the laws and practice safe road behavior.

NEXT STEPS FOR BICYCLING IN LARIMER COUNTY

-Know and follow the rules of the road: Bicycle Colorado has the state statutes and safe riding tips posted online. Please know and practice these rules.

-Report all dangerous road behavior: To report unsafe behavior on roads any where in Colorado, use the Aggressive Driver Hotline *CSP. Bicycle Colorado has full details on how to use the *CSP resource posted online.

To report non-emergency situations of motorists behaving in an aggressive or dangerous manner towards bicyclists on Larimer County roads outside of city boundaries, contact the Sheriff at 970-416-1985. We advise you to put this contact number in your cell phone.

When calling *CSP or the Larimer County Sheriff's Office, be prepared to communicate the following information:

• Vehicle license plate number - *this is required information*
• Location and direction of travel
• Vehicle and driver description
• The aggressive driving behavior being demonstrated

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

The non-emergency operator will assign your case to a Larimer County Deputy and inform you how the deputy will be in contact. You may need to complete a written report and potentially testify at a hearing.

For all emergency situations, please dial 911.

We thank the Larimer County Sheriff department for helping to ensure aggressive drivers are held accountable for their actions.

Please share your report or citations with Bicycle Colorado through our online form. We ask for your support in helping us closely monitor the situation in Larimer County. Bicycle Colorado represents the best interests of bicyclists during these discussions.