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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.
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).
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.
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“Sam and his team worked to make sure every aspect of my case was taken care of and that I was informed the whole way through. I know nothing about law or how the process works, so he explained everything to me in a way that was easy for us non-lawyers to understand. I can’t recommend them enough and everything they helped me with over the course of my 15 month case. I’d highly recommend!”
– Megan Neeley, Google Review
“Sam was a great attorney to work with. The firm was attentive and always quick to respond to my questions and right away, from the first impression, I felt I was working with an intelligent and capable attorney who would look out for my best interest.” – Q.C., Google Review
“The office staff was very congenial and easy to work with. Mr. Cannon was helpful for the details of the case and informative, It was my first experience with an accident case and I will recommend others to their office.”
– L.G., Google Review
“Sam was a great help with my situation. I’m glad I took the time to call him. He explained everything up front and pretty much everything went just as he explained. The communication was great through the whole process. I would certainly recommend him and would certainly use him again.”
– M.M., Google Review
“Sam Cannon is what you want in a lawyer. I’ve used them a couple of times now and each time I call, Sam’s always shown a level of dedication that’s beyond impressive. In fact, he often seems to be more passionate about my case than I was, which was refreshing because it’s rare to see that kind of care these days.
More than just a good person, Sam and company are excellent at what they do. Professional and, more importantly, timely. I’ve never not had a call or message returned within 24 hours. They really set the standard for legal help. If you find yourself in a bind, this is the firm to call.”
– K.G., Google Review
“Sam was my attorney when I got into my car accident and he was the best! He made it very comfortable and told and explained everything that was going on and what will happen! He was very sympathetic and showed that he really cared about me and was concerned about my health issues! I am very thankful for everything he has done for me and for my family. If anyone that I know needed help and needed an attorney, Sam would be the first person I would recommend! ”
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“Sam and his group were very good to me! Sam always treated me and my time with respect and I always felt welcomed when I walked into the office! Thank you, Sam, for treating me as a person and genuinely concerned with my well-being as well as the rest of my family!!!”
– C.C., Google Review
“Sam Cannon is an excellent attorney. He truly cares about what he is doing and about the people he represents, which I found very rarely when looking for legal representation for my father-in-law. Sam did the very best he could for us and I would recommend him to anyone seeking an excellent medical malpractice attorney.”
– Tilia, Google Review
“Sam Cannon is dedicated, empathetic, efficient and trustworthy. Sam is the best attorney I have dealt with and there have been more than a few. Not only a skilled attorney and good human being he is probably the only attorney you will ever meet that returns phone calls and e-mails very quickly. I hope I never need another attorney but if I do, it will be Sam Cannon.”
– Ron, Google Review
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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.
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.
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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.
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:
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.
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.
Disclaimer: Each case is unique and previous results are not a guarantee of future results and that clients may be responsible for costs
• Fee comparisons must be factually substantiated (25% vs. 33-40% industry standard)
Get a free consultation
Call us (970) 471-7170
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:
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.
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) 512-1678 today to learn more.
Sam Cannon is a dedicated personal injury attorney representing individuals against large corporations and insurance companies. As the founder of Cannon Law, he has helped clients recover over $10 million in settlements and verdicts, focusing on traumatic brain injury and insurance bad faith cases.
Years of Experience: 10+ years
Colorado Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by our team of legal writers following strict editorial guidelines.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, please fill out the form below for your free consultation or call us at (970) 471-7170.
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