Bicycle Laws of Denver

January 26, 2018

Colorado Springs

(719) 309-3000

Grand Junction

(970) 287-1173

When bicyclists pedal in the streets of Denver, you must share the road and obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals, just as all motor vehicles must do so. Traffic laws are implemented in the Denver Metro Area to facilitate safety and predictability within the transportation system. It is your responsibility to know the laws, despite the transportation you choose, and reduce the chance of personal injuries.

In fact, the laws for bicycles and motor vehicles are similar in many ways, except for a few details that can be found in our Colorado Bicycle Laws info-graphic. Let’s review.

Certainly, not EVERY scenario is encountered, but we will go in-depth about Denver’s bicycle laws to provide expert knowledge along with Ramos Law’s team of experienced, Denver-based personal injury attorneys.

A Bicyclist is Not Required To…

  • Ride over or through hazards at the edge of a roadway, including but not limited to fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow lanes.
  • Ride without a reasonable safety margin on the right-hand side of the road.

Overtaking a Vehicle On The Left…

If you are in the right-hand lane and intend to make a left-hand turn, you should approach the turn as closely as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of roadway. After crossing the intersecting roadway to the far corner of the curb or intersection of the roadway edges, the bicyclists must stop, out of the way of traffic. After stopping, the bicyclists must yield to traffic in either direction along the roadway they are using. After yielding and complying to official traffic signs, the bicyclists may proceed in the opposite direction.

A Bicyclist May Use a Lane Other Than the Right-Hand Lane When…

  • Preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private roadway or driveway.
  • Overtaking a slower vehicle.
  • Taking reasonably necessary precautions to avoid hazards or road conditions.
  • Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes that will allow its rider to halt the bicycle within twenty-five feet from a speed of ten miles per hour on dry pavement.
  • While on multi-use path, stick to the right-hand side of the path and warn other users with an audible signal before passing them.

Bicyclists Have the Right of Way Except…

A bicyclist on a sidewalk, pathway, or crossing a roadway and along a crosswalk, should yield to any pedestrian that has the right-of-way and give a quick shout before overtaking and passing. However, watch out for official traffic control devices or local ordinances prohibiting bicycles and dismount before entering any crosswalk where you are required to.


Safety Guidelines

Although Denver’s bicycle laws can help reduce the chance of personal injuries, a few safety guidelines can greatly increase your chance of avoiding a bicycle accident and personal injury.

Abide by all signs prohibiting bicycle riding or parking in designated areas.

Be outspoken and let other people know what your intentions are on the road.

Bike where people can see you and use lights or reflectors at night.

Safely avoid all road hazards such as potholes, glass, puddles, and construction by riding around it.

Love your brain and wear a helmet. Reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries by 88%.

Accidents and Personal Injury

If an accident occurs involving another motor vehicle or bicyclist, the law enforcement agency in the area shall complete a report concerning an injury or death upon your request. Even if it does not involve another motor vehicle.

Even if you take all of the necessary safety precautions, it is not always possible to avoid every accident. In the unfortunate circumstance of an accident and sustaining a personal injury, contact a bicycle accident lawyer for immediate assistance.