Sharing the Road with Bicyclists in Longmont
Bicycling offers riders freedom, exercise, and eco-friendly transportation. However, cyclists navigate the roads without the same protection as other motorists, putting them at higher risk for serious injuries when an accident occurs. City provisions, including bike lanes, bicycle racks, and regulations, help to improve bicycle safety. Yet, safety on the roadways depends heavily on the behavior of those who share the roads.
Learning about the requirements for riders and motorists is the first step in safely sharing the road with bicyclists in Longmont. However, accidents still occur. If you were injured in a local bicycle accident, a dedicated bike wreck lawyer from Amy G Injury Firm can assess your case and determine your eligibility for compensation.
What Are the Bicycle Laws?
Longmont follows Colorado state laws for bicycles. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1412, bicycles are recognized as vehicles, meaning cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road. These rights and responsibilities mean that cyclists have the right to use public roads, are required to follow traffic control signals, and are subject to enforcement actions like any other driver.
Other bicycle laws in Colorado dictate where cyclists can ride, rules regarding traffic signals, and safety requirements.
Stay in the Right Lane
Riders are encouraged to use bike lanes where they are available. When driving on the road, riders are expected to stay as far to the right as is safe. Cyclists are allowed to move away from the right-hand side of the lane when avoiding obstacles, preparing for a turn, passing pedestrians, or continuing through an intersection while other vehicles are turning right. Sidewalk riding is generally discouraged, and walking one’s bike is required on some Main Street sidewalks.
Obeying Traffic Signals
Cyclists must obey traffic control signals, although some flexibility is allowed. For example, cyclists may slow to 10 miles per hour and proceed through an intersection after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles that have the right of way. At red lights, riders must come to a complete stop and may proceed in any direction that is safe after yielding to traffic with the right of way.
Safety Requirements
Safety rules protect riders and help motorists anticipate their movements. Requirements for riders include:
- Keeping at least one hand on the handlebars at all times
- Using hand signals at least 100 feet before turning or stopping
- Only biking with passengers on bicycles designed to accommodate them
- Never attaching themselves to any moving motor vehicle
- Using a white front headlight, a red rear reflector, and reflective material or lighting on the bike’s sides when riding between sunset and sunrise
Cyclists are not required to ride single file at all times. Riders may ride two abreast in a single lane when the lane is wide enough to safely accommodate side-by-side riding and there is no motor vehicle traffic approaching from behind within 300 feet.
Motorist Laws for Sharing the Road
Motorists sharing Longmont roads with bicyclists have a duty of care to take precautions when driving near riders. Requirements for motorists include:
- Leaving at least three feet of space between their vehicle and the bicycle when passing
- Yielding to cyclists when turning across bike lanes or shoulders
- Not crowding or harassing bicyclists with their vehicles
- Obeying traffic control signals and respecting cyclists’ right of way
These laws help drivers avoid actions that could lead to catastrophic consequences for bicyclists, improving road safety for all citizens.
Contact an Experienced Longmont Lawyer to Learn More About Safely Sharing the Road with Cyclists
Learning the laws of sharing the road with bicyclists in Longmont helps drivers anticipate the actions of cyclists and avoid actions that can cause serious accidents. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, a skilled bicycle accident attorney could advise you of your legal rights to compensation.
The legal team at Amy G Injury Firm has substantial knowledge surrounding bicycle accident cases. Contact us today to learn more about your rights after a wreck.
