On my way home from school I was riding my bike down Elm Street, a designated bike route, until I came to a four-way stop. With cars stopped on all four sides, I proceeded to ride down Elm when it was my turn using the same "right-of-way" logic I would have driving my car. Well, not everyone at the stop believed I had the same right-of-way on my bike as I would in my car...*cough* lookin' at you man driving the gold sedan! Anyway, I am very happy to be here today with my body and beloved bike intact.
From 2005 to 2013 there has been a significant increase in the number of people riding their bikes, according to the League of American Bicyclists, Colorado saw an increase of over 40 percent. I seriously doubt that this number won't continue to skyrocket, because really, who wouldn't want to ride their bikes in this beautiful state?
With such a dramatic increase of cyclist there can also be an increase of accidents caused by uniformed riders and drivers on the road. In fact, according to the Denver Police Department, there had been 14 fatal accidents involving cyclist from 2004 to 2012. In Grand Junction, according to the Grand Junction Crash Report Summary, there have been 32 accidents within just this last year involving cyclists.
In efforts to bring that number down and help keep all cyclist and drivers safe, here are some laws everyone on the road should know:
1. As a cyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities of any other driver on the road.
2. If there's one seat, there should only be one person on your bike.
In the State of Colorado, there's no room for rom-com movie re-enactments on the road, at least when safety is involved. Sorry Notebook lovers.
3. Don't even think about attaching yourself to a moving car or truck.
The guy is obviously drafting in this video, but if there were a rope attached he would be in serious trouble.
4. If you're taking things slow and want to enjoy the fresh air, take your trip to the right...the FAR right.
Just like on the interstate and highways, "slow traffic to the right", not too far though, you can move to the left when there's unsafe objects and parked cars. Just be mindful of cars and other bicyclist around you.
5. You can pass slow pokes too!
If a car or another cyclist is going slower than you, you can pass them Just make sure you have enough clearance and are looking both in front and behind before you change lanes. Wardrobe changes are not recommended at this time.
6. Cyclists cannot ride more than two abreast on any road.
In Colorado, one of the places cyclist should especially abide by this rule is while riding on mountain roads. The turns are tight and cars need enough room to get around you and give you 3ft. of space. In Grand Junction, one of the areas where people tend to do this is when riding up to the Colorado National Monument. So stay single when on the road, but when on trails or designated cyclist paths feel free to double up. Like always though, be sure to yield to pedestrians.
7. When turning left.
Since you're already on the far right side of the road, cross the street in the direction you were originally going (use a crosswalk when available) and from that point merge onto the road in the direction you want to go. It's a longer way to take just to turn left, but much safer.
8. When turning right.
Stick your right arm straight out horizontally about 100 feet before you intend to turn, keeping one hand on the bike at all times to maintain control. Look both in front and behind when you turn. You should also not drive on interstates and highways instead, look for alternate routes around town.
9. There's really no need to shout.
When coming upon pedestrians while on a path or sidewalk always slow down, try to stay to the right, and be sure to let them know you're coming. Be loud enough for them to hear, but also know it is illegal for cyclist to blow a whistle or use a siren. Just stick with the good ole' fashioned bell and if you don't have one a polite shout ahead will get the job done.
10. Ride where appropriate.
Bikes seem like the holy grail of getting where you need to be by being able to go where cars and pedestrians are able to. It's the best of both worlds! There are some places though where riding bikes and skateboards are prohibited. In Grand Junction, Main Street is one of those places. Respect the laws of the side walks as in some areas riding bikes. skateboards, and other fun things with wheels is prohibited.
11. Home is where you park it, unless parking it there is illegal...then you have to find a new home.
You can park your bike anywhere on the sidewalk or street where parking is permitted as long as it does not impede upon the reasonable flow of pedestrian traffic.
12. If you're caught breaking any of these laws, you can be charged just like a vehicle.
Cyclists can get fined for breaking any of these laws stated. For more details of each law's specificity visit the link at the bottom of the page.
13. You have a fancy motor on your bike eh?
Leave it on the road then. You cannot ride any kind of bike with a motor on a bike or pedestrian path.
14. Cars MUST maintain a 3 ft. distance from cyclists.
This law is kinda important, because not all cars are going to be so nice as to bring you pizza while on the road. Cars can legally drive over double yellow lines to give cyclist the 3 ft. minimum space required in the state of Colorado.
15. Going out for an early morning or late night ride?
Put some lights on. Before the sun comes up and after it goes down, lights are required on all vehicles so the same applies to bicycles as well. Any kind of lights are fine, just as long as the front lights are white lights that can be seen up to 100 ft. and the back lights are red and can be seen up to 600 ft. behind. Reflectors might be a good idea too.
16. Can I have your numba'?
If you are sold a bike in the State of Colorado by any person who engages in selling bikes there must be a permanent number associated with that bike cast or stamped in the frame.
17. Use it or you might lose it.
You can use the number associated with your bike and register it with the sheriff's office in case it is stolen and found they can return it to you very easily.
18. Wear a Freaking Helmet!
This is not a law, it's just common sense. My logic? If drivers must buckle up, then bicyclist should wear a helmet when on the road. Plus who says helmets can't be stylish and safe?
But just in case you need more convincing to wear a helmet:
The last one was obviously fake, but seriously wear a HELMET!
Bikes are pretty great and so are the people who ride them. So be safe out there and ride on!
If you want to read more about bike laws and safety visit click here!
