New law for Colorado cyclists – A move in the right direction
by Carin R. Kirkegaard
In August the Bicycle Safety Act went into effect across Colorado. The idea behind the new laws is to create a safer environment on the road for both cyclists and motorists.
“Most people will use this as a guideline for how to interact with cyclists,” said local cyclist Dan Cook.
With the new law cyclists are granted rights on the road that were previously not written into laws.
Now it is required for a motorist to provide at least three feet of space when passing a cyclist.
Two cyclists are now allowed to ride side-by-side when traffic is clear, but are required to move to single-file to allow motorists to pass.
Cyclists are encouraged to ride as far to the right of the road as is safe. This does not mean that a cyclist must ride along the very edge of the road, but rather riding in the right half of the lane in a safe and visible spot.
Motorists are also now allowed to cross the center line when traffic permits in order to go around a cyclist safely.
“I think that it is a step in the right direction for the safety of cyclists,” said area cyclist Michelle Barton.
Others view the law as not going far enough in the protection of the cyclist. “Unfortunately, I don’t think drivers experience the same feeling of caution when passing a cyclist as they do when passing a person walking along the road. Go out on Castle Pines Parkway and walk on the shoulder of the road holding a yardstick from your hip. Make sure you are walking with traffic so you can’t see what’s coming and see how you feel as cars, buses and trucks rub up next to the yardstick at speeds usually exceeding 35 miles per hour,” said Roy Middleton, another area cyclist.
“I respect the intent of the new law,” said Jason Dudley, area cyclist. “I also think that cyclists need to take more responsibility for their behavior and choices on the bike. I’ve been harassed by motorists; however, I am also a motorist and I see cyclists doing things that aggravate motorists or just plain dangerous,” continued Dudley.
To learn more about the new bike laws call 303-417-1544 or visit www.BicycleColorado.org.
