Bicycle Laws in Colorado: What Every Rider Needs to Know

Riding a bicycle through Colorado’s scenic streets and trails offers freedom, exercise, and a sense of connection with the outdoors. But whether you ride for commuting, fun, or fitness, you’re still part of the traffic system—and that means you’re subject to Colorado’s traffic laws. Knowing your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist doesn’t just help you avoid tickets. It’s a critical step toward staying safe and holding drivers accountable when they cause serious accidents.

Here we’ll look at the key bicycle rules in Colorado, including laws governing lane positioning, traffic signals, bike lanes, electrical-assisted bikes, and more. If you’ve been injured in a crash, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Denver, CO can guide you on protecting your rights and understanding what legal options may be available.

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Where You Can Ride: Lanes, Shoulders, and Sidewalks

Colorado law generally expects bicyclists to ride as far to the right side of the road as practicable. But there are clear exceptions where riding in a standard traffic lane or taking the full lane is both legal and appropriate.

You’re allowed to move away from the right-hand side of the lane when:

• Avoiding surface hazards, such as potholes, gravel, or debris
• Passing parked vehicles, pedestrians, or other cyclists
• Preparing for a left-hand turn
• Riding in a narrow lane that makes side-by-side sharing unsafe
• Continuing straight at an intersection while other vehicles are turning right

Sidewalk riding is generally discouraged in Colorado and may even be prohibited by local ordinances. In many cities, it is illegal to ride on sidewalks in commercial districts. Always check city-specific regulations to avoid unintended violations.

Bike Lanes and Traffic Control Signals

Where designated bike lanes exist, Colorado encourages cyclists to use them, but you’re not legally required to stay within the lane at all times. You may leave a bike lane to avoid obstacles, pass another cyclist, or position yourself for a turn.

Just like drivers, cyclists must obey traffic control signals, including red lights, stop signs, and pedestrian signals. However, with the statewide passage of HB 22-1028 in 2022, Colorado adopted the Safety Stop law, which gives riders more flexibility at intersections when it is safe to proceed.

Under the Colorado Safety Stop law:

• Stop signs: Cyclists may slow to 10 miles per hour or less (or up to 20 miles per hour where signs permit) and proceed through the intersection after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians who have the right of way.
• Red lights: Cyclists must come to a complete stop, yield, and then may proceed when safe. They may continue straight, turn right, or turn left onto a one-way street if conditions allow.
• Who can use it: The law applies to riders 15 and older, or to younger riders if accompanied by an adult.

These changes are designed to improve safety and efficiency for cyclists, while still requiring that riders yield and proceed only when it can be done safely.

Riding Position and Group Riding Rules

Colorado does not require cyclists to ride single-file at all times. You may ride two abreast in a single lane when:

• There is no motor vehicle traffic approaching from behind within 300 feet
• The lane is wide enough to safely accommodate side-by-side riding
• You’re on a road or path reserved for bicycles

However, when these conditions don’t apply, cyclists must ride single file to avoid obstructing traffic.

Also important:

• You must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times
• Hand signals are required at least 100 feet before turning or stopping, unless both hands are needed to brake safely
• Carrying passengers is only allowed if your bicycle is designed to accommodate more than one person
• Cyclists are prohibited from attaching themselves to any moving motor vehicle

These rules are meant to protect riders and help drivers anticipate your movements, particularly in busy areas or when overtaking vehicles.

Special Considerations for eBikes and Low-Speed Conveyances

The rise of electrical-assisted bicycles (eBikes) has added new layers to Colorado’s bike laws. eBikes are legal on most public roadways and are treated much like standard bicycles under the law. However, there are additional regulations that depend on local jurisdictions and trail types.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Class 1 and Class 2 eBikes are generally allowed wherever bicycles are permitted
• Class 3 eBikes (which can reach higher speeds) may be restricted from bike or pedestrian paths
• Local authorities retain the power to prevent or permit eBikes on certain roads, sidewalks, or trails
• eBikes must be equipped with a motor disengagement system and a label showing their classification, top assisted speed, and motor wattage

On federal lands, eBikes are considered motor vehicles and are generally limited to trails that allow ATVs or motorcycles.

Because rules for low-speed conveyances vary so widely across jurisdictions, it’s best to check with local agencies before riding your eBike on trails or off-road paths.

Required Bicycle Equipment and Visibility

State law requires bicycles to be equipped with specific safety features if you ride between sunset and sunrise or when visibility is low:

• A white front headlight visible from at least 500 feet
• A red rear reflector visible from at least 600 feet
• Reflective material or lighting visible from the side

Cyclists should also make sure their bikes are equipped with brakes capable of producing a skid on dry pavement.

While Colorado law does not legally require helmets for adult riders, wearing one is still the single most effective way to prevent serious head injuries during a crash.

Motor Vehicles Must Share the Road

Even the safest cyclist can’t eliminate the risk of negligent drivers. Under Colorado law, drivers of motor vehicles are required to exercise due care when passing bicycles and leave at least three feet of space between their vehicle and the cyclist. This applies when overtaking bicycles traveling in the same direction, regardless of lane width.

Motorists must also:

• Yield to cyclists when turning across bike lanes or shoulders
• Avoid crowding or harassing cyclists with their vehicle
• Obey traffic control signals and respect the right of way of persons riding bicycles

When motorists ignore these laws, the consequences can be severe. A sudden right-hand turn, an unsignaled lane change, or simply opening a door without checking for cyclists can lead to serious bodily injury or worse.

Common Causes of Bicycle Injury and Death Incidents

Colorado’s roads can be hostile environments for cyclists—not because bikes are unsafe, but because of driver behavior. Many of the most devastating bicycle accidents stem from a driver’s careless or reckless actions.

Here are the most common scenarios:

• Left-hand turn collisions, where a driver misjudges the speed or visibility of an oncoming cyclist
• Dooring accidents, when a driver opens a door into a bike lane or shoulder
• Right hook crashes, where a vehicle turns right across the path of a cyclist proceeding straight
• Unsafe overtaking, including failure to leave a reasonable safety margin
• Driving under the influence, which dramatically increases the risk of an injury or death incident

In these cases, the driver may be cited for careless driving or even charged with more serious violations, especially when the cyclist suffers serious bodily injury or death.

Mountain Bike and Trail Safety Rules

Colorado’s natural beauty attracts mountain bikers from around the country. However, off-road cycling is governed by different sets of expectations and rules. Whether you’re riding on public trails, federal lands, or within state parks, you must follow posted guidelines and trail etiquette.

Best practices for trail riding include:

• Yield to pedestrians and uphill riders
• Remain on designated trails and avoid damaging sensitive terrain
• Be prepared to stop when approaching horses or wildlife
• Control your speed on narrow trails and surface hazards
• Follow all signage related to trail closures, one-way routes, or eBike restrictions

Also, remember that eBikes are often subject to local ordinances regulating their use on unpaved trails. On federal lands, they’re typically treated as motorized vehicles, which can limit access to certain paths.

When Government Liability Comes Into Play

In some situations, a government entity may bear responsibility for your injuries. This can happen if you were injured due to a:

• Dangerous road design
• Unmarked construction hazard
• Defective traffic control signals
• Lack of maintenance on a public bike path

Claims against government entities are subject to the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA). This law restricts how and when injury victims can file claims and typically imposes shorter notice deadlines than standard personal injury cases.

Legal action under CGIA is complex and time-sensitive. Working with an attorney who understands governmental immunity law can make a significant difference in the outcome.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Colorado

If you’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, chances are high that you’re already receiving medical care—or should be. If you haven’t been evaluated by a doctor yet, do so immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, internal trauma, concussions, and soft tissue damage can take hours or even days to fully surface. Prompt medical documentation not only protects your health—it helps protect your legal claim.

Once you’ve seen a doctor or are actively receiving treatment, there are important next steps you should take to preserve your ability to seek full compensation.

Here’s what to do now:

• Hire a lawyer: A personal injury attorney can protect your rights, handle communication with insurers, investigate your claim, and begin preserving evidence right away.
• Keep all medical appointments and follow your treatment plan: Skipping physical therapy or failing to follow through with recommended care can harm both your health and your case. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you don’t remain consistent with treatment.
• Write or record a journal of your recovery: Daily notes about your pain levels, emotional stress, and physical limitations help show how the injuries have affected your life. This can be key evidence to support your claim for pain and suffering damages.
• Avoid sharing details about the crash on social media: Anything you post could be used against you by insurance companies or defense attorneys.
• Preserve all physical evidence: Don’t repair or throw away your bicycle, helmet, or clothing. They may serve as key evidence in establishing fault or the severity of impact.
• Refer Insurance adjusters to your lawyer: Avoid discussing your accident or negotiating with insurers. Instead, refer them to your lawyer, who will prevent them from minimizing or undermining your claim.

An experienced attorney can manage every part of the legal process while you focus on your recovery.

FAQs About Bicycle Laws in Colorado

Can I be ticketed for riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in Colorado?

Yes, depending on the city. Many local ordinances prohibit sidewalk riding in business districts or on certain high-traffic sidewalks.

Are helmets required for adult cyclists?

No, Colorado does not mandate helmet use for adults, but helmets are strongly encouraged for all riders.

What is the deadline to file a bike injury lawsuit in Colorado?

If your crash involved a motor vehicle, you typically have three years to file a claim. For accidents not involving motor vehicles (product defects or property hazards, for instance), the deadline is usually two years.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your recovery may be reduced.

Does insurance cover bicycle accident injuries?

In some cases, yes. Your own auto insurance policy or the driver’s policy may cover medical costs, especially under MedPay or uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help identify all available sources.

Injured While Riding in Colorado? Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers Can Help

You follow the rules. You stay alert. But even with every reasonable precaution, careless drivers, poor road conditions, and distracted motorists still put bicyclists in danger. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash in Denver or anywhere in Colorado, you need a Colorado bicycle accident lawyer who will hold all negligent parties accountable.

Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers is a Denver-based firm with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Denver, CO on every case. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for injury victims across Colorado. Our team includes experienced litigators who prepare every case for trial from day one. We take on catastrophic injury cases and stand up to insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.

Call us today at (303)444-4444 or reach out through our online contact form for a free consultation. We offer virtual case management, flexible appointments, and honest assessments from day one.

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