Traffic Laws for Bicyclists in Broomfield

You may ride your bicycle to experience the breathtaking scenic vistas surrounding the city, or you may cycle for transportation to work and school. The freedom of the open road is exhilarating and healthy, but you must abide by cycling traffic laws. Although you have the same rights as motorists, you also have similar responsibilities.

You may ride with a friend and assume you can ride abreast of each other, but this is only allowed in a bike lane. Likewise, you may not let a friend ride on your handlebars. Understanding the traffic laws for bicyclists in Broomfield helps you stay safe and contributes to the safety of others sharing the road. However, if you suffered injuries from a negligent motorist, our bicycle collision attorneys are adept and caring advocates who work to get you the compensation you require and deserve.

Bicyclists’ Rights and Duties

According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1412, you share obligations with motorists, including yielding to pedestrians, signaling, and using the left lane in traffic to turn, pass a slower vehicle, or avoid construction or road hazards. Other obligations include:

  • Keeping at least one hand on the handlebars
  • Refraining from holding onto a moving vehicle or having one tow you
  • Using hand signals to make a turn during the last 100 feet before turning
  • Ensuring your brakes allow you to stop within 25 feet of when you apply them
  • Mounting and using bike horns when necessary but never attaching sirens or whistles
  • Using a headlight that emits white light visible for at least 500 feet and red reflector lights that are visible for 600 feet when a motorist’s low beams are on
  • Giving pedestrians an audible warning that you are passing them on a sidewalk or trail, such as “excuse me,” “coming through,” or any polite and quick phrase
  • Equipping your bike with a front light and back reflectors and using them when cycling at night and in inclement weather, particularly when you cannot see vehicles and people within 1,000 feet

Although Broomfield traffic laws do not require bicyclists to wear a helmet unless they are a passenger on an e-bicycle and younger than 16, the government strongly encourages you to wear one because they are proven to save lives.

What Happens if Motorists Violate Traffic Laws?

You have duties to motorists, and they have duties to you. Negligent driving is more than speeding, driving drunk, or running stop signs. When motorists are less than three feet from you when passing, this is dangerous behavior that can throw you off balance and cause you to fall. If a motorist hurls any object at you, they are committing a criminal misdemeanor. If you are struck and lose control of your bicycle, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Driving too close to you without intent to pass can bring a charge of careless driving or a negligence action if it resulted in injuries.

Even if you painstakingly follow all traffic statutes and ordinances for bicyclists in Broomfield, a reckless motorist can injure you. If this happens, contact our aggressive and highly skilled attorneys to fight for compensation.

Meet With Us To Learn About Bicycling Traffic Laws in Broomfield

Bicycle accidents are notoriously catastrophic because of cyclists’ vulnerable proximity to heavy steel vehicles. Motorists owe bicyclists a duty to drive reasonably, and if they breach that duty and it causes you injuries, they should compensate you for your losses.

Those losses can include your medical bills, lost wages, damage to your bike, pain, disability or disfigurement, and your diminished quality of life. Our attorneys have a proven record of excellence. We are passionate about helping clients who followed the traffic laws for bicyclists in Broomfield but suffered harm from a careless motorist. Call us today.