Cyclists must follow specific rules while riding, balancing their rights and responsibilities on public roads. Despite following traffic laws, accidents still happen and can cause serious injuries. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., we represent state cyclists who have been injured by driver negligence or other conditions beyond their control.
Our bicycle accident attorneys understand the traffic laws for bicyclists in Northglenn and fight to secure the compensation and justice you deserve. When you need a lawyer familiar with the state’s traffic regulations, we deliver personalized, aggressive representation for your case.
Rights and Responsibilities Under State Law
According to Colorado Statutes § 42-4-1412, bicyclists have most of the same rights and duties as motor vehicle operators, including riding on roadways with the expectation that drivers will share the road safely. However, there are some traffic laws specific to bicycle use. Since you are typically riding below the speed limit, you should ride as far to the right as judged safe, except when passing, preparing for left turns, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to share safely. State law gives you the flexibility to ride where conditions are safest, and drivers should respect this.
Northglenn also maintains several bike paths and lanes throughout the city, which come with their own set of general traffic laws. State law generally permits sidewalk cycling, but cyclists must yield to pedestrians and provide audible warnings before passing. Local municipalities can restrict sidewalk riding, so bicyclists should check for local signage.
Equipment and Safety Requirements
State law also mandates specific equipment standards for bicycles in Northglenn. Your bike must have functioning brakes capable of stopping within 25 feet at a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry pavement. Your bicycle must have a white front light visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from 600 feet when riding between sunset and sunrise.
While the state does not require cyclists to wear one, helmet use can significantly reduce injury risk and is strongly recommended. You must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times, and you cannot carry packages that prevent proper bike control or obstruct vision.
What Are State Laws for Safety Stops?
State law indicates that cyclists aged 15 and older can treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs under certain conditions. When approaching a stop sign, you can proceed through at speeds of 10 miles per hour or less if you already have the right of way.
At red lights, you must come to a complete stop first, and then you may proceed straight or turn right if there are no crossing pedestrians or immediate oncoming traffic. This traffic law aims to make Northglenn and other state intersections safer by reducing cyclists’ exposure time to traffic.
Common Violations and Motorist Obligations
Failing to signal turns, riding against traffic, and not yielding the right of way are frequent violations that can result in fines for cyclists. Northglenn cyclists involved in accidents may face liability claims if their traffic violations contributed to a crash.
However, drivers have specific legal duties when sharing the road with bicyclists that frequently lead to liability in accidents when not adhered to, including:
- Looking before opening car doors
- Not tailgating or harassing slower cyclists
- Providing at least three feet of clearance when passing bicycles
- Not cutting off the rider’s path at a turn if you just passed them
- Yielding to bicycles at intersections when turning across bike lanes
When drivers disregard these rules and cause accidents, they bear the legal responsibility for the resulting harm. If a motorist violated their duty and you suffered injuries, a bicycle accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your case.
Contact a Lawyer for Legal Support With Cyclist Traffic Laws in Northglenn
If you sustained injuries in a collision while following the traffic laws for bicyclists in Northglenn, experienced legal representation can help make a significant difference in your claim. Our lawyers investigate accidents thoroughly, gathering evidence that demonstrates fault and establishes the full extent of your damages. We handle the insurance negotiations, giving you the time you need to focus on your recovery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with an attorney at Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., and learn how we can protect your rights.
