Colorado Traffic Safety Laws Pertaining to Cycling

CRS §42-4-1412: Operation of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles
(1) Every person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this article, except as to special regulations in this article and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. Said riders shall comply with the rules set forth in this section and section 42-4-221, and, when using streets and highways within incorporated cities and towns, shall be subject to local ordinances regulating the operation of bicycles and electrical assisted bicycles as provided in section 42-4-111.

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(3) No bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped.

(4) No person riding upon any bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall attach the same or himself or herself to any motor vehicle upon a roadway.

(5)(a) Any person operating a bicycle or an electrical assisted bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic shall ride in the right-hand lane, subject to the following conditions:

(I) If the right-hand lane then available for traffic is wide enough to be safely shared with overtaking vehicles, a bicyclist shall ride far enough to the right as judged safe by the bicyclist to facilitate the movement of such overtaking vehicles unless other conditions make it unsafe to do so.

(II) A bicyclist may use a lane other than the right-hand lane when:

(A) Preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private roadway or driveway;

(B) Overtaking a slower vehicle; or

(C) Taking reasonably necessary precautions to avoid hazards or road conditions.

(III) Upon approaching an intersection where right turns are permitted and there is a dedicated right-turn lane, a bicyclist may ride on the left-hand portion of the dedicated right-turn lane even if the bicyclist does not intend to turn right.

(b) A bicyclist shall not be expected or required to:

(I) Ride over or through hazards at the edge of a roadway, including but not limited to fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow lanes; or

(II) Ride without a reasonable safety margin on the right-hand side of the roadway.

(c) A person operating a bicycle or an electrical assisted bicycle upon a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near to the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as judged safe by the bicyclist, subject to the following conditions:

(I) If the left-hand lane then available for traffic is wide enough to be safely shared with overtaking vehicles, a bicyclist shall ride far enough to the left as judged safe by the bicyclist to facilitate the movement of such overtaking vehicles unless other conditions make it unsafe to do so.

(II) A bicyclist shall not be expected or required to:

(A) Ride over or through hazards at the edge of a roadway, including but not limited to fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow lanes; or

(B) Ride without a reasonable safety margin on the left-hand side of the roadway.

(6)(a) Persons riding bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

(b) Persons riding bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.

(7) A person operating a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

(8)(a) A person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle intending to turn left shall follow a course described in sections 42-4-901(1), 42-4-903, and 42-4-1007 or may make a left turn in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b) of this subsection (8).

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(9)(a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (9), every person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall signal the intention to turn or stop in accordance with section 42-4-903; except that a person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle may signal a right turn with the right arm extended horizontally.

(b) A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet traveled by the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle before turning and shall be given while the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle is stopped waiting to turn. A signal by hand and arm need not be given continuously if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle.

(10)(a) A person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or pathway or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. A person riding a bicycle in a crosswalk shall do so in a manner that is safe for pedestrians.

(b) A person shall not ride a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or pathway or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk where such use of bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles is prohibited by official traffic control devices or local ordinances. A person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall dismount before entering any crosswalk where required by official traffic control devices or local ordinances.

(c) A person riding or walking a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or pathway or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, including, but not limited to, the rights and duties granted and required by section 42-4-802.

(11)(a) A person may park a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by an official traffic control device or local ordinance.

(b) A bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle parked on a sidewalk shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic.

(c) A bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle may be parked on the road at any angle to the curb or edge of the road at any location where parking is allowed.

(d) A bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle may be parked on the road abreast of another such bicycle or bicycles near the side of the road or any location where parking is allowed in such a manner as does not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.

(e) In all other respects, bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles parked anywhere on a highway shall conform to the provisions of part 12 of this article regulating the parking of vehicles.

(12)(a) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense; except that section 42-2-127 shall not apply.

(b) Any person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle who violates any provision of this article other than this section which is applicable to such a vehicle and for which a penalty is specified shall be subject to the same specified penalty as any other vehicle; except that section 42-2-127 shall not apply.

(13) Upon request, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall complete a report concerning an injury or death incident that involves a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle on the roadways of the state, even if such accident does not involve a motor vehicle.

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§ 42-4-1003. Overtaking a vehicle on the left

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(b)

The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction shall allow the bicyclist at least a three-foot separation between the right side of the driver’s vehicle, including all mirrors or other projections, and the left side of the bicyclist at all times…
§ 42-4-221. Bicycle and personal mobility device equipment

… (2)

Every bicycle, … in use at the times described in section 42-4-204 (see below) shall be equipped with a lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front.

(3)

Every bicycle, … shall be equipped with a red reflector of a type approved by the department, which shall be visible for six hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.

(4)

Every bicycle, … when in use at the times described in section 42-4-204 shall be equipped with reflective material of sufficient size and reflectivity to be visible from both sides for six hundred feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle or, in lieu of such reflective material, with a lighted lamp visible from both sides from a distance of at least five hundred feet.

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(7)

Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall be equipped with a brake or brakes that will enable its rider to stop the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle within twenty-five feet from a speed of ten miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.

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§ 42-4-204. When lighted lamps are required

(1) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state, between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles on the highway are not clearly discernible at a distance of one thousand feet ahead, shall display lighted lamps and illuminating devices as required by this article for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles…

Boulder County, Lafayette, Erie and other municipalities throughout the State have adopted the CDOT Model Traffic Code in full or in part. Therefore you should know what the Model Code states in terms of cycling regulations (note that the section numbers usually mirror the statutory sections).

1003. Overtaking a vehicle on the left.

(1) The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations, exceptions, and special rules stated in this section and sections 1004 to 1008:

(a) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left of the vehicle at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

(b) The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction shall allow the bicyclist at least a three-foot separation between the right side of the driver’s vehicle, including all mirrors or other projections, and the left side of the bicyclist at all times.

(c) Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of the driver’s vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

(2) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class A traffic infraction.

1008.5. Crowding or threatening bicyclist.

(1) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not, in a careless and imprudent manner, drive the vehicle unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist.

(2) Any person who violates subsection (1) of this section commits careless driving as described in section 1402.

1412. Operation of bicycles and other human-powered vehicles.

(1) Every person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this Code, except as to special regulations in this Code and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. Said riders shall comply with the rules set forth in this section and section 221, and, when using streets and highways within incorporated cities and towns, shall be subject to local ordinances regulating the operation of bicycles and electrical assisted bicycles as provided in section 111.

(2) It is the intent of the general assembly that nothing contained in House Bill No. 1246, enacted at the second regular session of the fifty-sixth general assembly, shall in any way be construed to modify or increase the duty of the department of transportation or any political subdivision to sign or maintain highways or sidewalks or to affect or increase the liability of the state of Colorado or any political subdivision under the “Colorado Governmental Immunity Act”, Code 10 of title 24, C.R.S.

(3) No bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped.

(4) No person riding upon any bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall attach the same or himself or herself to any motor vehicle upon a roadway.

(5) (a) Any person operating a bicycle or an electrical assisted bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic shall ride in the right-hand lane, subject to the following conditions:

(I) If the right-hand lane then available for traffic is wide enough to be safely shared with overtaking vehicles, a bicyclist shall ride far enough to the right as judged safe by the bicyclist to facilitate the movement of such overtaking vehicles unless other conditions make it unsafe to do so.

(II) A bicyclist may use a lane other than the right-hand lane when:
(A) Preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private roadway or driveway;
(B) Overtaking a slower vehicle; or
(C) Taking reasonably necessary precautions to avoid hazards or road conditions.
(III) Upon approaching an intersection where right turns are permitted and there is a dedicated right-turn lane, a bicyclist may ride on the left-hand portion of the dedicated right-turn lane even if the bicyclist does not intend to turn right.

(b) A bicyclist shall not be expected or required to:

(I) Ride over or through hazards at the edge of a roadway, including but not limited to fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow lanes; or

(II) Ride without a reasonable safety margin on the right-hand side of the roadway.

(c) A person operating a bicycle or an electrical assisted bicycle upon a one-way roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near to the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as judged safe by the bicyclist, subject to the following conditions:

(I) If the left-hand lane then available for traffic is wide enough to be safely shared with overtaking vehicles, a bicyclist shall ride far enough to the left as judged safe by the bicyclist to facilitate the movement of such overtaking vehicles unless other conditions make it unsafe to do so.

(II) A bicyclist shall not be expected or required to:

(A) Ride over or through hazards at the edge of a roadway, including but not limited to fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow lanes; or

(B) Ride without a reasonable safety margin on the left-hand side of the roadway.

(6) (a) Persons riding bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

(b) Persons riding bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.

(7) A person operating a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

(8) (a) A person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle intending to turn left shall follow a course described in sections 901 (1), 903, and 1007 or may make a left turn in the manner prescribed in paragraph (b) of this subsection (8).

(b) A person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle intending to turn left shall approach the turn as closely as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. After proceeding across the intersecting roadway to the far corner of the curb or intersection of the roadway edges, the bicyclist shall stop, as much as practicable, out of the way of traffic. After stopping, the bicyclist shall yield to any traffic proceeding in either direction along the roadway that the bicyclist had been using. After yielding and complying with any official traffic control device or police officer regulating traffic on the highway along which the bicyclist intends to proceed, the bicyclist may proceed in the new direction.

(c) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection (8), the transportation commission and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may cause official traffic control devices to be placed on roadways and thereby require and direct that a specific course be traveled.

(9) (a) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (9), every person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall signal the intention to turn or stop in accordance with section 903; except that a person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle may signal a right turn with the right arm extended horizontally.

(b) A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet traveled by the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle before turning and shall be given while the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle is stopped waiting to turn. A signal by hand and arm need not be given continuously if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle.

(10) (a) A person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or pathway or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. A person riding a bicycle in a crosswalk shall do so in a manner that is safe for pedestrians.

(b) A person shall not ride a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or pathway or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk where such use of bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles is prohibited by official traffic control devices or local ordinances. A person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall dismount before entering any crosswalk where required by official traffic control devices or local ordinances.

(c) A person riding or walking a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle upon and along a sidewalk or pathway or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk shall have all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances, including, but not limited to, the rights and duties granted and required by section 802.

(d) (Deleted by amendment, L. 2005, p. 1353, § 1, effective July 1, 2005.)

(11) (a) A person may park a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by an official traffic control device or local ordinance.

(b) A bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle parked on a sidewalk shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic.

(c) A bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle may be parked on the road at any angle to the curb or edge of the road at any location where parking is allowed.

(d) A bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle may be parked on the road abreast of another such bicycle or bicycles near the side of the road or any location where parking is allowed in such a manner as does not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.

(e) In all other respects, bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles parked anywhere on a highway shall conform to the provisions of part 12 of this Code regulating the parking of vehicles.

(12) (a) Any person who violates any provision of this section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense; except that section 127 shall not apply.

(b) Any person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle who violates any provision of this Code other than this section which is applicable to such a vehicle and for which a penalty is specified shall be subject to the same specified penalty as any other vehicle; except that section 127 shall not apply.

(13) Upon request, the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction shall complete a report concerning an injury or death incident that involves a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle on the roadways of the state, even if such accident does not involve a motor vehicle.

(14) Except as authorized by section 111, the rider of an electrical assisted bicycle shall not use the electrical motor on a bike or pedestrian path.

7-5-1. Application of Traffic Laws to Bicycles.

Every person driving a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle has all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this title except as modified by this chapter.

Ordinance No. 7021 (1999)

7-5-2. Required Method of Riding Bicycle.

(a) No person driving a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle shall ride other than astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.

(b) No bicycle or electric assisted bicycle shall be used by either the driver or any passenger to carry more persons than the number for which it is designed or equipped.

(c) An adult riding on a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle may carry a child securely attached to the person in a backpack or sling.

Ordinance Nos. 5241 (1989); 7021 (1999)

7-5-3. Carrying Articles.

Every person driving a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times and shall not carry any package, bundle or article that obstructs the driver’s vision or prevents the use of both hands in the control and operation of the bicycle.

Ordinance No. 7021 (1999)

7-5-4. Bicycle to Be Driven to Right.

(a) Every person driving a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle upon a roadway at a speed so slow as to impede or block the normal and legal forward movement of traffic proceeding immediately behind such bicycle shall drive within the right four feet of the right-hand through lane of the roadway, except under any of the following conditions:

(1) When driving in a bike lane;

(2) When preparing for a left turn;

(3) When reasonably necessary for safety because of debris or other obstruction on or a defect in the surface of the pavement, but the bicyclist shall continue to drive as close to the right side of the roadway as is practicable;

(4) When overtaking and passing on the left of another vehicle; or

(5) On a one-way street, when driving in the left four feet of the left-hand through lane.

(b) A bicycle or electric assisted bicycle may be driven on a paved shoulder if such driving does not violate any section of this title for passing or direction of travel.

Ordinance Nos. 5241 (1989); 7021 (1999)

7-5-5. Use of Crosswalk.

(a) No person shall immediately approach, enter, or traverse a crosswalk which spans a roadway at a speed greater than eight miles per hour.

(b) Persons driving bicycles across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk from a sidewalk or path, and persons driving electric assisted bicycles across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk from a multi-use path where such vehicles are permitted, shall have the duties applicable to pedestrians under the same circumstances.

(c) Such persons similarly have the rights of a pedestrian, but only if the bicyclist was entitled to use the sidewalk or path, and the approach, entry, and traversal of the crosswalk are made at a speed no greater than a reasonable crossing speed so that other drivers may anticipate the necessity to yield when required.

Ordinance Nos. 5241 (1989); 5920 (1997); 7824 (2012); 7941 (2013)

7-5-6. Driving More Than Two Abreast on Path Prohibited.

No person shall drive a bicycle upon a path adjacent to more than one other bicycle.

Ordinance No. 5241 (1989)

7-5-7. Left Turns by Bicycles.

(a) The driver of a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle turning left in accordance with Section 7-4-25, “Improper Turn Prohibited,” B.R.C. 1981, may approach the turn anywhere within any separate left turn lane and may finish the turn by moving to the right lane as soon as it can be done in safety.

(b) In addition to any other method specified in this title, the driver of a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle may make a left turn by crossing the intersection as close as practicable to the right-hand curb line to the far curb and then turning left to proceed in the proper position on the other roadway. A person making a left turn under the provisions of this subsection may do so only after complying with all the obligations of drivers of vehicles approaching in the new direction on the other roadway, including, without limitation, the duties to stop and yield in response to traffic control signs or signals.

Ordinance No. 7021 (1999)

7-5-8. Bicycle Turn Signals.

The driver of a bicycle is excepted from giving the hand and arm signal continuously if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle or electric assisted bicycle, but it shall be given for a substantial period while stopped waiting to turn. The driver of a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle may signal a right turn by extending the right hand and arm horizontally.

Ordinance No. 7021 (1999)

7-5-9. Bicycle Must Yield Right of Way and Obey Traffic Control Devices on Sidewalk, Crosswalk, or Path.

(a) A person driving a bicycle on a sidewalk, a crosswalk, or a path, and any person driving an electric assisted bicycle on a multi-use path, shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking or passing any pedestrian.

(b) If any traffic control device is in place alongside of or on a sidewalk or a path, no driver of a bicycle or pedestrian, and no driver of an electric assisted bicycle on a multi-use path where such vehicles are permitted, shall fail to obey the requirements of the device.

Ordinance Nos. 5241 (1989); 7941 (2013)

7-5-10. Driving Bicycle on Sidewalk Prohibited.

(a) No person shall drive a bicycle or use a skateboard, rollerblade, or roller ski upon and along a sidewalk except:

(1) Upon sidewalks in residential or public districts zoned RR-1, RR-2, RE, RL, RM, RMX, RH-1, RH-2, RH-3, RH-4, RH-5, MH, MU-1, MU-3 or P; or

(2) Upon sidewalks designated as paths.

(b) No person shall drive a bicycle on the mall. This subsection does not apply to an entertainer who is performing an act on a unicycle.

(c) No person shall drive a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk where such use is prohibited by a traffic control device.

Ordinance Nos. 5241 (1989); 5930 (1997); 7522 (2007)

7-5-11. Bicycle Headlight and Reflector Required.

(a) No person shall drive a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle between sunset and sunrise unless it is equipped with a red rear reflector mounted on the bicycle so located and of sufficient size and reflectivity to be visible for six hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.

(b) No person shall drive a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle between sunset and sunrise or at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, persons and vehicles are not clearly discernible at a distance of one thousand feet ahead, unless it is equipped with a lamp mounted on the front of the bicycle and emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front.

Ordinance Nos. 4913 (1985); 5241 (1989); 7021 (1999)

7-5-12. Bicycle Brake Required.

No person shall drive a bicycle or electric assisted bicycle unless it is equipped with a brake system which will enable its driver to stop the bicycle within twenty-five feet from a speed of ten miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.

Ordinance Nos. 5241 (1989); 7021 (1999)

7-5-13. Definition of Walk.

Any requirement placed on a walking pedestrian under this chapter applies to every pedestrian.

7-5-14. Pedestrian or Bicyclist Entering Roadway.

No pedestrian or bicyclist shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk, run, or drive into the path of a moving vehicle that is both so close as to constitute an immediate hazard and is not required to stop or yield by a traffic control sign or signal.

Ordinance No. 5241 (1989)

7-5-15. Pedestrian Obedience to Traffic Signal Required.

(a) Except as otherwise directed by a pedestrian traffic control signal, no pedestrian shall enter the roadway at an intersection controlled by a steady traffic control signal unless a circular green signal is displayed governing the direction of travel.

(b) Where a pedestrian control signal exhibiting “Walk” or “Don’t Walk” word or symbol indications is in operation, no pedestrian shall enter the roadway unless a steady or flashing “Walk” indication is displayed governing the direction of travel.

(c) The prohibitions of this section apply to a pedestrian crossing in the crosswalk, in the intersection, or within fifty feet of the crosswalk.

(d) Whenever a traffic signal system provides for the stopping of all vehicular traffic and the exclusive movement of pedestrians and “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” word or symbol indications control such pedestrian movement, pedestrians may cross in any direction between corners of the intersection offering the shortest route within the boundaries of the intersection while the walk indication is exhibited.

(e) Any pedestrian who has lawfully entered a crosswalk governed by traffic control signals may complete crossing the roadway notwithstanding any indication subsequently displayed.

(f) No pedestrian shall enter a roadway where a warning traffic control device is located unless such device is activated. However, a pedestrian possessing the right of way who fails to activate a warning device or who is within the crosswalk upon the expiration of such warning continues to possess the right of way.

Ordinance No. 7824 (2012)

7-5-23. Bicycle Racing Prohibited.

No person shall engage with another bicyclist or person driving any other vehicle in any bicycle race, speed or acceleration contest, or exhibition of speed or acceleration on a street, a sidewalk, or a path except as authorized in Paragraph 2-2-11(b)(16), B.R.C. 1981.

Ordinance No. 5241 (1989)

7-5-24. Approved Bicycle Races.

Bicycle racing shall not be unlawful when a racing event has been approved by the city manager. It is a specific de-fense to a charge of violating any provision of Chapter 7-2, “General Provisions,” 7-3,” Condition of Vehicles,” 7-4,” Operation of Vehicles,” or 7-5,” Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Animal Traffic,” B.R.C. 1981, that the driver was racing as a participant in a bicycle race authorized under Paragraph 2-2-11(b)(16), B.R.C. 1981, and was driving in accordance with such authorization. This defense does not apply to charges of violating Paragraphs 7-4-52(a)(1), 7-4-56(a)(1) and Sections 7-4-66, “Operation of Vehicle on Approach of Authorized Emergency Vehicle,” 7-4-67, “Eluding,” 7-4-68, “Following or Parking Near Fire Truck Prohibited,” 7-4-69, “Crossing Fire Hose Prohibited,” or 7-4-70, “Obedience to Peace Officers and Firefighters Directing Traffic Required,” B.R.C. 1981.

Ordinance No. 5241 (1989)

7-5-25. Electric Assisted Bicycles.

No person shall activate the motor of an electric assisted bicycle on any bike or pedestrian path or on a recreational trail except where permitted by a rule adopted by the city manager in accordance with Chapter 1-4, “Rulemaking.” B.R.C. 1981. Such rule adopted by the manager shall not include paths or trails on open space land as defined in the City Charter Section 170.

Longmont has adopted the Model Traffic Code with the following amendments:

11.04.060. – Part 2, “EQUIPMENT” amended.

• Section 221 of the Model Traffic Code is amended to read as follows:

221.Bicycle equipment.

(1) No other provision of this part 2 of this code shall apply to a bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle or to equipment for use on a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle except those provisions in the Code made specifically applicable to such a vehicle.

(2) Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle in use at the times described in section 204 shall be equipped with a lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet to the front.

(3) Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall be equipped with a red reflector of a type approved by the department, which shall be visible for six hundred feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle.

(4) Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle when in use at the times described in section 204 shall be equipped with reflective material of sufficient size and reflectivity to be visible from both sides for six hundred feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle or, in lieu of such reflective material, with a lighted lamp visible from both sides from a distance of at least five hundred feet.

(5) A bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by subsections (2) to (4) of this section.

(6) A bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall not be equipped with, nor shall any person use upon a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle, any siren or whistle.

(7) Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall be equipped with a brake or brakes that will enable its rider to stop the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle within twenty[1]five feet from a speed of ten miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.

(8) A person engaged in the business of selling bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles at retail shall not sell any bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle unless the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle has an identifying number permanently stamped or cast on its frame.

(9) License Required. No city resident shall ride or propel a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle on any street or on any public path set aside for the exclusive use of such vehicles unless said vehicle has been licensed in accordance with sections 221(10), 221(11) and 221(12) of this Code.

(10) License application. Applications for bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle licenses shall be made on forms provided by this municipality and shall be made to the police chief, or his designee, or a bicycle dealer.

(11) Issuance of license.

(a) The police chief, or other designated official, or bicycle dealer designated by the police department and operating pursuant to a city sales and use tax license, upon receiving a proper application, are authorized to issue bicycle and electrical assisted bicycle licenses.

(b) The police chief, or other designated official, or bicycle dealer shall not issue a license for any bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle when he knows or has reasonable grounds to believe that the applicant is not the owner of or entitled to the possession of such vehicle.

(c) The police chief, or other authorized official, or bicycle dealer shall keep a record of the number of each license, the date issued, the name and address of the person to whom issued, and the number on the frame of the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle for which it is issued.

(12) Attachment of license identification sticker.

(a) The police chief, or other authorized official, or bicycle dealer, on issuing a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle license, shall also issue a license identification sticker bearing the license number assigned to the vehicle and the name of this municipality.

(b) The owner or licensee shall attach the license identification sticker firmly to the frame of the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle so it is plainly visible from the rear when the vehicle is being ridden.

(c) No person shall remove a license identification sticker from a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle during the period for which it is issued.

(13) Transfer of ownership. On the sale or other transfer of ownership of a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle, the registered owner shall notify the licensing agency of the transfer specifically identifying the new owner by name and address.

(14) Rental agencies. A rental agency shall not rent or offer any bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle for rent unless the vehicle is licensed and a license identification sticker is properly attached and the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle is equipped with reflectors and other required equipment.

(15) Bicycle Dealers. Every person engaged in the business of buying or selling new or second-hand bicycles or electrical assisted bicycles shall make a report to the city of every vehicle purchased or sold by the dealer, giving the name and address of the person from whom it was purchased or to whom it was sold, a description of the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle by name or make, its frame number, and the license identification sticker number, if any. The report shall be given to the police chief by the tenth day of each month for all sales in the previous month.

(Ord. No. O-2011-01, 1-11-2011)

State law reference— Bicycle equipment, C.R.S. § 42-4-221; motorized bicycle equipment, C.R.S. § 42-4-220; authority to license bicycles, C.R.S. § 43-4-111(1)(g).

11.04.123. – Part 14, “OTHER OFFENSES” amended

Sections 1412(1), 1412(3)(b), 1412 (10)(d) and 1412(11) through (18) of Part 14 of the Model Traffic Code are amended to read as follows:

1412. Operation of bicycles and other human powered vehicles.

o (1) Every person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle on a roadway where bicycle travel is permitted shall have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this Code, except as to special regulations in this Code and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. Said riders shall comply with the rules set forth in this section and section 221. Whenever “vehicle” or “driver” is used in the driving rules in this Code that are applicable to bicycle riders, such term shall include bicycles, electrical assisted bicycles and bicycle riders.

(3)

(b) No one shall ride other than astride a permanent and regular seat attached to a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle.

(10)

(d) A person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle upon and along a sidewalk shall dismount before entering any roadway and, when crossing any such roadway, shall observe all the rules and regulations applicable to pedestrians.

(11) No one shall stand or park a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle on a street other than on the roadway against the curb, or on the sidewalk in a rack to support such bicycles or at the curb. Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall be parked in such a manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.

(12) All bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle riders shall obey the instructions of official traffic control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

(13) Wherever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right or left or U[1]turn is permitted, a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle rider shall not disobey the sign, unless the rider first dismounts from the bicycle to make the turn and obeys the regulations applicable to pedestrians.

(14) Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle rider on a roadway, or separate bicycle or pedestrian pathway, shall obey all signs or other traffic control devices directed to bicycles.

(15) No one shall ride a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle at a speed greater than reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions.

(16) A bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle rider emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on the sidewalk or sidewalk area when approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway, and on entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway.

(17) No bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle rider shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.

(18) Wherever official signs prohibit bicycles, no bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle rider shall disobey the signs.

(Ord. No. O-2011-01, 1-11-2011)

State law reference— Motorized bicycles, animals, skis, skates and toy vehicles on highways, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.

11.04.093. – Part 7, “RIGHTS-OF-WAY” amended.

Section 710(3) of Part 7 of the Model Traffic Code is amended to read as follows:

710. Emerging from or entering alley, driveway, or building.

(3) No person shall drive any vehicle or motorized skateboard other than a bicycle, electric assisted bicycle, or any other human-powered vehicle on a sidewalk or sidewalk area, except upon a permanent or duly authorized temporary driveway, and except that a United States postal employee driving a Postal Service vehicle as required to deliver mail, an emergency vehicle involved in the performance of their official duties, or a maintenance vehicle involved in the performance of official maintenance duties may drive on a sidewalk area, and while so doing shall exercise due care for the safety of any persons or property on or along the sidewalk area.

(Ord. No. O-2011-01, 1-11-2011)

State law reference— Emerging from or entering alley, driveway or building, C.R.S. § 42-4-710.

Chapter 10.12 – BICYCLES

State Law reference— Bicycles, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.

Sec. 10.12.010. – Applicability.

This chapter shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any street or upon any public path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, subject to the exceptions stated in this chapter.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-1(c); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.010)

Sec. 10.12.020. – Traffic laws to apply to operation of bicycles.

Every person riding a bicycle upon the street shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle, as provided by chapter 10.04 or such ordinances as may hereafter be adopted, except as to those provisions which by their nature do not apply.

Every person driving or operating a vehicle, bicycle, or other vehicular device, whether propelled by motor power, muscular power, or otherwise, shall be subject to, and shall in all respects observe, the same duties and obligations regarding persons driving, operating, or riding bicycles, as are required by ordinances of the city to be observed as to persons driving or operating vehicles.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-2; Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.020)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.

Sec. 10.12.030. – Obedience to traffic control devices.

All person operating bicycles shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs, and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-3(a); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.030)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.

Sec. 10.12.040. – Pedestrian regulations to apply in certain areas.

Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right or left turn or U-turn is permitted, no person operating a bicycle shall disobey the directions of any such sign; except when such person dismounts from the bicycle to make any such turn, in which event such person shall obey the regulations applicable to pedestrians.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-3(b); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.040)

Sec. 10.12.050. – Riding on roadway—Right-hand side; passing.

Every person operating a bicycle upon a street shall ride as near to the right-hand side of the roadway as practicable, and shall exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-5(a); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.050)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. §§ 42-4-1412(5), 42-4-1412(6)(a).

Sec. 10.12.060. – Riding on roadway—Not more than two abreast.

Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast, except on paths, roadways, or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-5(b); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.060)

Sec. 10.12.070. – Reserved.

Editor’s note— Ord. No. 1348-2000, § 3, adopted November 21, 2000 repealed in their entirety the provisions of § 10.12.070 which pertained to required use of bike paths when available and derived from the Code of 1977, § 10.12.070

Sec. 10.12.080. – Signs prohibiting bicycles to be obeyed.

When signs are erected on any sidewalk or street which prohibit the riding of bicycles thereon by any person, no person shall disobey such signs.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-10(b); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.080)

Sec. 10.12.090. – Riding on sidewalks—Business districts.

No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district, except upon sidewalks designated as bicycle paths.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-10(a); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.090)

Sec. 10.12.100. – Riding on sidewalks—Pedestrians to have right-of-way; signals.

Whenever a person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-10(c); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.100)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412(10).

Sec. 10.12.110. – Entering on or emerging from alleys and driveways.

The operator of a bicycle entering or emerging from an alley, driveway, or building, upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway or driveway, shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on such sidewalk or sidewalk area, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-7; Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.110)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.

Sec. 10.12.120. – Rider to be astride permanent seat.

No person propelling a bicycle shall ride other than astride a permanent and regular seat attached to such bicycle.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-4(a); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.120)

Sec. 10.12.130. – Passenger restriction.

No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-4(b); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.130)

Sec. 10.12.140. – Carrying articles.

No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand firmly upon the handlebars, and from being in full control of such bicycle.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-8; Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.140)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.

Sec. 10.12.150. – Speed.

No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing conditions.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-6; Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.150)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.

Sec. 10.12.160. – Parking.

No person shall stand or park a bicycle upon a street, other than upon the roadway against the curb; or, upon a sidewalk, other than in a rack to support the bicycle, against a building, or at a curb, in such a manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-9; Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.160)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.

Sec. 10.12.170. – Lamps.

Every bicycle, or bicycle rider operating a bicycle, on a street, highway, sidewalk, bicycle path or other public way, at any time from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, and at other times when persons and vehicles on the public way are not clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead, shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear; except that a red reflector meeting the requirements of this section may be used in lieu of the red light.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-17(a); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.170)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. § 42-4-221.

Sec. 10.12.190. – Brakes.

Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which enables the operator to make a braked wheel-skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-17(c); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.190)

State law reference— Similar provisions, C.R.S. § 42-4-223.

Sec. 10.12.200. – License—Available upon request.

A city resident owning a bicycle may file an application and request the issuance of a license and license plate which is to be attached to that bicycle.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-11; Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.200)

Sec. 10.12.210. – License—Application.

Application for every bicycle license and license plate shall be made upon a form provided by the city, and shall be made to the chief of police.

No renewal of a license shall be necessary.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-12; Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.210; Ord. No. 1348-2000, § 3, 11-21-00)

Sec. 10.12.220. – License—Issuance.

The chief of police, upon receiving proper application and payment of the license fee designated in section 10.12.210, is authorized to issue a bicycle license, and such license shall be effective upon issuance.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-14(a); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.220)

Sec. 10.12.230. – License—Record.

The chief of police shall keep a record of the number of each license issued by him, the date issued, the name and address of the person to whom issued, and the number of the frame of the bicycle for which issued; and he shall keep a record of all bicycle license fees collected by him. License fees so collected shall be remitted monthly to the clerk or treasurer, who shall give a receipt therefor.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-13(b); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.230)

Sec. 10.12.240. – License plate; to be issued with license.

The chief of police, upon issuing a bicycle license, shall also issue a license plate bearing the license number assigned to the bicycle and the name of the city.

(Code 1962, § 31-A-14(a); Ord. No. 462-1975, § 1; Code 1977, § 10.12.240)

Sec. 10.12.310. – Violation; penalty.

Violation of any provision of this chapter is civil for which imprisonment is not a possible penalty for which the sole penalty provided shall be a fine. Any person who shall violate any one of the provisions of this chapter shall be punished by a fine of not more than $500.00.

(Code 1977, § 10.12.310; Ord. No. 579-1978, § 17; Ord. No. 1236-1996, § 5, 11-19-1996; Ord. No. 1348-2000, Exh. A, 11-21-00; Ord. No. 1645-2013, § 9, 9-3-2013)

State law reference— Penalty, C.R.S. § 42-4-1412(12).