Bicyclists in Colorado Springs must follow Colorado traffic laws and local rules governing where and how bicycles may be operated.
These laws address roadway position, bike lanes, sidewalks, passing distance, traffic signals, required equipment, hand signals, and e-bike use.
Drivers also have legal duties to share the road, yield when required, and give bicyclists adequate space when passing. After a crash, compliance with these rules may affect fault, comparative negligence, and an insurance claim.
Springs Law Group helps injured bicyclists understand how Colorado and Colorado Springs bicycle laws may apply to their accident and available compensation.
Colorado bicycle laws govern where bicyclists may ride, how they must interact with traffic, what equipment is required, and how drivers must behave around them.
State law generally gives bicyclists many of the same roadway rights and duties as other vehicle operators, while separate rules address bike lanes, sidewalks, passing distance, safety stops, hand signals, e-bikes, lighting, and riding position.
These rules can become important after a crash.
An insurance company may examine whether the bicyclist was riding lawfully, using required equipment, obeying traffic controls, or following applicable local ordinances.
Driver conduct also matters, including unsafe passing, failure to yield, distracted driving, turning across a bike lane, or opening a vehicle door into a cyclist’s path.
Springs Law Group represents injured bicyclists in Colorado Springs and can review how Colorado traffic laws, local bicycle rules, roadway conditions, and available evidence apply to a specific accident.
Our attorneys can also evaluate insurance coverage, fault, comparative negligence arguments, medical losses, and other damages arising from the crash.
Contact Springs Law Group today for a free consultation after a bicycle accident in Colorado Springs, or use the chat feature on this page to start a free case review.
Under Colorado law, bicyclists generally have the same rights and duties as other vehicle operators, except when a traffic rule cannot reasonably apply to a bicycle.
Bicyclists may use public roads, must obey traffic signals and signs, yield when required, and follow local ordinances governing bicycle use.
Similar roadway rules apply to many electrical assisted bicycles and electric scooters, although separate restrictions may apply depending on the device, its classification, and where it is being operated.
After a bicycle crash, these rules can affect how fault is evaluated.
An insurance company may examine whether the bicyclist followed applicable traffic laws and whether the driver yielded properly, passed with sufficient clearance, obeyed traffic controls, or otherwise violated Colorado law.
Bicyclists in Colorado Springs may ride on many public roads, bike lanes, shared lanes, shoulders, and certain paths, unless an official traffic control device or local ordinance says otherwise.
Riders must consider roadway conditions, traffic proceeding in the same direction, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, and fixed or moving objects.
A bicyclist shall ride far enough to the right when required by law, but that rule has exceptions.
A rider may need more space to avoid hazards, pass another slower vehicle, prepare for a left turn, avoid a dedicated right turn lane, or continue with the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Bicyclists may ride in different positions depending on the roadway, including:
Springs Law Group can review where the bicyclist was riding, what traffic laws applied, and whether the driver, roadway condition, or another party caused the crash.
Colorado bike lane laws help organize traffic and give bicyclists a designated space on the road.
Drivers must respect bike lanes and should not use them in a manner that endangers a person riding a bicycle.
A bike lane may be marked with signs, pavement markings, or lane striping.
When marked traffic lanes include a bicycle lane, drivers should watch for persons riding bicycles, electrical assisted bicycles, and other human powered vehicles traveling in the same direction.
Bike lane issues after a crash may involve:
Local authorities may also regulate the operation of bicycles through local ordinances.
If a crash happens in or near a bike lane, Springs Law Group can review traffic control devices, local rules, roadway markings, and the actions of both the driver and bicyclist.
Bicyclists are allowed to ride on many Colorado roads, but they must do so in a lawful and reasonably safe manner.
A person operating a bicycle should ride with the normal flow of traffic, not against it, unless a specific path or local rule allows otherwise.
Colorado law recognizes that cyclists may need to move away from the right hand curb or right hand lane when reasonably necessary.
A person riding may need to avoid parked or moving vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, debris, narrow lanes, or other conditions that make riding close to the edge unsafe.
Riding position may depend on:
A driver may not assume that a bicyclist is doing something wrong simply because the rider is not at the far edge of the road.
The question is whether the rider acted in a manner prescribed by Colorado law and whether any driver created an unsafe condition.
Sidewalk bicycle laws can depend on Colorado law, local ordinances, and posted signs.
In Colorado Springs, riders using sidewalks must yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
A person may not ride a bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or electric scooter on a sidewalk, pathway, or crosswalk where that use is prohibited by an official traffic control device or local ordinance.
When a rider is lawfully on a sidewalk or crosswalk, the rider may have rights and duties similar to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
Sidewalk issues after a bicycle accident may involve:
Springs Law Group can review city rules, signs, crosswalk evidence, and driver conduct when a sidewalk or crosswalk collision causes injury.
Colorado does not have a statewide bicycle helmet law requiring every rider to wear a helmet.
Even so, wearing a helmet is a smart safety choice, especially for children, commuters, e-bike riders, and anyone riding near motor vehicle traffic.
Helmet use can become an issue after a bicycle accident.
The insurance company may try to argue that a rider’s injuries were worse because the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet.
That argument should be reviewed carefully because the key legal question is whether the driver, bicyclist, or another party caused the crash and the injuries being claimed.
A helmet may reduce the risk of some head injuries, but it does not prevent every serious injury or death incident.
Bicyclists can still suffer broken bones, spinal injuries, internal injuries, and other harm when struck by a motor vehicle.
Different rules apply to Class 3 electrical assisted bicycles.
A person under 16 may not operate a Class 3 e-bike in Colorado, and riders or passengers under 18 on a Class 3 e-bike must wear a qualifying bicycle helmet.
Colorado law provides that violation of this Class 3 helmet requirement does not, by itself, constitute negligence or negligence per se in a civil personal injury claim.
Bicycle equipment helps riders stay visible and reduce crash risk.
Equipment can matter after an accident because the insurance company may review whether the bicyclist had proper lighting, reflectors, brakes, and other required equipment.
Colorado bicycle equipment requirements include:
Equipment rules may also apply to electrical assisted bicycle use.
A rider should make reasonably necessary precautions before riding, especially at night, in bad weather, near traffic, or on roads with limited visibility.
If a crash occurs, Springs Law Group can review whether equipment issues actually contributed to the accident or whether the driver’s negligence caused the bicyclist’s injuries.
Colorado classifies electrical assisted bicycles as Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 based on how the motor provides assistance and the maximum assisted speed.
Class 1 e-bikes provide assistance only while the rider is pedaling and stop providing assistance at 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes may provide motor assistance without pedaling up to 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph.
Local rules can restrict where each class may be operated.
In Colorado Springs, Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on designated urban and regional trails as of July 1, 2025.
Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes remain prohibited on City of Colorado Springs trails, and e-bikes of all classes are prohibited on city open-space properties unless another rule or accommodation applies.
Colorado also imposes additional restrictions on Class 3 e-bikes.
Riders under 16 may not operate a Class 3 e-bike on streets, highways, or bicycle and pedestrian paths, although a child may ride as a passenger on a Class 3 e-bike designed to carry passengers.
State law also generally restricts Class 3 e-bikes from bicycle and pedestrian paths unless the path is within a street or highway or the local authority specifically permits their use.
After an e-bike crash, the bicycle’s classification and location can affect which state and local rules apply.
Springs Law Group can review whether the rider was permitted to use the roadway, bike lane, sidewalk, or trail involved and whether a driver or another party violated Colorado traffic laws.
Bicyclists must obey traffic control signals and stop signs, but Colorado’s safety stop law allows certain bicyclists to treat some stop signs and red lights differently when the law’s conditions are met.
The Colorado safety stop law came through House Bill 22-1028, and it changed how riders may proceed at certain controlled intersections.
Under the safety stop framework, a person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle may proceed through a stop sign after slowing, yielding, and making sure the movement can be made safely.
At certain red lights, a rider may be allowed to proceed after stopping and yielding, depending on the intersection, traffic, and applicable law.
Important safety stop issues may include:
The safety stop law does not give bicyclists permission to ignore traffic.
Riders must proceed only when it can be done safely and lawfully.
Bicyclists should signal turns and lane changes when required and when it is safe to do so.
Hand signals help drivers understand where a bicyclist is going and reduce the risk of a crash.
A left turn is commonly signaled with the arm extended horizontally.
A bicyclist preparing to turn left may move toward the left hand side, left hand lane, or left hand portion of the roadway when it is safe and lawful.
Turn and lane-change issues may involve:
A driver may still be responsible if they fail to see a bicyclist, pass unsafely, or ignore a rider’s signal.
Springs Law Group reviews the full sequence of movement before assigning fault.
Persons riding bicycles may ride two abreast in Colorado when they do not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Group riders must still follow traffic laws, obey traffic control signals, and ride in a safe and predictable manner.
Riding two abreast may become unsafe when traffic is heavy, lanes are narrow, road conditions are poor, or drivers cannot pass safely.
In those situations, riders may need to adjust their position to allow traffic proceeding in the same direction to move safely.
Group riding issues may involve:
A group ride does not excuse driver negligence.
Drivers must still use reasonable care around bicycles and other human powered vehicles.
Colorado law requires drivers to give bicyclists enough space when passing.
A motor vehicle overtaking a bicyclist should pass at a safe distance and allow a reasonable safety margin.
The three-foot rule is one of the most important bicycle safety rules for drivers.
A motor vehicle overtaking a person riding a bicycle should not crowd the rider, pass too closely, or move back into the lane before it is safe.
Passing problems may include:
When overtaking vehicles fail to give enough space, the result can be a serious injury or death incident.
Springs Law Group can review vehicle damage, witness statements, video, roadway width, and traffic patterns to determine whether a driver violated Colorado passing laws.
Bicyclists should avoid distracted or impaired riding.
A rider who is looking at a phone, wearing earbuds that prevent awareness, riding under the influence, or failing to watch traffic may be accused of contributing to a crash.
Distracted riding may involve:
Drivers may also be distracted, impaired, or speeding.
If a driver causes the crash, the bicyclist may still have a civil personal injury claim even when the insurance company tries to blame the rider.
Springs Law Group reviews the evidence to determine whether distraction, impairment, traffic law violations, or unsafe driver conduct contributed to the accident.
Drivers have a duty to share the road with bicyclists.
A person driving a motor vehicle must watch for persons riding bicycles, yield when required, pass safely, obey traffic laws, and avoid conduct that endangers vulnerable road users.
Drivers should:
A driver may be liable when careless conduct causes a bicycle accident.
Springs Law Group helps injured bicyclists review whether a driver violated Colorado law and whether that violation caused the injury.
After a bicycle crash, law enforcement, insurers, and attorneys may review whether either party violated Colorado law.
A traffic violation may affect fault, but it does not automatically decide the case.
Common bicycle law issues after a crash may involve:
A violation may be treated as a class A traffic infraction or class B traffic infraction depending on the rule involved.
Springs Law Group reviews the facts carefully because the insurance company may use an alleged violation to blame the bicyclist unfairly.
Bicycle laws can affect accident claims because they help determine whether the bicyclist, driver, or another party acted reasonably.
If a driver violated the three-foot passing rule, failed to yield, or ignored a bike lane, those facts may support the bicyclist’s claim.
Insurance companies may focus on whether the person operating a bicycle followed traffic laws, used lights, obeyed a stop sign, signaled a turn, rode in the right place, or followed local ordinances.
They may also review whether the bicyclist was on a sidewalk, in a bike lane, on a private roadway, or crossing a roadway upon a crosswalk.
A bicycle law violation does not automatically bar compensation.
The key question is whether the violation caused or contributed to the crash, the injury, or the damages.
Colorado follows comparative negligence rules in personal injury cases.
This means compensation may be reduced if the injured bicyclist is found partly at fault for the crash.
Comparative negligence may involve questions such as:
If the insurance company blames the bicyclist, Springs Law Group can review the evidence and push back when the facts show the driver or another party caused the crash.
If a driver violated Colorado traffic laws and caused a bicycle accident, the violation may support the injured rider’s claim.
Driver negligence may involve speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, unsafe passing, opening a door into a bicyclist, or turning across a bike lane.
A motor vehicle overtaking a bicyclist must pass with enough space to protect the rider.
When a driver ignores that rule, crowds a bicyclist, or strikes a rider while passing, the driver may be held responsible for the resulting injuries.
Evidence such as the police report, witness statements, photos, video, vehicle damage, and roadway measurements can help prove what happened.
Springs Law Group investigates whether the driver’s violation caused the crash and what compensation may be available.
Insurance companies may blame bicyclists after a crash, even when a driver caused the collision.
They may argue the bicyclist was riding too far from the right hand curb, failed to use a bike lane, ignored a stop sign, rode on the sidewalk, failed to use lights, or entered traffic unsafely.
You should not assume the insurance company is correct.
Colorado law allows bicyclists to use the roadway, avoid hazards, move left when necessary, and take other reasonably necessary precautions for safety.
Springs Law Group can review the crash evidence, traffic laws, local ordinances, roadway conditions, and medical records to determine whether the bicyclist is being blamed unfairly.
Evidence is important in bicycle accident claims because the insurance company may dispute fault, injuries, or damages.
The right evidence can help show how the crash occurred, who caused it, and how the injuries affected the bicyclist’s life.
Helpful evidence may include:
Evidence should be preserved quickly.
Road conditions, roadway edges, debris, skid marks, bicycle damage, and witness memories can change or disappear.
Bicycle accidents can happen throughout Colorado Springs, including downtown streets, neighborhood roads, intersections, bike lanes, shared lanes, shoulders, trails, and bike or pedestrian paths.
Crashes may involve drivers, pedestrians, other cyclists, e-bikes, scooters, animals, fixed or moving objects, or unsafe road conditions.
Common locations and conditions may include:
A crash on a path may involve different legal issues than a crash on a roadway.
Springs Law Group reviews whether Colorado law, local ordinances, posted signs, or the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act may affect the claim.
After a bicycle accident, safety and medical care come first.
Bicyclists can suffer serious injuries even when they feel stable immediately after the crash.
After a bicycle crash, you should:
If a driver leaves the scene, report the hit-and-run to a law enforcement agency as soon as possible.
Evidence from cameras, witnesses, vehicle debris, or nearby businesses may help identify the driver.
The deadline to file a bicycle accident claim in Colorado depends on the type of claim.
If the bicycle accident involved a motor vehicle, the deadline to file a lawsuit is often three years from the date of the crash.
Other personal injury claims may have different deadlines.
Some cases may involve shorter notice requirements.
If a government entity may be involved because of unsafe roadway design, failure to maintain highways, dangerous path conditions, or another public property issue, the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act may require earlier notice.
You should not wait until the deadline is close.
Evidence can disappear, bicycles may be repaired, vehicles may be fixed, and witnesses may become harder to locate.
A bicyclist injured by a negligent driver or another responsible party may be able to recover compensation through a civil personal injury claim.
The value of the case depends on the injuries, fault, insurance coverage, medical needs, and long-term effect of the crash.
Damages may include:
A bicycle crash can cause serious injuries because riders have little protection from a motor vehicle.
Springs Law Group works to document the full impact of the crash before negotiating with the insurance company.
Springs Law Group helps injured bicyclists in Colorado Springs understand their legal options after serious crashes.
The firm investigates what happened, gathers evidence, deals with the insurance company, and pursues compensation when another driver or party caused the accident.
Our legal team can help by:
The firm understands that bicyclists are often blamed unfairly after a crash.
Springs Law Group builds claims based on evidence, Colorado law, and the facts of what happened.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Colorado Springs, Springs Law Group can help you understand your legal options.
Bicycle laws, insurance coverage, local ordinances, traffic signals, bike lane rules, sidewalk rules, e-bike rules, and driver responsibilities can all affect how a claim is handled.
Whether your crash involved unsafe passing, a driver turning across your path, a bike lane collision, a sidewalk or crosswalk issue, a traffic signal dispute, a roadway hazard, or another preventable act, the firm can review what happened and explain whether you may have a claim.
You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, future care, lost wages, bicycle damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses caused by the crash.
Contact Springs Law Group today for a free consultation with a Colorado Springs bicycle accident lawyer.
You can also use the chat feature to find out whether you may qualify for a case.
Under Colorado law, a person riding a bicycle generally has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle, unless a rule does not apply because of the nature of the bicycle.
That means bicyclists may use many public roads, obey traffic control signals, follow signs, and ride with traffic in such a manner that is predictable and lawful.
Drivers must respect bicyclists on the roadway and give enough space when passing because such overtaking vehicles can cause serious injuries if they pass too closely.
Bicyclists are often expected to ride to the right when it is safe, but Colorado law recognizes several exceptions.
Vehicles a bicyclist shall consider include parked cars, moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, and roadway hazards that may make riding near the right side unsafe.
A rider may move away from the curb to avoid hazards, prepare for a left turn, pass another slower vehicle, avoid a dedicated right turn lane, or continue with the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
Colorado’s safety stop law allows a person operating a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle to proceed through certain stop signs or red lights only when the law’s conditions are met.
House Bill No. 22-1028 made this rule statewide, but riders must still slow, yield, obey any official traffic control device, and proceed only when it is safe.
The law does not allow bicyclists to ignore traffic, and a rider who enters such roadway without yielding may still be blamed for a crash.
Sidewalk bicycle rules may depend on Colorado law, posted signs, and local ordinances.
Some rules may also depend on the rider’s location, the type of path, and whether the rider is close to pedestrians, driveways, or intersections.
Families should pay attention to posted signs, city rules, and age-related restrictions because riders of different years of age may face different safety concerns when using sidewalks, crosswalks, or bike or pedestrian paths.
Insurance companies may blame bicyclists by arguing that the rider was too far from the curb, failed to obey a stop sign, crossed improperly, or entered traffic unsafely.
That does not mean the insurance company is correct, especially if the bicyclist was avoiding hazards, riding lawfully, or responding to unsafe conduct by a driver.
Springs Law Group can review the crash evidence, traffic laws, local ordinances, and whether the driver or such a vehicle violated the bicyclist’s right of way.
Member of the Colorado Bar Association since 2014. Attorney, Christopher M. Nicolaysen focuses primarily on helping those injured in Colorado car accidents, other auto accidents, and Colorado personal injury incidents.
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at Springs Law Group and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced Colorado personal injury lawyer, Christopher Nicolaysen, you can do so here.
Springs Law Group does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.
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I was uneasy about reaching out to a law firm after being in an accident that left me injured and my vehicle totaled. I don’t care for the idea of suing for what was very clearly an accident. However, after learning more about the overall process of working with a professional team to navigate the murky waters of the insurance world, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the experience wasn’t as gross as I’d originally felt about it.
Springs Law is very friendly and professional. I always felt that they were on my side and cared about my injury and what I was going through. I highly recommend them.
Springs Law Group is an amazing group to work with! I got into a rough accident, and they never ceased to let me know they were there working hard to help me in my hour of need. It was always very easy to reach out to someone if I had any questions, and they were always happy to answer any questions I had.
I never have a problem with getting a response when I need them – which is not the case with most other firms. They really truly care about each client. As a plus, they always have positive attitudes, which matters tremendously when you are in a stressful legal situation.
Big thanks to Mr. Jake Kimbell and his team for their assistance with my case. He helped me through an incredibly challenging part of my life, and most importantly helped navigate through the convoluted legal channels of my case. I cannot thank him and his team enough for their support.
The entire team at Springs Law group has been nothing but amazing. Jake and the rest of the staff were great to work with and extremely professional. They were very attentive and answered any questions and concerns I had. I was always able to contact them and they were very responsive and communicated with me.
Springs Law Group is an amazing group to work with! I got into a rough accident, and they never ceased to let me know they were there working hard to help me in my hour of need. It was always very easy to reach out to someone if I had any questions, and they were always happy to answer any questions I had.
