How Can Colorado Bicyclists Stay Safe and Avoid Accidents?

 Posted on May 27, 2020 in Personal Injury

The summer months are approaching, and bicyclists are going to flock to the roads in Colorado. As such, it is worth reviewing the rules of the road regarding how drivers and cyclists are supposed to interact. Using a few safety strategies can help avoid any unnecessary bike accidents. However, it is impossible to control the actions of others on the roadway, and negligent behavior by drivers can lead to serious injuries for cyclists. If you were injured in an accident while riding your bike, it is important to discuss your case with a personal injury attorney as soon as your immediate medical needs are addressed. Seeking compensation in Colorado requires finding fault with the other driver or cyclist involved, so you will need strong representation from a legal team you can trust.

Rules of the Road

Since Colorado is an “at-fault” state, abiding by the traffic laws will help prevent you from being deemed at fault for a collision, and this can ensure that you will be able to receive the compensation you deserve. Unlike pedestrians, cyclists are expected to follow the same rules as drivers, with a couple of additions. Determining how you should ride your bicycle depends on where you plan to go on your next trip. 

If you are riding your bike on the road, you must ride in the same direction as vehicles and obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals. Cyclists must stay on the right shoulder or the road unless they are preparing to make a left turn at an intersection. According to Colorado law, cyclists do not technically have to ride on the shoulder if it is in bad condition and dangerous. In addition, cyclists are allowed to pass slower-moving vehicles on the left. If cars are parked on the side of the road, it is up to the cyclist and the drivers with whom they are sharing the road to allow enough space so that the cyclist will not have to veer out of the way if a parked car door is suddenly opened. 

It is important to note that if you break certain rules as a cyclist, it could put you at fault if you were to hit a pedestrian or cause an accident. For example, biking on sidewalks is illegal in many places, as it makes pedestrians vulnerable and can cause confusion at intersections. If you plan to travel on a public path that others bike and hike on, you should be aware of the speed limit. Many paths in Colorado have a 15 mph speed limit, and even if you ride on the right and notify other people when you are passing them, you could still be held liable if you were traveling too fast and lost control of your bike, causing a collision. However, if another driver or rider was impaired, he or she may be determined to be at fault for the accident. 

Contact a Larimer County Bike Accident Lawyer

Information surrounding a bike accident can quickly become a matter of hearsay, so you will want to take immediate steps to protect your rights to obtain compensation. It is important to seek the medical attention that you need first. Your next step should be to consult with an accomplished Ft. Collins personal injury attorney who can pinpoint the facts of the accident and conduct an investigation if the need arises. At Hoggatt Law, P.C., we have years of experience advocating on our clients’ behalf, and we can help you pursue the compensation that you need and deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 970-225-2190.

Source:

https://www.bicyclecolorado.org/ride-colorado/rules-of-the-road/