Bicycle crashes are preventable, but they continue to climb in Colorado
Summer brings sunshine, longer days, and more bicyclists on Colorado’s roads. It also brings a troubling spike in crashes involving bikes and cars. Nearly half of Colorado’s 79 bicyclist fatalities since 2020 have occurred during the summer months.
To combat this trend, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has launched a campaign aimed at educating drivers about the laws that protect bicyclists. The campaign kicked off at Denver’s Washington Park with memorial signs honoring those who have lost their lives and reminding everyone of their shared responsibility to keep roads safe.
In 2024 alone, Colorado recorded 14 bicyclist deaths and 224 serious injuries. CDOT’s campaign highlights that bicycle crashes are preventable if drivers and riders follow the laws and share the road.
Colorado is among the most bike‑friendly states in the country, with Denver, Fort Collins, and Boulder ranking in the top 20 nationally for bike commuting. As more people choose bikes for transportation and recreation, raising awareness among drivers becomes essential.
What key bike safety laws should drivers know about?
CDOT’s campaign focuses on two main pieces of legislation: the Safety Stop law and the Three Foot law. Enacted statewide in 2022, the Safety Stop Law allows bicyclists 15 years and older (or younger riders accompanied by an adult) to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. Cyclists may slow down and proceed through a stop sign without coming to a full stop if the intersection is clear, and they may proceed through a red light after stopping when it is safe to do so.
The law seeks to reduce the time cyclists spend in intersections (one of the most dangerous places on the road) and allows them to maintain momentum. Local municipalities can opt out, so riders should check local rules. In a detailed explainer, the American Driving Academy notes that the Safety Stop reduces collision risk by providing cyclists with flexibility and encouraging drivers to respect their right of way.
Under the Three Foot law, Colorado requires motorists to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing. In some situations, this means drivers must cross a double yellow line to maintain a safe distance. If oncoming traffic prevents a driver from giving three feet of clearance, the motorist should slow down and wait until it’s safe to pass. Providing cyclists with adequate space helps prevent side-swipe collisions and acknowledges that bikes have equal rights on the road.
These laws work in tandem: while the Safety Stop gives cyclists more flexibility at intersections, the Three Foot law imposes clear responsibilities on drivers. Together, they create predictability and reduce conflict when bikes and cars share the road.
Tips for drivers and riders
CDOT’s reminder to drivers to do the following:
- Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.
- Check for cyclists before right-on-red turns, backing up, or changing lanes.
- Yield to cyclists just as you would to other cars.
- Obey the speed limit, scan blind spots, and drive defensively.
- Don’t underestimate a bike’s speed—especially on downhill stretches.
Responsibilities for cyclists include:
- Wear a helmet.
- Use lights and/or reflective gear at night.
- Check brakes and tires before riding.
- Ride as far to the right as practical, unless taking the lane is safer.
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Don’t ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Changing attitudes through memorials and education
At Washington Park, CDOT installed signs listing the names of 79 cyclists killed since 2020. The agency hopes that pairing personal stories with legal information will prompt drivers to slow down and stay alert.
CDOT encourages reporters and the public to refer to incidents as “crashes,” not “accidents,” to emphasize that they are preventable. The campaign will run through the end of the summer, but CDOT hopes its message will stick long after the signs come down.
What to do after a bicycle crash
Despite these efforts, bicycle crashes still occur. If you’re hit while biking, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. Get the driver’s information and, if you can, take photos of the scene and your injuries. Even if you feel okay, get medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries can take hours or days to manifest.
Be sure to follow up with a doctor, document all symptoms, and keep a daily journal on your pain and suffering. Because Colorado is an at‑fault state, the driver’s insurance may be liable for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
However, insurance companies often downplay claims from bicyclists. That's why it’s wise to avoid speaking with the driver's insurance provider and consult an attorney who understands Colorado’s bike laws and can effectively advocate for you.
Get the legal help you need after a bicycle accident
Attorney Stephen A. Longo and his team in Colorado Springs are avid cyclists themselves and understand the dangers and challenges injured bicyclists face. We know the ins and outs of the Safety Stop law and the Three Foot law and use that knowledge to build strong cases for clients.
We also ensure every bicycle crash case receives personal attention. Our legal team collects police reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage. We consult with medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries. When it's time to negotiate with insurance companies, we don't back down, even if we have to take your case to trial.
There are no upfront fees for our services, so there's no financial risk to you. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle crash, contact us for a free consultation. Let our dedication, experience, and compassion help you get back on the road to recovery.
"Stephen has been such a great help in helping me through all the steps of the legal process and getting me all the medical care needed. He was also right on top of things, answering all of our questions and concerns. He is definitely for his clients." – Michelle, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐