Summer has returned and bicyclists are back out on the road! Before heading out onto the road, take a few minutes and review basic bike safety rules.
In May of 2009, Governor Ritter signed into law CO Senate Bill 09-148, otherwise known as the "Bicycle Safety Bill." SB-148 created safe and common sense rules for bicycles and motor vehicles on public roads. The full document can be read by clicking
here. Below we've listed some of the highlights.
PASSING:
- The bill requires that motorists have three feet of clearance on the right side to pass.
- Allows motorists to cross the centerline when safe to do so in order to pass a bicyclist.
LANE POSITION:
- The bill clarifies language requiring bicyclists to ride as far to the right as possible.
MORE THAN ONE RIDER:
- The bill clarifies that bicyclists may pass one another or ride side-by-side if they are not impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
ANTI-HARASSMENT:
- Makes it a 2nd degree misdemeanor to throw an object towards a bicyclists from a car.
- States that driving towards a bicyclist in a dangerous manner is a careless driving offense.
So what does this all mean? It means that it is your responsibility whether driving a car or riding your bike to share the road. Remember, a Shared Road is a Safe Road.