New cycling laws in Colorado

Colorado Governor Bill Owens has signed into law the Bicycle Safety Bill which gives new rights to cyclists on Colorado's roads, bringing Colorado into line with other states.

Cyclists in Colorado may now legally: ride side by side if not impeding the normal and reasonable flow of traffic; ride across roads in safety crosswalks (obeying signals and traffic devices); and signal right-hand turns with a bent left arm or extended right arm. In addition, law enforcement agencies are required to file a bicycle injury crash report upon request, even if a car was not involved. Colorado cycling advocates say this will all better tracking of bicycling statistics which determine road safety improvement projects.

The bill takes effect July 1. For more information on the new rules see www.BicycleColorado.org/for/BicycleSafety.