Bicycling
Main Street Sidewalk Bicycle Dismount Ordinance
Bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and skateboards are not allowed on sidewalks along Main Street between 2nd and Longs Peak Avenues. These are allowed in the alleys, breezeways and parallel streets and sidewalks. Bicycle parking is available and encouraged along Main Street, for visibility of the bike and convenience while shopping or dining.
Learn more about the City’s ordinance about dismount zones.
Colorado Safety Stop
The Colorado Safety Stop is intended to increase safety on behalf of people that ride bikes and other vulnerable road users at intersections regulated with traffic signals and STOP signs.
The law does two things: it turns the red phase of signalized intersections into STOP signs, and it turns STOP signs into YIELD signs for people operating bikes and low-speed conveyances. The law stipulates that individuals 15 years of age and older may initiate “safety stops,” but those under 15 must be accompanied by an adult in order to initiate a safety stop legally. Above said, what is a “safety stop?”
Red Light Controlled Intersection
If you are approaching a red light on a bicycle or a “low speed conveyance” such as a scooter, a low-speed electric vehicle, a toy vehicle, or an electric personal assistance mobility device (EPAMD), you are required to come to a complete stop, yield to all other traffic and pedestrians, and once it is safe, you may cautiously proceed in the same direction through the intersection or make a right-hand turn. However, you may not proceed through the intersection if an oncoming vehicle is turning or preparing to turn left in front of you. Lastly you may only make a left turn at a red light if you are turning onto a one-way street and only after stopping and yielding to other traffic and pedestrians.
STOP Sign Controlled Intersection
If you are riding a bicycle or low speed conveyance and you are approaching a STOP sign controlled intersection, you are required to slow to 10 miles per hour or less. As you approach the intersection assess whether it is safe to proceed through the intersection without stopping. If it isn’t safe, then you must stop and yield the right of way to other road users.
On the other hand, if you’ve slowed to a reasonable speed and have yielded the right-of-way to other vehicles and pedestrians if required, you may cautiously make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping if it is safe to do so.
- Ride responsibly. If you drive your car safely, why not be sure to do so on your bike?
- Equip your bike correctly. Headlights and red rear reflectors are required if riding after sunset.
- When riding on paths or sidewalks, be aware of pedestrians. Slow down; stop if necessary. Let them know that you are passing.
- When riding in the street, be aware that many motorists are not used to driving around cyclists. Some of them honk because they are afraid of hitting you. In this situation, be courteous. Gestures and name calling are inappropriate. Instead, wave and smile.
- Wear your helmet! Head injuries are devastating and wearing a helmet can prevent head injuries.
- Be aware of changing road conditions. A little rain can make a BIG difference in the slickness of a road surface.
- Keep your bike well-tuned.
- Encourage new cyclists to ride safely. Show them safe routes and teach them how to make riding a weekly or daily habit rather than an annual tradition.
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Rules for Winter Cycling – Poor street conditions and visibility can make winter riding seem a dangerous ordeal. But, the skills that get you through the winter will only make you a better rider all the time. View Priority Bicycle Snow Routes, too.
BikeLinks 36 – The BikeLinks 36 interactive bike map provides regional information on bicycling facilities for Longmont, Boulder, Boulder County, Louisville, Superior, Lafayette, Broomfield, Arvada and Westminster.
Bike-n-Ride – Information from RTD on how to travel with your bike on a bus and utilize commuter bike lockers.
