Bicycling
Biking Information
Main Street Sidewalk Bicycle Dismount Ordinance
Bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and skateboards are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks on the west side of Main St between 2nd Ave and Longs Peak Ave, and on the east side of Main St between 3rd Ave and Longs Peak Ave. When on a sidewalk in this “Dismount Zone,” everyone is required to dismount and walk. Bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and skateboards are allowed in the alleys, breezeways and parallel streets and sidewalks. Bicycle parking is available and encouraged along Main Street.
Learn more about the City’s Dismount Zone ordinance (#O-2019-41).
According to State Law, skateboards and Onewheels are classified as toy vehicles and are not permitted on city right of ways including public sidewalks.
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” such as a scooter, a low-speed electric vehicle, a toy vehicle, or an electric personal assistance mobility device (EPAMD). 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 to initiate 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, 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.
- Before you ride, check your tire air pressure, brakes and chain and if you use quick releases, make sure they are tightened.
- Equip your bike correctly. Headlights and red rear reflectors are required if riding before sunrise or after sunset.
- Always wear your helmet.
- When riding on paths or sidewalks, be aware of pedestrians and slow down when passing or stop if necessary.
- When riding in the street, be aware that many motorists are not used to driving around cyclists. Some of them may honk. In this situation, be courteous. Gestures and name calling are inappropriate and may be dangerous.
- Signal your intentions. It’s the law.
- Ride with traffic, never against. It’s the law.
- Be aware of changing road conditions. A little rain or snow can make a BIG difference in the slickness of a road surface. Read these Tips for Winter Cycling for important tips.
Rules of the Road – Review Bicycle Colorado’s Rules of the Road to be a responsible cyclist and stay safe.
Tips for Winter Cycling – Tips for navigating poor street conditions and visibility due to snow and ice.
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.
The Bicycle Issues Committee is made up of Longmont residents interested in improving the city’s bicycling environment. The Committee meets virtually on an as-needed basis when projects would benefit from input from the bicycling community. If you are interested in participating, please send an e-mail to ben.ortiz@longmontcolorado.gov.
