Benedict Wright, Education Manager with Bicycle Colorado, provided us with great information on rules of the road and cycling safely during a clinic on August 21. The topics he covered can help make sure we’re riding safely, whether we’re out on our own or riding with a group. If you missed it, you can view a recording of the clinic. The main points are summarized in this blog, but I highly encourage you to watch the whole video.
One particularly important takeaway for me was Benedict’s emphasis on how it’s important to know the bicycling laws, but it’s also essential to be aware of where the laws end and best practices come in. He said, “there’s a lot that’s a little bit vague in the law … where pragmatism and self-preservation have to take over.”
Specific elements of bicycling law reviewed during the clinic include:
- Bicycles are vehicles by law. They have the same rights and responsibilities as cars.
- Follow all signs, signals, and right of way rules. Refuse unlawful courtesies when feasible. (More on that topic below.)
- Some traffic laws, such as whether cyclists can ride on sidewalks, vary by jurisdiction.
- The Colorado Safety Stop law allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs when traffic is clear and it is safe to proceed. Bear in mind that those signs and traffic signals still exist and right-of-way rules still apply! (See our blog for more details.)
- Ride to the right, as judged safe by the bicyclist. Cyclists may use the full lane when needed for safety, visibility, or a left turn. (See our blog for more details on this topic.)
- Drivers must give cyclists three feet when passing and may cross a double yellow line to pass cyclists (when it is safe to do so).
- Bikes may ride two abreast, unless signage indicates otherwise. And in some cases, riding two abreast may be safer. For example, it makes us more visible. It may be easier and quicker for drivers to pass two riders at once rather than two riders in single file.
- Maximum speed limit on most bike paths and trails is 15 mph.
Ride to the right, as judged safe by the bicyclist. Cyclists may use the full lane when needed for safety, visibility, or a left turn.
A topic Benedict discussed in some detail was unlawful courtesies. An unlawful courtesy is when someone, usually a motorist, encourages a cyclist to go when the cyclist doesn’t have the right of way. An example is when a car driver who reaches a stop sign first indicates that the cyclist who arrived second should go ahead. Bicycle Colorado recommends that cyclists refuse unlawful courtesies when feasible.
“We try to discourage unlawful courtesies because that’s how the road is predictable… when everybody is under the same set of rules and assumptions. We want to encourage bike riders and drivers to operate under those rules.” – Benedict Wright
When you’re driving, do you sometimes offer these unlawful courtesies to cyclists? Based on what we learned in this webinar, I suggest that you stop. Treat the cyclist as you would any other vehicle and help avoid confusion at intersections.
Etiquette and Best Practices for Group Rides
As for group rides, Benedict recommended that groups state ride expectations before rolling out. For example, groups should discuss how they will navigate tricky intersections or how they will handle unlawful courtesies.
Some specific tips for group ride safety:
- Ride predictably: Don’t weave in and out of your line, use hand signals, and give warnings for debris or hazards in the road.
- Always check for yourself: Don’t assume it’s safe to change lanes or enter an intersection because a rider in front of you has done so.
- Allow cars to pass when safe; consider creating gaps with the group so cars can pass more easily.
- Move off the road or path when stopped.
More Resources to Check Out
- A recording of the clinic is available on the VBC website Member Dashboard. Scroll down to view links to our clinics.
- Bicycle Colorado maintains a Rules of the Road webpage as a public service. They also offer an online, interactive driving education course, SHIFT Driving, which focuses on teaching drivers how to share the road safely with bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Another great resource is the Colorado Department of Transportation Bicycling Manual.
- VBC’s website has blog posts on the Colorado Safety Stop and When Should You Take the Lane.
Support Bicycle Colorado Because They Support Us
Bicycle Colorado, a statewide non-profit, uses tools of education and advocacy to encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions, and provide a voice for people who ride bicycles in Colorado. Venus Bike Club is a member, but we can also support Bicycle Colorado individually. Visit the Bicycle Colorado website to learn more about the benefits of membership.
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