Bicycling Safety in Denver

city bike crop

Bicycling has grown in popularity around the country, and Denver is no exception. Unfortunately, even the most experienced cyclist may be in danger when riding with motorists. One of the best ways to prevent crashes is to follow local bicycle ordinances. Traffic laws were designated to make travel safe and to make transportation more predictable.

Denver has undertaken the Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and to encourage bicyclists to ride smart by knowing the rules of the road, communicating your intentions to other people on the road, being visible when riding, being alert, and wearing a helmet for safety.

Denver has several ordinances designed to make bicycling safer in the city. When you are bicycling in Denver, you need to adhere to these traffic regulations:

  • Any person who is operating a bicycle is to obey the instructions of traffic-control signals, signs, and other control devices that are applicable to vehicles unless they are instructed otherwise by a police officer.
  •  Anyone riding a bike has to ride on a permanent and regular seat attached to the bike.
  • Although it may seem like a no-brainer, you cannot carry a package or article too large to prevent you from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
  • Anyone operating a bicycle on a road should ride as near to the right-hand side of the road as judged safe by the bicyclist to facilitate the movement of such overtaking vehicles unless there are other conditions that make this unsafe. Motorists expect cyclists to be on the right, and although you are not legally required to remain on the right-hand side of the road, you may be safer there.
  • It is unlawful for any person to operate a bicycle on a sidewalk, which is not part of a designated bicycle route, at a speed exceeding 6 miles per hour, and bicyclists should yield right-of- way to pedestrians on the sidewalk.

bicycle and car

If You are in a Crash with a Car

Even the safest rider can be in a crash! In the event you are in a crash, you should follow these guidelines to protect your health and your rights:

  • Get the information for all the drivers involved. This includes insurance information and license plate numbers. You’ll need the driver’s insurance information to later write a demand letter to his or her insurance rep.
  • Get the names and contact information for any witnesses. These can include pedestrians or any other motorists who stopped after the crash.
  • Take photographs of the damage to you, your bicycle, and your gear! If you can, consider recording video clips of the scene with your smartphone.
  • Tell the police your side of the story. All too often, police only take statements from the motorist involved in the crash.
  • Most importantly: seek medical help. Even if you don’t think you are injured, your injuries may appear later, or adrenaline may keep you from feeling hurt. It is better to be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
  • Once you’re home, start writing down exactly what happened in the crash. It’s a good idea to jot down notes on your phone and later write complete thoughts once you get home. You should include as much information as you remember: What you were doing when the crash happened, where on the road you were riding, where you were hit by the motorist, etc.

Denver Hospitals:

Remember, visiting the hospital is the most important thing you can do after a crash. Immediate medical attention is critical to ensure a speedy recovery. Here are some of Denver’s hospitals:

  • Denver Health, 777 Bannock St.
  • National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St.
  • Presbyterian – St. Luke’s Medical Center, 1719 E. 19 th Ave.

By following all the bicycling laws and using extra caution when out on the roadways, you can enjoy many years of bicycling. Bicycling is a healthy, fun way to get around town and provides you with exercise at the same time. It has continued to grow in popularity in recent years.

About the Author:

This article was written by Deanna Power of Personal Injury Help. She lives in Boston, MA and educates various communities about their legal rights and how to prevent crashes or incidents from happening in the first place. If you have any questions, she can be reached via email at drp@personalinjury-law.org.

*This article was not written by an attorney, and the accuracy of its content is not guaranteed. If you need any legal assistance after a crash, you should contact a personal injury attorney in Denver.

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