Cycling safety in Colorado

Crash data

14 cyclist fatalities in 2024 .

In 2024, 14 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle crashes in Colorado, about 2% of the state's 689 traffic deaths, according to IIHS Fatality Facts 2024 (which is built on NHTSA FARS data). A clean, single statewide cyclist-injury total for the latest year could not be confirmed from an official source, so injuries are left null.

Official reports & data:

Cycling rules in Colorado

Helmets: No statewide bicycle helmet law for any age. The only helmet mandate is for e-bikes: anyone under 18 operating or riding a Class 3 e-bike must wear a helmet. (source)
Passing distance: Colorado's 3-foot law requires drivers (and motorcyclists) to give at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist or e-bike rider; if there isn't room, they must slow and stay behind until it is safe to pass. (source)
Safety Stop (stop-as-yield / Idaho stop): A statewide Safety Stop law took effect in 2022 (HB22-1028). Riders 15 and older may treat stop signs as yield signs (slow to about 10 mph or less and yield) and treat red lights as stop signs (stop first, then proceed or turn when clear). You must still yield to traffic and pedestrians. (source)
E-bikes: Colorado uses the 3-class system. Class 1 (pedal-assist) and Class 2 (throttle) are limited to 20 mph; Class 3 (pedal-assist, requires a speedometer) is limited to 28 mph. You must be at least 16 to operate a Class 3 e-bike (under-16 riders may ride as passengers), and under-18 Class 3 riders must wear a helmet. (source)
Lights & reflectors at night: From sunset to sunrise or in low visibility, a bike must have a white front light visible from 500 feet, a red rear reflector visible from 600 feet, and side reflective material/lamps visible from 600 feet. (source)
Direction of travel / where to ride: Ride in the same direction as traffic. Cyclists generally keep to the right third of the lane or use bike lanes/shoulders, but may take the full lane to avoid hazards, be visible, prepare to turn, or on one-way roads. (source)
Sidewalk riding: There is no statewide rule; sidewalk riding is governed by local ordinance, so it varies by city and town. Where allowed, cyclists have the rights and duties of pedestrians and must yield to people on foot. (source)

Cities and counties often add their own rules (for example, where you can ride on sidewalks or boardwalks). Check the local ordinance for the specific town you're visiting.

Resources

Bike-friendly destinations in Colorado

Ride these with the rules above in mind:

In an emergency in the U.S., call 911. Read our general bike safety guide →