Sustainability Spotlight - June 2022 - The Colorado Safety Stop: A New Law for Bicyclists at Intersections
The Colorado Safety Stop is a statewide safety-enhancing policy that allows bicyclists to perform a “safety stop” at intersections by treating stop signs as yield signs and treating stop lights as stop signs when the intersection is clear and they have the right of way.
What is the Colorado Safety Stop?
- Bicyclists can yield and then proceed through stop sign-controlled intersections at up to 10 miles per hour. Younger bicyclists (under age 15) must be accompanied by an adult to perform this maneuver.
- Bicyclists can make a complete stop at a stop light and then proceed through an intersection on a red light if there is no oncoming cross traffic or crossing pedestrians. Left turns onto any two-way streets are exempted under the new law.
- Intersections with bicyclist-specific lights or signs that prohibit the maneuver are exempt from The Colorado Safety Stop.
This law applies to small profile, low-speed vehicles that people use for transportation and recreation, including bicycles and electric bicycles, electric scooters (not including mopeds), and wheelchairs.
With nearly 3/4 of all bicycle-driver crashes occurring at intersections, the Safety Stop helps to prevent crashes between bicyclists and drivers where they happen the most. Other states have proven that getting bicyclists out of intersections faster reduces crashes. For example, Idaho saw a nearly 15% bicycle-driver crash reduction in the year after adopting the Safety Stop, while Delaware saw a 23% drop bicycle-driver crashes in the 30 months after adopting the bill compared to the 30 months before adopting the bill.
It is good for both bicyclists and drivers to be aware of this new safe and legal option for bicyclists to proceed through intersections. As we enter the summer months and as gas prices rise, more people ride bicycles. One of the most efficient and environmentally friendly modes of self-powered transportation, bicycle riding minimizes fossil fuel use, reduces pollution, and promotes health and well-being.
For more information on the Colorado Safety Stop:
https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-pulse/2022/may/all-about-the-colorado-safety-stop
https://www.codot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-pulse/2022/may/assets/safety-stop-pamphlet-final.pdf
https://www.bicyclecolorado.org/get-involved/take-action/current-issues/
https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2022A/bills/2022a_1028_rer.pdf
June Sustainability Updates:
The Fall Garden In A Box Sale begins on June 21! The City of Wheat Ridge is offering $25 discounts to the first 20 residents to purchase a garden kit. Fall is a great time to plant and a fantastic way to enjoy the cooler temperatures. These garden kits are expected to sell out quickly, so make sure to get your order in once the sale starts! Shop today at ResourceCentral.org/Gardens
