Intersections are by far the most dangerous locations for bicyclists. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, more than 72 percent of reported crashes between bicyclists and motorists were intersection-related. This summer, the ‘Safety Stop’ bill was signed into law, making it legal for low-speed conveyances (cyclists, scooters, etc.) to treat stop signs like yield signs and proceed through intersections after slowing to check traffic.
In July of 2022, Governor Polis signed into law the 'Safety Stop' bill, which makes it legal for low-speed conveyances (and cyclists) to treat stop signs like yield signs and proceed through intersections after slowing to check traffic.
Low-speed conveyances are small profile, low-speed vehicles (bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters (not including mopeds, wheelchairs).
The Safety Stop is a way for low-speed conveyances to cross at intersections when they have the right of way. The maneuver allows people riding these vehicles to treat stop signs as yield signs and treat stop lights as stop signs.
Intersections are by far the most dangerous locations for bicyclists. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, between 2017-2019, more than 72 percent of reported crashes between bicyclists and motorists were 'intersection-related'. When bicyclists are removed from the conflict zone, their safety improves. Research shows the Safety Stop:
- Reduces interactions between motorists and bicyclists in intersections
- Reduces crashes in intersections.
- Increases the visibility of bicyclists in the intersections.
- Reduces the number of bicyclist-only injuries associated with starting and stopping on a bicycle.
For more information and additional rules of the road for cyclists and motorists, visit: www.bicyclecolorado.org/ride-colorado/rules-of-the-road/