What Are Colorado’s Laws Regarding Helmets for Cycling?
Riding a bicycle in Colorado is an excellent pastime that many locals and tourists partake in. The beautiful landscape and terrain offer many opportunities to exercise and enjoy the outdoors but may also bring challenges when bicycle accidents occur. There are different ways to keep safe and use caution as a Colorado cyclist, and wearing a bicycle helmet is essential.
Although Colorado bicycle laws do not express any rules for wearing helmets, many injuries may be avoided in the case of a bicycle accident while wearing head protection. At Mintz Law Firm, our skilled Denver bicycle accident lawyer can help you after an accident and help you understand your rights in filing a personal injury claim.
Colorado Laws for Riding a Bicycle
In Colorado, state laws explain pedestrians and cyclists’ right of way at intersections, sidewalks, and bike lanes. However, no rules and regulations are in place for enforcing bicycle helmets while riding throughout the state. This does not mean that bicycle helmets are not essential, as many injured individuals have seen the benefits in wearing a helmet while bike riding when encountering an accident.
Permissible Bicycling in Colorado
When riding a standard bicycle in Colorado, cyclists are treated equally to drivers of motorized vehicles on all public roads and streets. According to Colorado Statute 42-4-1412, cyclists are permitted to ride on roads and streets, but not on highways. Riding no more than two abreast is also allowed if it does not impede traffic. Cyclists must ride on roads and not on sidewalks in Denver and most cities. Keeping at least one hand on the handlebars is always required when cycling. A bicycle is also to be ridden by one person only unless the make and design of the bike are built to carry more than one person.
Electric Bicycle Laws in Colorado
Although standard bicycles are permitted without wearing a helmet, there are different rules and regulations for electric bikes, identified as ‘class 3 assisted electric bicycles’.
Under statute 42-4-1412, any person or passenger is not allowed to operate or ride a class 3 bicycle unless:
“…(I) each person under eighteen years of age is wearing a protective helmet of a type and design manufactured for use by operators of bicycles;
(II) the protective helmet conforms to the design and specifications set forth by the united states consumer product safety commission or the American society for testing and materials; and
(III) the protective helmet is secured properly on the person’s head with a chin strap while the class 3 electrical assisted bicycle is in motion…”
People may ride standard bicycles without a helmet; however, a personal injury lawsuit leaves room for negligence on behalf of the injured party because they chose not to use added protection. A skilled attorney can help you in a personal injury case following a bicycle accident.
Do I Need to Wear a Bicycle Helmet While Cycling in Colorado?
While the law may not enforce wearing a helmet while cycling, cyclists need to use headgear and have added protection in the case of an accident. Without a helmet, severe accidents with vehicles, pedestrians, and motorized vehicles may lead to serious injury for a cyclist.
Benefits of Wearing a Helmet While Riding a Bicycle
Regardless of whether you are near the road or in a proper cycling lane, wearing a bicycle helmet can prevent serious injuries. Although cycling is a prevalent and healthy method of transportation, it also contributes to plenty of hospitalizations and fatalities worldwide. In a systematic review of bicycle helmet research, results showed a 63–88% reduction in the risk of head, brain, and severe brain injury for all ages of bicyclists involved in different kinds of accidents.
Here are some benefits of wearing a helmet while Cycling in Colorado:
- Reduced risk of head and face injuries
- Reduced risk of traumatic brain and spinal cord injury
- Leaves no room for bicyclist negligence in a personal injury case
The best way to enjoy cycling in Colorado is by practicing safety measures that reduce the risk of serious injury. Children and adults need added protection in crowded and busy cities while bike riding, even if it is not illegal to ride without a helmet. If you have been injured in a Colorado bicycle accident, our expert lawyer at Mintz Law Firm can help you gather the information you need for a successful personal injury case.
Call Mintz Law Firm for Skilled Legal Representation after a Denver Bicycle Accident
At Mintz Law Firm, our skilled attorneys bring years of experience to any Colorado bicycle accident case. We understand our state laws and how to provide the expert legal defense our clients need while recovering from their injuries. You may contact us by filling out our contact form or calling (303) 462-2999 to schedule a free consultation.