Drive a car? Ride a bike? Read this.

New statewide law impacts how bicyclists treat red lights and stop signs

If you drive a car or ride a bicycle, there is a new law for you to know.

Gov. Jared Polis on April 13 signed legislation that allows bicyclists over 15 years old to treat traffic signals as stop signs and stop signs as yield signs. More commonly known as the Colorado Safety Stop or the Idaho Stop, the law is effective immediately.

Here’s what to know:

The law includes those on bicycles, electric scooters, or other human-powered vehicles (Segways, for example)
The law applies to bicyclists who are 15 years old or older, or accompanied by an adult
At red traffic signals, bicyclists may proceed after stopping, even if the signal remains red. They may not stop and then turn left unless at the intersection of one-way streets
At stop signs, bicyclists may yield without stopping but must be traveling 10 mph or slower

Drivers and bicyclists look twice at intersections and watch out for each other.

The Colorado Department of Transportation is charged with updating the Colorado Driver Handbook and providing educational materials to schools for those under 18 years old.

For other bicycle safety resources, visit CDOT’s website.

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Drive a car? Ride a bike? Read this.

Your County. Your News. Get it first.