Idaho Stops: How New Law Changes Rules for Bicycles and Drivers Alike
In the wake of an unprecedented Supreme Court Leak, and the most publicly broadcasted defamation trial ever, a drastic change to Colorado driving law has flown under the radar. Prior to April 13, 2022 Colorado Revised Statutes § 42-4-1412.5 allowed a county or a city to make certain allowances for bicycle riders to avoid abiding by traffic control devices as motorized vehicles do. The default prior to this bill was that bicycle riders must stop at stop signs and stop lights and treat them the way they would if driving a car or truck. Now a local government does not have to adopt the change, but across the state it has instead been enacted. Stop lights, while red, are essentially treated as a stop sign now for bicyclists, they have to stop, look both ways and then may proceed. Stop signs are essentially treated as yield signs, as long as no one is coming, a bicycle can proceed on through.
This significant changes has stirred up a lot background concern. Some argue that bicyclists have been doing this anyway, so nothing will really change. “I don’t think this will cause massive change on our streets because this has been a common safe behavior for many bicyclists already,” said Jack Todd with Bicycle Colorado. Others have concerns about how this is going to be enforced. Many 15- and 16-year-olds don’t carry ID, but the law allows them to take advantage of the change. It’s also hard to tell how police are going to isolate those who aren’t 15 years or older, who are not able to take advantage.
Under current law, the vulnerable road user offense targets those who injure a cyclist who is legally operating on the road. Many Coloradans aren’t aware of this change and may not expect a cyclists to behave in this manner. A guilty verdict for that charge results in an automatic suspension. This could lead to an increase in cyclist injuries and death, from drivers who don’t know about the new law, only time will tell.
If you have been injured in any accident, including while riding a bike and taking advantage of the new change, our dedicated legal team can help with an injury settlement for the harm done to you and the pain that it caused, contact the experienced car accident injury lawyers at Bell & Pollock, P.C today for a free consultation.
