In Colorado, bicycles are generally treated as vehicles and must adhere to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including speed limits. While there isn’t a separate, lower speed limit specifically for bicycles, cyclists are expected to ride at a “reasonable and prudent” speed, considering the conditions. This means they should adjust their speed based on factors like the road type, traffic, and weather.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- General Rule: Colorado law dictates that cyclists must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, as stated by the Colorado Department of Transportation (.gov).
- “Reasonable and Prudent”: When no specific speed limit is posted, cyclists should ride at a speed that is reasonable and prudent for the existing conditions.
- Minimum Speed: Similar to motor vehicles, cyclists are expected to maintain a minimum speed that doesn’t impede the flow of traffic, according to Daniel R. Rosen.
- Local Regulations: Some cities or municipalities may have additional rules, such as specific speed limits on multi-use paths or in parks, according to the City of Boulder (.gov). For example, Denver Parks and Recreation has enforced a 15 mph speed limit on certain trails, according to a Reddit thread.
- Safety Stop: Colorado has a “Safety Stop” law, which allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and proceed at a reasonable speed if no other traffic is present. They can also treat red lights as stop signs under similar conditions.
- Enforcement: While speed limits are generally enforced, the focus is often on ensuring cyclists are riding at a safe speed for the conditions, rather than strict adherence to a specific numerical limit in all situations.
eBike Classifications and Speeding
In the case of eBikes, the answer is simple. Yes, there should be speed limits on ebikes in Colorado. Colorado law classifies ebikes into three classes, with speed limits based on the class: Class 1 and 2 have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, while Class 3 can go up to 28 mph. These limits are in place to ensure safety and compatibility with existing infrastructure and regulations.
Is anyone enforcing these laws? Anecdotally, we can say no. I’m sure someone has an example when they have seen a cycling police offer on the trails but in our many years of operating, we have yet to see one and have never seen any enforcement. There is some signage but on the busy trails, it feels like survival of the fittest.
If an ebike exceeds the speed limits defined for its class, it could be reclassified as a moped or motorcycle, requiring registration, licensing, and potentially other regulations.
Local jurisdictions can create their own rules, potentially including lower speed limits or restrictions on where ebikes can be ridden. If this slower speed was adhered to and enforced on the Cherry Creek Bike path and te Boulder Creek path, that would be incredible safety improvement.
What do we do at Colroado eBike Tours to keep our cyclists safe on the tour?
Safety is our priority. Before you even sit on the bike, we get you fitted properly. The helmet and the bike will be sized to you, then we go over how to use the eBikes. In talking about the eBike features, we also cover the rules of the road and make sure everyone understands the way the guides will communicate with the group. We make sure the group gets it before encouraging a few test rides about the staging area.
The bikes and helmets are all blue, as are the shirts the guides wear. That helps Colorado eBike Tours stand out as a tour and communicates to cars and passerby’s that should yield to the group. This is not industry standard and is one of the many ways we are unique.
As far as the bikes go, they are serviced regularly. Tires wear down, screws loosen, things just need attention. One ever present challenge with eBiking in Colorado is that the brake pads need to be replaced, often. Riders use the brakes coming down the gorgeous hills and slowing themselves whenever they feel they need it. This is good, it is safe, and we want to be sure there are no issues.
If a rider ever feels like they can not continue on a tour, we will call them an car (lyft or uber), lock the bike up and come back for it later. We want everyone to have fun, if they are not feeling safe (for whatever reason), they can stop.
As much as we try to prevent it, occasionally accidents and incident do happen, it is part of being in this outdoor, adventure-focused industry. When and if something happens, we will address it directly and do our best to make things right.