In 2022, Colorado signed a traffic law that changes how bicyclists and scooter riders move through intersections. It’s called the Safety Stop Law, and it’s designed to help reduce crashes and improve safety on the road.
If you drive, bike, or ride a scooter in Colorado, here’s what you should know.
What Is the Colorado Safety Stop Law?
The Safety Stop Law allows people riding bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters to move through certain intersections differently than cars.
Under this law:
- Riders 15 years or older can treat stop signs like yield signs
- They must slow down and look for traffic
- They may continue through the intersection only when it is safe
- They must still give the right of way to cars and pedestrians
Riders may also treat red lights like stop signs, but only after fully stopping and checking for traffic.
This law applies to low-speed devices like bicycles, electric scooters, and similar personal transportation devices.
For a free legal consultation, call (303) 465-8733
Why Did Colorado Pass This Law?
Many bicycle and scooter crashes happen at intersections. Supporters of the law say that allowing riders to safely move through an intersection can reduce the risk of being hit by a car.
According to a recent report by 9NEWS, the goal of the Safety Stop Law is to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes involving vulnerable road users.
Drivers should expect to see bicyclists and scooter riders slowing down — but not fully stopping — at stop signs when it is safe to do so. This behavior is now legal under Colorado law.
However, riders must still act responsibly. If a rider fails to yield, ignores traffic, or causes a crash, they can still be held accountable.
Drivers can help prevent accidents by:
- Slowing down at intersections
- Watching carefully for bikes and scooters
- Staying alert and patient on the road
Safety Still Comes First
The Safety Stop Law does not give bicyclists or scooter riders the right to ignore traffic rules. Everyone on the road must continue to follow right-of-way laws and act with care.
When a crash happens, determining fault can be confusing — especially with new laws in place.
Injured in a Bike, Scooter, or Car Accident?
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle, e-bike, scooter, or car accident, you may have legal options. Insurance companies may not fully explain your rights or responsibilities.
Jordan Law is here to help. Our bicycle injury lawyers guide injured individuals through the legal process and fight for fair compensation.
Contact Jordan Law today for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights.