Cycling tours and race events arrive with the onset of warm spring weather for communities across the region, and roads become training grounds for many athletes.
Colorado Department of Transportation was prompted to remind cyclists, after recent incidents within multiple construction projects were observed by traffic control personnel, that they are subject to the same traffic laws as motorized vehicles.
Cyclists were recently reported riding through work zones while traffic was stopped to avoid delays, which are required in the course of intermittent construction activity.
“This endangers both the bicyclists and the construction workers,” said Jo Heinlein, CDOT Traffic and Safety Program Manager. “When traffic stops are enforced, that means workers and equipment need space and time to carry out the activity of the construction site. These stops are typically short in duration.”
Cyclists must stop along with the rest of traffic when flaggers signal to do so.
When traffic is released, motorized vehicles will be released first, and cyclists will follow in the rear of the queue; this is the fastest, safest and most efficient way to facilitate motorists and cyclists through the work zone.
An additional reminder: it is written in Colorado State Law that, “Every person riding a bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle” and “riders shall comply with the rules set forth when using streets and highways within incorporated cities and towns.”
For more information about Colorado’s bicycling laws, visit www.colobikelaw.com.
fstone@durangoherald.com
