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Bike Ambassadorship 101

Every time you bike, you represent the community of people who bike; be a good ambassador by being courteous and following some basic rules of the road. You can find comprehensive rules of the road on Bicycle Colorado’s webpage, linked below.

However, here is a basic list of reminders from our eBike Program training sessions to get you started:

Bicycle Colorado Rules of the Road Web Page
Smart Commute Online Bike Map

Basic Rules of the Road & Best Practices

In Colorado, motorists and cyclists share the road. Bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey the same rules as motorists. Make sure you know your own community’s bike laws.

Riding in mixed traffic:

  • Ride single file in the same direction as other vehicles
  • Use designated bike lanes, where available
  • Establish your place in traffic lanes with cars, to watch for turn signals
  • Ride far enough from the curb or edge of the pavement to avoid hitting it
  • Signal your move to others (learn more at CSU’s page on bike hand signals)
  • When entering any street or intersection, check for traffic by looking left-right-left and making direct eye contact with any nearby drivers
  • Consider the crosswalk if it is available — Dismount and cross the street
  • Finally, be an ambassador: when you are safely stopped in traffic or crossing a street, make eye contact and give drivers around you a smile

Riding on designated bike paths, trails, and in communities that allow bikes on sidewalks:

  • Travel at a safe speed — 15 mph is the law for bikes in Colorado
  • Yield to pedestrians
  • Ride single file
  • Ride on the far right-side of the path, unless passing
  • Finally, be an ambassador: When passing another person who is walking or biking, alert them in advance by ringing a bell, and then, speaking up in a calm, but loud voice stating “passing on your left/right”

Whether you are riding on a city street, designated bike lane, bike trail or path, always:

  • Be Seen: Wear bright colors during the day, reflective clothing at night, and use lights and reflectors
  • Be Defensive: Never assume that a motorist sees you
  • Be Predictable: Do not swerve in and out of parked cars
  • Be Considerate: Yield to people on foot
  • Be Courteous: Go slow at crossings, and when passing others
  • Be Prudent: Know how to use the Colorado Safety Stop
  • Be Vigilant: Report aggressive drivers to the Colorado State Patrol with *277
  • Be Communicative: Use bells and a calm, friendly voice when passing others, make eye contact with drivers, and use hand signals and gestures to indicate your intent
  • Be Careful: Do what you feel will keep you safe, including biking with traffic, turning around to find a different route if you are suddenly in a stressful situation; wearing a helmet, bike gloves, and sunglasses are also good ideas
  • Be An Ambassador for people biking in our community!