Not two minutes later, you approach two cyclists riding side-by-side. One of them notices your approach and looks ahead seeing another oncoming car. They drift back and behind the first rider. With the 12- to 16-foot wide lane, you pass leaving that three-foot space between you and them and don’t have to leave the lane. You observe the oncoming motorist is kind enough to use the outer section of their lane.

As you approach the intersection of two highways, you notice another one of those dawdling nuisances who appears quite spent. They look back, hang their hand to the left and move over to the lane marked for left turn only. They look up to see the yellow light turn red. You think to yourself, “Holy cow, they stopped!” Both of you, waiting an eternity for the full cycle of the light sequence, look around at the magnificent surroundings. The turn arrow lights up. The rider looks both ways as they clip in and start off. You notice they ride right down the middle of the lane before again hanging their left arm out for a moment before grabbing their brakes, waiting for an oncoming motorist to pass before turning into a parking lot.

Later, as you head out of town, you see a red flash in front of you. Since your headlights automatically light up when it gets dark, you deduce it is a reflector you see. Sure enough, yet another dawdling nuisance who appears to be chugging away is in front of you. They must have been 600-feet away when you first noticed the flash of red. As you get closer, you chuckle to yourself. This rider apparently is not trying to disappear. They have reflectors on other parts of their bicycle, reflective clothing, and one of those annoying light cannons flashing away up front. You pass, noting it takes quite a while (at least 500-feet) before the front light isn’t visible.

Suddenly, you hear sirens and see flashing behind you. With a resigned sigh, you pull over and wait. During the racing thoughts of what the unmarked car with lights and sirens might be headed to, you notice (now that your mirror isn’t vibrating), that annoying light flashing away in a stationary position at the edge of the road well behind you.

Totally dumfounded by your observations today, you signal to re-enter the roadway after the unmarked car passes. One of those annoying voices inside your head is chattering away. You think out loud, “That went pretty well… All of my friends — those that think the worst of cyclists and those who think the worst of motorists — will think I’m full of fantasy.”

The next morning, out of curiosity, you peruse the Colorado Bicycling Manual: A Guide to Safe Bicycling. As you read, a bit of amusement overcomes you because everything from yesterday’s bicycle encounters is noted there. It turns out you, and the bicyclists you encountered, did everything correctly. More curious than usual, you look up the related Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.).

What you read leads you to believe that both bicycles and cars have equivalent legal consideration. Both share the same rights and responsibilities while using roadways. A flash of your memory reminds to an image at the museum of a bicycle hanging off a stagecoach. “I guess those human-powered, dawdling nuisances have been around a while,” pokes that internal voice again.

So that you remember which statutes to read over the next couple days, you write down the following C.R.S. numbers: 42-4-204, 42-4-221, 42-4-802, 42-4-803, 42-4-901, 42-4-903, 42-4-1002, 42-4-1007, 42-4-1412, and 18-9-116.

Background

This educational article is part of a weekly series through the month of June — part of “Colorado Bike Month.” Bike to Work, Bike to Play events are sponsored by the Town of Estes Park, Estes Park Medical Center, Estes Valley Recreation and Park District, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park Cycling Coalition, Estes Valley Library, and the Estes Park Marathon. For more information on Bike to Work, Bike to Play events please visit visitestespark.com. For more Town news or to sign up for email updates, please visit estes.org. More news at facebook.com/townofestesparkco and twitter.com/townofestespark

By Mark Kougl, Rocky Mountain National Park

1. Ride On Open Trails Only.
Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

2. Leave No Trace.
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle!
Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

4. Always Yield Trail.
Let your fellow trail users know you’re coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don’t startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.

5. Never Scare Animals.
All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them or as marked.

6. Plan Ahead.
Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding — and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.

• Use common sense and courtesy on the trail
• Always ride, walk and skate on the right side of the trail
• Obey traffic control signs and markings on trail
• Pass on the left, when the trail is clear of traffic
• Give audible warning before overtaking other trail users
  • Ring your bike bell
  • Loudly and clearly call out “Passing”
• Listen up! Headphones prevent you from hearing warnings
• Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops
• Do not stop on the trail in the way of other users
• Ride single file so that other user may pass safely
• Look for traffic before entering trail
• Watch for the unexpected, especially with kids or dogs
• Slow down when the trail is crowded and travel at speeds that are safe and appropriate to trail conditions