Stunning mountain views and excellent local infrastructure make bicycling a popular Colorado pastime. The League of American Bicyclists consistently ranks Colorado among the ten most bike-friendly states in the U.S.
Unfortunately, Colorado is no stranger to serious bicycle accidents. More than a dozen cyclists are killed in Colorado bicycle accidents every year, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than half of cyclists killed in traffic collisions were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Helmets save lives. While there is no law in Colorado requiring riders of non-motorized bicycles to wear helmets, all cyclists should wear helmets to protect themselves. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident involving a motorist, you should understand your rights. Contact The Wilhite Law Firm for a free consultation about your legal rights. Keep reading to learn more about bicycle helmet laws in Colorado.
What Are the Bicycle Helmet Laws in Colorado?
Bicyclists have a right to use public roads and must obey traffic laws when doing so. Few state laws pertain specifically to bicycle helmets. There is no law requiring Colorado cyclists of any age to wear a helmet while riding a non-motorized bicycle.
However, state legislators have made protective bicycle helmets mandatory for all class 3 e-bike operators and passengers under the age of 18. A class 3 electrical assisted bicycle, or “e-bike,” is a motorized bicycle that can reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour.
Under § 42-4-1412 of the Colorado Revised Statutes, helmets for class 3 e-bike riders must conform to design and specification standards established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission or the American Society for Testing and Materials. Helmets must also be secured on the rider’s head by a chin strap anytime the e-bike is in motion.
Why Is It Important to Wear a Bicycle Helmet?
Bicycle helmets are important safety equipment for all riders, regardless of age, experience level, or bicycle type.
According to data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), approximately 75 percent of all cycling fatalities are a direct result of head and brain injuries. The head and brain are extremely vulnerable to violent impacts. In severe collisions, blunt-force trauma can cause permanent brain damage or fatal injuries.
By wearing a proper helmet, you can reduce the severity of potential head or brain injuries in a crash by as much as 88 percent. In other words, a helmet could save your life in the event of a bicycle accident.
A bicycle helmet typically comes with a hard outer shell and a crushable layer of foam lining the inside. When you hit your head, the helmet’s outer shell can shield you from the worst of the impact while the foam liner compresses inward. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, the helmet’s foam liner absorbs and dissipates the energy of a crash and delays the time it takes the head to come to a full stop by approximately six milliseconds. That’s enough to significantly reduce the force of an impact on the brain.
Helmets can’t prevent all head or brain trauma in a bicycle crash. However, the risk of death or permanent injury is much lower if you wear a well-made, properly-fitted helmet every time you ride.
What Should You Look for in a Bicycle Helmet?
The National Safety Council notes that cost is not a good indicator of a helmet’s effectiveness. In other words, just because a bicycle helmet is expensive or produced by a certain brand does not necessarily mean it is better at protecting you from harm.
However, helmet style does seem to be an important safety factor. For example, the longer, more streamlined construction of most “road helmets” tends to fare better upon impact than the rounder, thicker-shelled construction of “urban helmets.”
No matter which type of helmet you choose, the best helmet is a well-fitting, comfortable helmet that you’ll actually want to wear every time you ride. Even a top-of-the-line helmet will be utterly useless if you hate wearing it and leave it in your garage.
When you shop for a bicycle helmet, make sure the helmet is snug but not uncomfortably tight. Your head should gently compress the foam padding inside the helmet before you secure the straps. If you are between sizes, go with the larger size and use additional sizing pads to fine-tune the interior. Helmets made with reflective materials are a good idea for added visibility if you ride in low-light conditions.
When the straps are secured and tightened, the front edge of the helmet should be no more than one inch above your eyebrows. If the straps are fastened and the helmet moves back when you push it, the straps should be tightened. The straps should be snug enough to prevent the helmet from moving backward or side-to-side when fastened.
Make sure your chin strap is tight enough by trying to open your mouth halfway with the helmet straps securely fastened. If the chin strap is secure, you should feel the helmet pressing down on the top of your head as you open your mouth.
The helmet’s front and back straps should form a “V” just below and in front of your ears. If you can grab the back of the helmet and pull it toward the top of your head, you should shorten the straps in the back.
Keep in mind that even the best helmets have a limited lifespan. Over time, the inner foam lining will wear and become less effective. It’s a good idea to replace your helmet after any significant impact or at least once every five years.
Is It Illegal to Ride a Bike on a Sidewalk in Colorado?
Cyclists can ride their bikes in most places where motorists can drive or pedestrians can walk. This includes roadways, highway shoulders, and sidewalks in most areas. However, certain Colorado localities prohibit riding on sidewalks. If you’re unsure about the rules in your area, it’s a good idea to research local ordinances before you ride.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by a motorist in Denver or elsewhere in Colorado, the knowledgeable attorneys of The Wilhite Law Firm are ready to assist. Whether you were wearing a helmet at the time or not, our dedicated team can help you establish a strong claim and recover the compensation you need. Contact us today to learn more in a free initial case review.
