There was a recent public debate over whether the Colorado General Assembly should pass Senate Bill 93 (SB 93). The bill would have allowed cyclists to roll through stop signs at a reasonable speed while yielding to vehicles and pedestrians. Cyclists could also treat red lights like stop signs. Proponents and opponents of the legislation presented their arguments before the bill died in the transportation committee. However, the debate between the two groups did show that Coloradoans have vastly different views on how to prevent bicycle accidents involving vehicles.

Cyclists in support of SB 93 claimed it would help prevent accidents. They argued that taking too long to merge into traffic or to cross an intersection increases the risk of a collision. Supporters also cited studies supporting their views. According to research conducted by the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, Idaho reduced bicycle accidents involving vehicles by 14.5 percent one year after enacting similar legislation. Colorado lawmakers modeled SB 93 after Idaho’s law. Proponents of the law call rolling through stop signs the “Idaho stop.”

Opponents of the bill claim SB 93 would create confusion for motorists at intersections. Specifically, there would be conflicting expectations for motorists and cyclists. There were also concerns about how cyclists would interpret the potential law, and whether the Idaho stop would be abused. Some opponents wanted to enact stricter regulations for cyclists at red lights and stop signs.

How Would You Prevent Bicycle Accidents Involving Vehicles?

Many cities in Colorado have created bicycle lanes to promote cycling as a popular means of transportation. With a greater number of cyclists on the road, there are more opportunities for accidents. Do you believe Colorado lawmakers could do more to make cycling a safer mode of transportation in our state? What would you do if you were in charge?

Let us know what you think by connecting with the Colorado personal injury attorneys at Metier Law Firm, LLC on Facebook.