bicycles banned in Colorado?

[tulip]

Interstate riding depends on the state. I've ridden for 13 miles on I-10 in Arizona, although I don't recommend it. I've seen cyclists on the interstates in New Mexico, too.

I've never been to Colorado, so I can't comment specifically. But around here, the cycling groups are very careful to ride in small, single file groups so as not to antagonize motorists. We want to be safe and welcomed. I just wonder if their are large groups of cyclists in Colorado who actually do block the roads. Anyone?

[kfergos]

I don't know about other states, but here's a map showing where bikes are NOT allowed on interstates in Washington state: Google map. The interesting thing to me is how much of major freeways are, in fact, open to bicyclists if they so desire.

On the closing certain roads to cyclists: It seems like the issue is more the conflict between bikes and cars that needs to be addressed in general, rather than banning bikes from particular roads. Bicyclists need to use common sense to not put themselves in unduly dangerous situations and to be courteous to faster-moving vehicles; but drivers also should realize that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as a driver -- and that should include the option to use all roads. Whether or not a bicyclists chooses to exercise that right on particular roads is a matter of common sense for the rider.

[beccaB]

Interstate riding depends on the state. I've ridden for 13 miles on I-10 in Arizona, although I don't recommend it. I've seen cyclists on the interstates in New Mexico, too.

I've never been to Colorado, so I can't comment specifically. But around here, the cycling groups are very careful to ride in small, single file groups so as not to antagonize motorists. We want to be safe and welcomed. I just wonder if their are large groups of cyclists in Colorado who actually do block the roads. Anyone?

Yes, I was in Aspen one summer and large groups of cyclists blocked a twisting winding road. It was obviously an elite group training, and I tried to see if there was anyone famous, but they would not get single file or two by two. I had mixed feelings about it at the time.

[Mr. Bloom]

As long as it's well marked with restrictions approved in an open "due process" with well defined guidelines, I agree that this should be OK.

Using Andrea's example in Memphis, there are other convenient and safer routes for a cyclist. In addition, if it's the same one I'm thinking of, it's also confusing enough for cars with lanes that change direction based on the time of day. It would be fool hardy for a cyclist to stubbornly exercise their right there.

[TrekTheKaty]

I just got back from Boulder on vacation. The trip started with a heated discussion with the in-laws while DRIVING about cyclists on the road. I was surprised to see this hostility in Colorado--I thought it would be a bike friendly place--but I sensed tension.

Cycling in Colorado is VERY popular, and for many cyclists, their only mode of transportation. I rode around with my head hanging out the window like a puppy dog, trying to take in all the different bicycle makes, models and jerseys.

A road outside Lyons is being repaved. As a result, a three-lane road is now a two-lane road with no shoulder. There were numerous construction signs, saying "No bicycles" and "bicycle detour" well before this section of road (that was a new one!). However, by BIL encountered a cyclist recently and he had to slow and ride behind him for quite some time, resulting a over a 1/2 mile-long back up. When BIL finally got an opportunity to pass, the cyclists flipped him off (BIL's version). Now if this is a true story, the cyclists was in the wrong, by riding on a busy road with no shoulder that was specifically designated "construction, no bicycles"--with detours clearly posted. However, if you LIVE on this road and this is your sole mode of transportation, I can see the cyclists frustration.

Of course, BIL didn't understand why the cyclist didn't ride on the part of the road under construction, which looked like the equivalent of the rumble strips on the side on highways. We explained that wasn't practical, and the cyclist has a right to the road--BUT can they post, "No Bicycles"? Good question..........

As a tax payer, I have issues with being restricted from public-use roads--however, apparently in Colorado, if you don't own a car, you aren't contributing to maintaining the roads? (I don't know if that's true, but an interesting thing to research)

We took time to explain that we DO ride on the road at home, but not long stretches without shoulders. And that cyclists do have a right to be on the road--reminding them that it could be their FAMILY on that bicycle, which seemed to make them think a little.

Can anyone from this area explain? Solo? Martian?

[IFjane]

I live in VA but ride in CO every year. I ride out of Denver & I sense that most of the hostility is more up toward Boulder. I rode quite a bit in Jeffco this summer and did not have one bit of trouble. One day I was on some narrow canyon roads, too (don't know the route number but I am referring to the road that goes from Morrison by Red Rocks). I rode through Golden to Red Rocks and from there to Kerr Gulch Rd., then took that to Bergen Park. You locals should know what I am talking about. From Bergen Park I took I-70 to the next exit (Chief Hosa) & the frontage road down and then back to Golden...and back to Denver.

Regarding riding on I-70, the attached picture is me riding on I-70 toward Loveland Pass just a couple weeks ago.

[Kathi]

Many of these roads are used for training rides by local clubs and are heavily used on weekends and evenings. I don't think the problem is as bad on weekdays.

[Anathema]

I was surprised to see this hostility in Colorado--I thought it would be a bike friendly place--but I sensed tension...

We took time to explain that we DO ride on the road at home, but not long stretches without shoulders.

Can anyone from this area explain? Solo? Martian?

I live about 40 miles north of Boulder/Lyons. Up here, the problem is if you want to travel any kind of distance (say commute from one town to another 15-20 miles away) all of our roads that go anywhere are two lane roads with no shoulders. The speed limits on these roads range from 40-55 MPH, but I don't think anyone observes the 40ish limits. I don't personally have the nerve (yet? I hope) to try my luck with riding in the wild, but as a driver, the cyclists on our roads terrify me. The county roads that connect our towns are not so heavily traveled that it's impossible to veer around them, but there are times that you do have to follow someone for a little way before oncoming traffic opens up, and God help the driver of the car the waits until they feel they can pass safely against all the people piling up behind her, not to mention the cyclist herself.

I can't imagine it would ever happen, because of the expense, but I wish they could build parallel cycleways, actually offset from the main road, to allow everyone to travel more safely. I think putting up "Share the Road" signs on busy roads that don't have room for both kinds of traffic just invites resentment.

[canonsue]

I actually live along the route that is the center of this dispute. It is the Deer Creek Canyon/High Grade/City View Dr./S. Turkey Creek route. I live on City View Drive.

I agree with much of what Kathi has written. There are some cyclists who's behaviors are aggravating the problem. There are some residents whose reactions to these behaviors and cyclists on the road seem extreme.

The solution that might satisfy both sides would be expensive and that is widening the road for a cyclist lane. Even that, I am not sure that it would completely calm tempers.

I have friends that live along Deer Creek Canyon and they were telling me that some of their neighbors are so livid over the cyclists that they fear that some day violence will break out.

-Sue

[Eden]

I have friends that live along Deer Creek Canyon and they were telling me that some of their neighbors are so livid over the cyclists that they fear that some day violence will break out.

-Sue

The really crazy thing is that it is over a little bit of slowing down.... It's very odd, but sometimes otherwise reasonable, rational people become raging, thoughtless monsters when they get behind the wheel of a car.... I think it may have been Bob Moiske (the guy who writes the legal column in Bicycling) that talked about how the car in American society is a symbol of personal freedom - you can go where ever you want, but often the reality is that you are sitting in traffic and rushing from obligation to obligation. It's not freedom at all...... When the reality doesn't fit the dream people become irrational and angry.

I do more of my riding in the city, but experience some of the same craziness in the here (with even less purpose as there is always an opportunity to pass within 30 seconds or less) - people who get soooooo mad if they can't get around you (or must *gasp*, turn their steering wheel a little) to get to the next red light quicker. Not that they don't fume and grumble if they get caught behind a bus or if someone wants to make a left hand turn, or someone wants to cross the street, but the problem is that cyclists are vulnerable and for some reason it is socially acceptable to blame everything on us and to threaten us. You probably wouldn't find anyone willing to try to side swipe a city bus (or on a country road a motorhome) to teach it a lesson... nor would it be particularly acceptable to rev ones engine at little Billy and Suzie in the crosswalk, but many motorists are perfectly fine with doing pretty dangerous and despicable things around cyclists. It's like the playground - the bigger kids think its just fine to bully the small ones and most people turn a blind eye.

I just get tired of it. Speed limits are just that, upper limits, not the slowest one is allowed to travel. Non motorized transportation has just as much right to use the roads as cars do (and yes even if you don't own a car your taxes still pay for the roads - in WA state at least, it is property tax that pays for most of the local roads, so you can be car free and you are still paying your fair share - in fact with the damage cars do to roads those who choose to not use them are subsidizing those who do...). No one has the right to endanger another person, just because their presence means you have to slow down for a little while.

[TrekTheKaty]

Haha! I love it when they put "share the road signs" up on some narrow, no-shoulder, high-speed, busy road--like that makes it OK!

[OakLeaf]

I like it even better when the "share the road" signs have been run over by cars...

[Kathi]

Most of the motorists in Colorado are very friendly to cyclists. The problem is, here in Jefferson County and other mountainous areas of Colorado there are no other routes. These roads are narrow, windy, long climbs with no shoulders. Put 2,000 cyclist on them with cars and there are issues. Motorists are in a hurry and drive way to fast, cyclist slow them down and refuse to share the road.

On rides that attract a large number many cyclists think they own the road and will not give the right of way to cars. Motorists believe cyclists have no right on the roads.

I have toured much of this country, mostly in the midwest and east have been appalled at the behavior of cyclists that I have seen here so it's no wonder motorists get frustrated. Throughout the summer many large organized rides go through the same small towns year after year and impede traffic. The motorist get frustrated at the violations they see from the cyclists. The highway patrol tries to warn the cyclists but they pay no attention. I don't know if these cyclists are residents of Colorado or tourists. Plus, this state attracts many tourists who come here for the challenge of riding the kind of terrain we have here and I think they forget they have to obey traffic laws.

If any legislative action takes place it will take a state lawmaker to propose it, nothing will happen until 2010. Bicycle Colorado is promoting education and safety vs. bans. Shoulders on these roads will make them safer for everyone including motorists. Riding single file when there is traffic or 2 abreast when there is none will help the flow of traffic.

In Colorado, as in most states, property taxes maintain county roads, not gasoline taxes, so cyclists have just a much a right to the roads as motorists. In the Denver area when there is construction and it affects a bike route there is a detour for the cyclists. And, yes, we do have areas that are not considered safe and an alternative route is designated for the cyclist. One is near where I live and even though it is a sidewalk it is much safer than trying to climb the hill with limited visibility and a whole line of traffic behind me.

In Colorado cyclists are only permitted on interstates if there is no other route. This is very common in Western states. Generally shoulders are very wide and traffic isn't much of a concern.

Bicycle Colorado is a very strong advocate group for cyclists in Colorado and I'm sure they will get this worked out in a reasonable manner.