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.