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Conflict on the road between bicyclists and drivers intensifies after bill signing
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Drivers and cyclists on Colorado roads had had difficulty sharing the road in the past, sometimes with tragic consequences. Legislators sought to clarify the logistics of bicycles and vehicles road-sharing with the recent bicycle safety bill, set to take effect on August 5. The new rules, however, are rekindling hostilities between cyclists and drivers, especially on narrow, winding mountain roads.
According to Boulder County Sheriff Joe Pelle, complaints about cyclists have recently increased in mountain towns, with some residents reporting that bicyclists are riding in the middle of the road, refusing to pull to the side to let vehicles pass. On the other hand, some drivers are passing dangerously close to cyclists or honking ad nauseam. Of course, most drivers and cyclists obey the law, but the few who choose to reveal their frustration on the road are making the situation more difficult for everybody.
Another source of aggravation is the fact that the new bicycle safety law was passed to protect cyclists, but the wording of the bill has left law enforcement agents with little options if a cyclist is being uncooperative. "There's nothing we can do about it," Pelle said. "Essentially, this law takes away our ability to enforce anything."
Some requirements of the new law are:
- Drivers must always allow three feet between the vehicle and the cyclist and cannot pass a cyclist without the appropriate clearance.
- Cyclists must drive as far to the right as is safe. (Before, cyclists were required to ride as far to right as possible.)
- Drivers can’t drive too close to cyclists or drive “in a threatening manner toward or near a bicyclist.”
- Cyclists may ride two abreast if they aren't obstructing traffic.
- Drivers cannot throw objects at or otherwise taunt bicyclists
The rules seem like common sense, and the majority of drivers and riders agree that both sides have a right to the road, and common courtesy is imperative for everyone.
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