Rules for Cycling

Rules for Cycling

Riding

With the exception of CU Police officers, bicyclists riding on campus streets and on bike paths must obey posted speed limits and traffic devices. Bicyclists riding on campus sidewalks and multi-use paths (including those on e-bikes) must yield the right of way to pedestrians and must ride at speeds safe for existing conditions.

Dismount Zones

Dismount zones are portions of the CU Boulder sidewalk system where bicycle riding, skateboarding and personal transportation devices are restricted. Marked pedestrian safety zones reduce the risk of injury to pedestrians along CU Boulders sidewalks. All cyclists and boarders must dismount and walk through the dismount zones. Dismount zone requirements help traffic flow effectively, especially during class changes.

Bicycle Parking

Bicycles must be parked in bicycle parking racks. Bicycles that create safety or environmental hazards or block access to handrails, ramps, parking meters, signage or building entrances may be issued citations and impounded.

Bike Lights

It is required by law on campus or within the泭City of Boulder that all cyclists riding after dusk must have a white泭front泭light and red rear reflector.

Bike Helmets

It is泭not required by law泭to wear a helmet on campus or within the泭City of Boulder, but we do recommend that all cyclists wear one while riding.泭

Registration

CU Boulder regulations require that bikes parked regularly on campus be registered.

Tips for Riding in Traffic

Use hand signals
Use hand signals diagram
  • Signal your intent to others; your movements affect them.
  • Signal as a matter of law, courtesy and self-protection.
  • The modern righthand turn signal is simply pointing to the right with your right hand. You may see others signaling with their left arm out at a 90 degree angle.
Ride predictably and in a straight line
ride in a straight line diagram
  • Either ride within the traffic lane or ride to the right of faster traffic.
  • Ride in a straight line and at least one car door's width from parked cars to avoid being doored, as parked drivers may open their car door without first checking for cyclists. Avoid hitting the door itself or bouncing into traffic after hitting an open car door.
Don't weave
hand signals diagram
  • Don't ride to the curb and weave between parked cars. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic.
Follow lane markings
follow lane markings diagram
  • Ride in the correct lane.
  • Going straight in a right turn only lane is dangerous.
  • If turning left, either use the left turning lane like a motorist or use the crosswalks like a pedestrian.泭
Choose the best left
left turn diagram

There are two ways to make a left turn:

  1. Like a motorist: Signal as you move into the left lane, then turn left. In a left turn only lane, stay to the right of the lane to allow any motorists behind to make their turn on your left.
  2. Like a pedestrian: Ride straight across to the far-side crosswalk. Make sure you are seen before entering the crosswalk. Remember that 8 is great. The City of Boulder requires riders to stay at 8 mph or less (think jogging speed) when riding through a crosswalk. You may also dismount and walk your bike.