Is it Legal for a Cyclist to Cross the Center Yellow Line to Pass a Car?

A few days ago we got this inquiry from a law enforcement friend who wanted our take on this issue:

“Hey Megan - quick ? if I may on something we were debating: If a motorist can cross a double-yellow (when safe) to pass a slower bicyclist, can a bicyclist cross a double-yellow to pass (when safe) a slower motorist? Example, Going down Lookout Mountain, and a car slows at the speedbump, and the bicyclist behind the car takes the opportunity to pass the car but crosses the double-yellow to do so.”

That’s a negative, ghost-rider.

A motorist is given the right to cross the center yellow line to overtake a cyclist in the context of the 3-foot law. C.R.S. 42-4-1005 describes limitations on overtaking on the left, and states that its mandates do NOT apply:

(d) To the driver of a vehicle passing a bicyclist moving the same direction and in the same lane when such movement can be made in safety and without interfering with, impeding, or endangering other traffic lawfully using the highway.

In other words… when read together with Colorado’s 3-foot law (C.R.S. 42-4-1003 , see more here or here), the law allows a driver to give a cyclist three feet when overtaking them to their left, which means they MAY cross the center yellow line - WHEN SAFE TO DO SO- in order to provide the cyclist a minimum of three feet.

This is not a speed issue, it is a safe-passing-buffer issue.

Compare that to a cyclist crossing a center yellow line to pass a vehicle on the left …. here, we do not have a 3-foot buffer concern…. and the rider is simply passing a motor vehicle as a result of speed, overtaking a slower-moving car, such as in the example cited above when a driver slows the vehicle down for a speed bump (or any other slowing reason, such as heavy traffic, wildlife, you name it).

In addition —the law reads that if your motor vehicle speed is such that it is impeding traffic, you are required to pull to the shoulder (or right lane) and let others pass you -C.R.S. 42-4-1103(3)(a)(b). However, we don’t see that a motor vehicle momentarily slowing down for a speed bump coming down the mountain constitutes "impeding traffic.”

As such, we conclude that cyclists are not legally permitted to overtake vehicles by crossing over the center yellow line.

It is also notable that on places like Lookout Mountain Road, Golden Gate Canyon road, or any other number of canyon or mountain roads where a cyclist can easily reach or exceed the posted speed limit, riders may be tempted to overtake vehicles doing the speed limit. This is a NO-GO. It is not only incredibly dangerous, it is illegal. At the speed limit, cyclists may take the lane and descend in the middle of the traffic lane. But if they come up on the back of a vehicle doing a slower speed, they need to wait behind the vehicle. This is safest, and it’s the legal maneuver. **Also-remember that you can be cited for speeding, and be subject to the same fines and penalties on your bike as in your car (except for driving points -you cannot be docked driving points when you’re operating a bicycle).

Please — don’t ever cross a center yellow line while you’re descending down a canyon or mountain road and don’t overtake motorists on their left by crossing the center line. Be safe. Ride in your traffic lane, at the speed limit, and arrive home safely.

Cyclist Urges Others to Ride With All Available Technology

Cameras, computers, and crash alerts necessary to keep cyclists safe

Not only does cyclist Anthony Hardwick recommend riding with cameras, computers, and crash alerts to keep cyclists safe, he also wants to emphasize the importance of technology to document motorists when they are not being safe.

The driver who hit Anthony tried to wiggle her way out of accepting responsibility for the crash and even tried to pin blame on him by saying that Anthony was speeding in a school zone. In court, Anthony was able to point to his Garmin data and prove that he was not traveling above the speed limit. “The computer holds them accountable,” said Anthony. He has also invested in cameras that cost him $60 total which he runs front and rear facing now, just in case.  Anthony strongly encourages any bicycle rider to get a cycling computer that sends an alert via your cell phone in the event of a crash, or find a cell phone app that does the same. “Having loved ones at the scene to help you make decisions when you’re concussed is so invaluable.  I was a groggy mess and my wife’s help was so wonderful.”  Traffic camera footage, if available, can also be useful in holding drivers accountable. 

Anthony, a Bicycle Service Department Manager, has been riding bikes since he was in college back in 2006. He enjoys group rides and competition but mostly rides for transportation purposes. On January 22, 2020, Anthony had been riding the bike path that runs from the South Platte Trail west out to Lakewood. Anthony had gotten off the path and was riding in a bike lane down 10th Avenue.

He had chosen to ride 10th Avenue because there is a wide, demarcated section of the road, a bike and parking lane, that is used by motorists and cyclists who are trying to avoid being in/slowing down traffic.  Anthony had just advanced east from the stop light at 10th Ave and Sheridan.  

The bike and parking lane begins just past Zenobia Street.  As Anthony got closer to Cowell Elementary School, more and more parked cars were in the lane, and he was forced out into the car traffic section of the road. In addition,  he was trying to be mindful of the school zone speed limit and had slowed to middling speed as denoted by this graphic from his Garmin:

Anthony returned to the parking/bike lane past Utica Street. Right then and there, an SUV that had just passed him seconds earlier turned right into the alley just in front of Anthony.  The driver did not signal the turn or yield to him. Anthony crashed into the back passenger corner of the Acura RDX and was thrown from his bicycle. 

Anthony was terrified as he smashed into the back of the car.  “I thought I might break my neck and die. I literally thought ‘My neck is breaking’ as the impact was made.  As I lay on the pavement, I wiggled my toes in my shoes and realized I wasn’t paralyzed and I could still breathe, so then I was just really really mad,” explained Anthony.

He lay in the street for several minutes because he didn’t want to move knowing that this could cause paralysis after an impact. However, bystanders moved him out of the road to the sidewalk.  Anthony was  disoriented, and a person asked if he wanted to have 911 called. He nodded his head “yes” because he was feeling very shaken up and was worried that he was hurt worse than he could tell.  Anthony called his wife. Fire and EMS responded as well as Denver PD. EMS determined that he was not in critical danger and could ride to Denver Health Urgent Care with his wife who was on the way to the scene.

The driver claimed that she did not see Anthony, that he came out of nowhere, and that he was faster than she thought. The Denver Police Department cited the driver with careless driving. 

Anthony was diagnosed with a concussion, back muscle strains, neck muscle strain, and a sprained left ring finger.  “I am extremely blessed that I didn’t break any bones.  My muscles did suffer massive strains and I felt like I had been hit by a truck the next day, mostly because I had been hit by a tiny truck,” said Anthony. He was on bed rest for a week due to the concussion. Anthony missed work from January 22 - February 2, 2020, as he was unable to perform tasks needed to manage the service department. “I felt stressed that I was missing work right after getting promoted to a manager’s position.”

His wife has had to deal with the majority of the insurance issues as they have coverage through her work.  Anytime the health insurance company had a question or conflict with something, they did not call me, they called her, because she is the primary contact on the policy. “This stressed the hell out of her,” said Anthony. She also missed work when he was concussed because Anthony needed to be monitored just in case he had brain bleeds.

Anthony appeared in court on June 29th, 2020 to testify at the driver’s hearing. She represented herself and was trying to dodge being at fault. Anthony said that she tried to insinuate that he was not paying attention because he was wearing headphones.  “Imagine her surprise when I said that was impossible because I always pull off the ear bud silicon cover on my left ear so that I don’t ride with an ear bud in the ear that is closest to traffic.  That is a little trick a police officer in Omaha, NE told me about. This way the driver can’t even play like you had an ear bud in because it won’t stay in your ear!”

The driver was found guilty of careless driving and was assessed four points to her license. She paid $135.00 in fines and fees.  “It was only four points on her license and she got to keep her driving privileges.  I was surprised … but that is the state of affairs until those who write the laws start taking road cycling seriously as a means of transport.” 

“Once again, we have a situation here where we have adequate laws on the books- the VRU law, among others - but we have city attorneys and DAs unwilling to use those laws fully. Anytime a plea deal is offered like it was here, the laws we fight so hard for, go unused, un-utilized. Driving behavior will not change until DAs and City Attorneys start taking away drivers’ licenses... until the PRIVILEGE of driving is suspended for a period of time.”

— Megan Hottman

Anthony feels that the outcome of the civil case was fair, and that he was compensated well for his injuries and his bicycle. However, he said it is hard to feel like the justice system is taking cyclists being hit seriously when the drivers who hit cyclists are allowed to keep their licenses. He is reminded of something an EMT professor said in class once: “Don’t call car crashes accidents. It’s not an accident when someone is being careless, distracted, or an a-hole. That’s just someone causing a car crash.”

Until the justice system feels the same way, cyclists need to be diligent in everything they do on the roads.

The crash has affected how Anthony feels about riding his bike in general. “I can’t ride in traffic because I fear getting cut off again.”  He frequently discusses moving from Denver, because he wants to live in a smaller town with fewer people and, thus, fewer cars on the roads. Anthony is seriously considering uprooting his family and moving to Grand Junction, CO, because people tell him that GJ is what Denver and Boulder were like “in the good ole days.” 

While not afraid to ride his bike, Anthony is much more hesitant to proceed on his course when cars pass him now.  “I find myself instinctively using the brakes when a car passes me.  I do not trust drivers to have common sense anymore.” Anthony has greatly altered his route to work. He tries to only use Denver bike lanes as that is a clear lane of travel with solid white lines meant to deter drivers from entering his lane of travel.  However, he still sees drivers ignore this paint and drive wherever they please.  This has led him to do most of his training rides in more rural areas, like the Eastern Plains, or beyond the front range mountains deeper into the Rockies.  This means that Anthony drives his car more just to get to a place where he feels safe riding.  

If Anthony could speak to the driver directly, he would say the following:

“How much time did you save now? You were trying to fly past me in a school zone and bank a hard right turn at just under 30 mph, with your baby in the car! For what? To shave fifteen seconds off your afternoon commute time? You told me you were just trying to drop your baby off and then go back to the school to pick up your kid or something. The exponential growth of your poor time management is astounding.  You didn’t give yourself enough time to do the things you felt you needed to do as a parent, and rushed around in a car trying to make up for lost time. How much time did you lose after you hit me? You lost the time of giving a statement to the police officer that day. You lost the time trying to find a lawyer to defend your indefensible case. You lost the time acting as your own defense in court. You lost the time making a statement to your insurance company for the settlement.  You lost hours of your life trying to get back 15 seconds.  Next time, just wait for me to pass and those lost 15 seconds will save you hours of lost life.”

Anthony wants all cyclists to know to carry underinsured motorist coverage on their own insurance policies and to get their insurance ducks in a row. He also recommends contacting a lawyer right away as the process can be long. “The sooner a lawyer is calling people on your behalf the quicker it will be finished.”

This Was Not an “Accident” - It Was a Crime

Hit-and-Run Driver Gets Maximum Sentence

Chuck Vogel was a well-respected leader and volunteer in his community. He was always looking out for others and working to make a difference. Chuck helped raise money to fight breast cancer, was a rotary member, and a mentor to many. He volunteered with the Parker Task Force, his local food bank, and served as President of his Metro District Board.  “That’s who he was,” said his wife, Teri Vogel. “He did not do any of these things to receive accolades, to be in the limelight, or for recognition.  It was the satisfaction of knowing he had somehow made a difference.” 

He had been retired for six years, and was relishing the additional time he had for biking, golfing, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. Teri had retired more recently and was looking forward to joining Chuck more frequently in these pursuits.

Chuck had a huge passion for life and his family.  He was Teri’s best friend and the love of her life. In addition, Chuck was going to be a grandfather for the first time, as his son, Bryan, and daughter-in-law, Lisa, were expecting their first child. Baby Charlie was due in just two short months.  

On July 4, 2019, Chuck headed out on a ride just as he did several times each week.  Teri believes that Chuck made a conscious decision that day to ride his bike on a holiday and early in the morning in unincorporated Douglas County. There would be fewer drivers rushing to work, less traffic, and not as many distracted drivers on the road. Chuck was two minutes into his bike ride, riding on Pine Drive near Parker Core Knowledge when a driver in a Kia Spectra hit Chuck from behind at 6:25 a.m. The driver fled the scene and Chuck was left to be found by a Good Samaritan who thought there was trash on the side of the road. This is something that Teri lives with every day. 

Teri was still asleep when she got a call from the Emergency Room at Parker Adventist Hospital asking her if Chuck was on a bike ride that morning and notifying her that Chuck was in the emergency room.  When she arrived at the hospital, he was being brought back from a CT scan and was already on life support. As an experienced ER nurse, Teri knew that the situation was dire when she met with doctors. Teri had to make the difficult call to her son, Bryan, who was living in Utah. Teri stated that Chuck and Bryan had a relationship like none other. They spoke to each other multiple times a week and both shared a love of bicycling. Bryan and Lisa, who was 32 weeks pregnant, drove to Colorado knowing that they were coming to say goodbye to Chuck.  

Chuck passed away the next day on July 5, 2019 as a result of his injuries. 

Police found the Kia in Parker on July 5, 2019, abandoned in the parking lot of nearby townhomes.  After a tireless investigation that involved multiple arms of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Preston Dorris was identified as a lead suspect.

Dorris had come to Colorado to buy drugs and was no stranger to law enforcement. He had led a life of crime in his 36 years and, at the time of the crash, had been convicted of 22 misdemeanors since 2003. His crimes included third-degree assault, theft, and two felonies including forgery and unauthorized use of a financial device.  He was found and arrested outside Alliance, Nebraska, on July 13 and was transported back to Colorado on July 16th. At the time of his arrest, Dorris was making plans to leave the country.   

Collaborative efforts between law enforcement in both Colorado and Nebraska, and the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office had a major impact on the outcome of this case. Thanks to their tremendous efforts, justice was served. “From the very moment they got the call and came to the hospital, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was committed,” said Teri. This case was not only about bringing the driver to justice, it was about finding justice for a husband, father, friend and valued community member.

The Deputy Patrol Officer, who responded to the original 911 call and was on the scene the morning of July 4th, told Teri that he would not rest until he found the driver.  Crime Stoppers offered a reward for anyone with information about the case. Additional manpower was brought in to help with the case, as it was considered a major crime. “This was not an accident. It was a crime,” says Teri. “He had a blatant disregard for life. Dorris made a conscious choice that day, and continued to make the same choice day after day after day after day until he was found and arrested.” Teri expressed that everyone involved in law enforcement from the officers to the victim advocates did an exemplary job. “They were dedicated, committed, professional, and very responsive.” Throughout the investigation, Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock, along with other detectives, personally visited Teri to give her and her family status updates.

Bryan contacted Hottman Law Office on the recommendation of a fellow cyclist who had met Megan in Albuquerque at a bike race. Our office took the case and worked quickly and diligently to support the Vogel family in the criminal case and to represent their interests in the civil matter. HLO staff stayed in the office late working with Teri in Colorado and Lisa in Utah via phone signing and sending documents back and forth on July 16, 2019, the day Dorris was transported back to Colorado. The next day, Megan met Teri in Douglas County at 8:30 a.m. to support her during the bail hearing. “The expertise, support, guidance, and counsel for maneuvering this process started then and continues to this day. It has been more than we ever could have anticipated,” said Teri.

Dorris pled guilty on February 25 to three charges. They included: 

1.    Leaving the scene of an accident involving death, a Class 3 felony

2.    Vehicular Homicide – Reckless driving A Class 4 felony

3.    Careless Driving – Vulnerable Road User, Serious Bodily Injury.

The sentencing hearing for Dorris took place on August 28, 2020 in Douglas County District Court. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the total number of people in the courtroom was limited, however, Teri, Bryan, Lisa, and baby Charlie were in attendance. In addition, numerous friends, community members, and mentees testified both in person and virtually to show how Chuck’s death had impacted their lives. At one point, over 100 people were present online to watch the hearing. Teri believes that the turnout made an impression on Judge Theresa Slade.

Chief Deputy District Attorney John Kellner asked for the maximum sentence of 18 years stating that Dorris never braked, slowed down, swerved, or turned back. He went on to say that Dorris was not speeding and could see 310 feet ahead.  “He stole the life from Chuck Vogel and deprived Mr. Vogel’s family and his community of many years of his contributions,” said Kellner.

“So much was taken from our family. We get no second chances.  The driver needed to be made accountable,” said Teri.

Judge Slade sentenced Dorris to the maximum of 18 years.  Surprisingly, this was the first time in Colorado history that a driver received the maximum sentence for hitting and killing a cyclist.

“The prison sentence of 18 years is the maximum sentence allowed by law for his offenses, so this was the best possible ruling,” wrote Teri in an email sent out after the sentencing hearing. “We are very fortunate to have had DAs that prosecuted for the highest sentence term and a Judge who actually sentenced him to the maximum term. Sadly, this has not been the case here in Colorado when it comes to hit and runs and cyclist injuries caused by motorists.  It is great that the Judge saw this for the crime it was, not an accident.  This sends a huge message and hopefully it not only sets a standard in the legal community, but lets motorists know that crimes against vulnerable road users will be taken seriously. If a motorist leaves the scene, they will be prosecuted fully for the crime.”

As part of his conviction, Dorris will be required to serve three years of parole after serving his sentence.  Typically, he would be eligible for parole when he has served half his sentence, but that is highly unlikely according to the Judge considering his extensive criminal history. 

“This sentence sends a message to everyone who drives — Motorists watching the news may see this (story) in passing and may hear that this gentleman just received the maximum...and that’s impactful. No one wants to do 18 years in the DOC... ”

— Megan Hottman

The Vogel family feels that there has been some resolution in knowing that the best possible outcome was achieved for the worst circumstances. 

Since Chuck’s death, Teri has been a champion of making cycling safer and increasing motorist awareness. “There has to be a greater good that comes from this. We have to move beyond this tragedy,” she said. At her husband’s ghost bike dedication in August of 2019, Teri reminded drivers that they need to look out for cyclists and pedestrians, and to stop driving distracted. Teri is determined to send a message to motorists that they will be held accountable and responsible for injuring or killing cyclists. She wants to see Colorado laws changed and has been a strong voice for those changes to take place. 

This year, Teri testified in favor of SB-061, the bike lane bill, in front of both the Colorado Senate and House Judiciary Committees. She has been advocating for “Share The Road” and “3-Foot Law” signs to be placed in Douglas County. Teri emphasized that she and her family will work with any organization to get the word out that changes have to take place to make cycling safer and increase motorist awareness.

Bicycle Colorado has set up a fund in Chuck’s memory. Funds will go towards making Colorado a safer place to ride. Bicycle Colorado works to improve road infrastructure, educating both cyclists and motorists and working on legislation to make cycling safer for all Colorado residents.

For media coverage about this case, please visit the following links: 

Cyclist's family reflects after driver who killed him got maximum sentence

Man charged in hit-and-run that killed cyclist

Judge Sentences Man Who Killed Cyclist Chuck Vogel In Hit & Run To Maximum 18 Years 

Driver in hit-and-run crash that killed Parker cyclist sentenced to 18 years

Man sentenced to 18-year prison term for striking, killing Parker cyclist, then fleeing

‘Stop & Think’: Ghost Bike Dedicated For Parker Man Killed

Arrest made in hit-and-run death of Edward 'Chuck' Vogel

Cyclist Shares Valuable Insight Following Collision

“Bikes for me bring unfettered joy and energy to my life. Over the last three months during my surgery and radiation treatment, if I can even only get out for 30 minutes I find myself renewed and optimistic. If I was a doctor I would write you a script to get out and ride every day.” — Jay

It has been more than two years since Jay Middleton was seriously injured in a collision while riding his bike in Morrison, CO, but he is still recovering from his injuries. Jay is dealing with chronic knee pain and recently received a three-week course of injections to treat the pain. Cyclists who have been injured in collisions often deal with the after effects of their injuries long after their case is settled, the driver is sentenced, or their medical treatment ends. If Jay wants to continue to lead a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle, he will probably have to get injections the rest of his life.

Riding bikes has been a huge part of Jay’s life and identity for the last 25 years. He has raced on the road, mountain bikes, and cyclocross. He is an avid bikepacker, bike commuter, mountain biker, and has recently been using his bike to raise money for cancer and COVID research. This year, Jay was diagnosed with neck and oral cancer and continued to ride his bike throughout radiation treatment.

On July 13, 2018, Jay was traveling eastbound through downtown Morrison on his road bike. It was late morning, around 10:00 am, sunny, and there were blue skies. Jay was running both front and rear flashing lights on his bike and wearing a fluorescent yellow helmet. Nervous about riding too far to the right, Jay had taken the lane, as dooring is a risk by drivers who are parallel parked along that section of road. He was traveling at the same rate of traffic which was 20-25 mph.

A driver in a Honda CRV facing eastbound was leaving a parallel parking spot and made an illegal U-turn out of the parking spot. The driver’s U-turn cut Jay off causing him to collide with the front left side of the vehicle. Jay and his bike were catapulted over the hood of the car and into oncoming traffic in the left lane. 

Fortunately, the driver coming in the opposite direction was attentive and traveling at a safe speed. She was able to stop and avoided hitting Jay. She then called 911.

Paramedics tended to Jay at the scene. He had lacerations on his knees, hands, and elbows as well as bruising. An MRI later revealed that Jay had a torn meniscus in his right knee. He underwent several months of physical therapy for his knee before he and his orthopedist decided that surgery would be the best way to correct the damage. 

The Colorado State Patrol cited the driver, who admitted fault at the scene, with Failing to Yield Right-of-Way When Turning Left in Front of Approaching Traffic. Since this crash happened before May 29, 2019, it was not yet possible for law enforcement to cite the driver with Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-1402.5, which makes careless driving causing serious bodily injury to a vulnerable road user a class 1 traffic misdemeanor. Since the passing of the law in early 2019, we are slowly seeing law enforcement cite drivers with this traffic violation more often and district attorney offices elevating charges against drivers.  Find out here how to get a serious bodily injury charge filed. 

Jay does not feel that the outcome of the criminal case against the driver was just and fair. The driver had numerous traffic violations and got away with a slap on the wrist.  “Cars can be lethal weapons and using one comes with great responsibility.  When misused by drivers, they should be treated and punished as such,” says Jay.

Here’s what Jay wants every cyclist to know if involved in a crash. He actually made the list shortly after his collision of things he wish he had known:

1. If possible get out of the flow of traffic. Nothing worse than getting hit by a car and then getting run over by one.

2. Call the police.

3. Take lots of photos (your bike, the car that hit you, license plate of the car that hit you).

4. Do not admit fault.

5. Get a copy of the police report, the driver’s insurance information, and the name and phone numbers of any witnesses.

6. Get in touch with a lawyer to discuss your case. I live in the Denver area and reached out to Megan Hottman, aka The Cyclist Lawyer. Before COVID, she provided free monthly seminars for cyclists involved in collisions. Before she became my lawyer, that seminar alone armed me with information that allowed me to rightfully collect full value for my damaged property as well as alert me to several other rights I did not know I had.

7. When claiming property damage, do not forget to include sales tax. That alone netted me several hundred extra dollars because I was on a pretty pricey bike.

8. Seek medical treatment and document your injuries as well as all costs (e.g. medical, travel to and from the doctor, time taken off of work, etc.).

9. Just because you feel better, does not mean you are. I did several months of physical therapy and thought I was good to go. Snowboard season, increased miles on the bike and excessive kneeling at work revealed that my right knee wasn’t healed. So the lesson is, do not sign anything from the auto insurance company until you are 100% sure you are done with your medical treatment. You have three years to settle your case, and this is where a lawyer may prove to be very helpful.

10. Do not post anything about your wreck, your recovery, or anything that deals with your wreck on social media. Ask your friends and family to do the same. Social media content can be used in court. This means if you post something you cannot take it down, because that is just like destroying evidence.

11. Report it to your auto insurance. You often can get reimbursed for some of your medical costs from your own auto insurance even if you are not at fault.

Jay was surprised how hard the driver’s insurance company was willing to work to avoid paying out damages for medical and pain and suffering. At the end of the day, they refused to negotiate in what he felt was a reasonable manner, even though the driver admitted fault. In the end, they paid out more than double what he had asked for on his own. “Megan was able to negotiate a much higher settlement. I think the insurance company was counting on me backing down,” explains Jay.

He was back riding after just a couple of days but with great trepidation. Every car that passed too fast or too close caused anxiety and anger to flare up.  Since the collision, Jay has invested in more brightly colored cycle clothing.  He still runs front and rear flashing lights on his bike. Jay actively participates in People for Bikes email writing campaigns and is a long-time member of the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

We hope that you are never injured in a crash or need to contact an attorney, but feel it is important to share the lessons that our clients have learned following their crash and during recovery. Hopefully, recent laws that provide more protection to vulnerable road users and stiffer penalties will cause motorists to drive more carefully around cyclists! 

-Written by Maureen

Bike lane bill: senate judiciary committee

Today was the first of what we hope will be many steps in the passage of this bill.
The committee passed it 3-2 after many of our clients testified about having been hit in bike lanes and why we need this bill. We also heard from bicycle advocates, a representative of AAA Colorado, who said motorists need this law as well (because clarity helps combat confusion!), and a young man from Longmont who was hit in a bike lane and THEN received the citation for it.

It was a hugely successful afternoon - the first of many steps, but one that gave us tremendous hope!

Also , can we talk about how gorgeous this building is ??