Cyclist Hit by a Driver? Understanding Colorado’s “Safety Stop” and Your Rights

When a car hits a cyclist, it is a violent, life-altering event. You don’t have a steel cage to protect you—just your helmet and your clothes.

Unfortunately, after you are loaded into the ambulance, the “blame game” starts. Drivers almost always try to shift responsibility to the cyclist: “They came out of nowhere!” or “They blew right through that stop sign!”

In Colorado, the laws have recently changed in favor of cyclists. You need to know these rights immediately to stop insurance companies from denying your valid claim based on outdated rules.

The “Colorado Safety Stop”: You Didn’t Break the Law

Since 2022, Colorado law (C.R.S. § 42-4-1412.5) allows cyclists to treat stop signs and red lights differently than cars. This is known as the “Safety Stop” or “Idaho Stop.”

• Stop Signs: Cyclists can legally treat a stop sign as a YIELD sign. If the intersection is clear and you have the right of way, you do NOT have to put a foot down and come to a complete stop. You can roll through at a reasonable speed (usually under 10-15 mph).
• Red Lights: Cyclists can treat a red light as a STOP sign. You must come to a complete stop, but if traffic is clear, you can proceed before the light turns green.

Why this matters right now: If the driver who hit you claims you “ran a stop sign,” they might be lying—or they might just not know the new law. Do not let them use their ignorance to deny your medical coverage.

Your Bicycle is NOT Just a Toy

To an insurance adjuster, your $8,000 carbon fiber road bike is just a “toy.” They will try to offer you a few hundred dollars for it.

Real cyclists know their bike is a precision machine. You are entitled to the full replacement value of your bike, your custom components, your cycling computer, your expensive kit, and your helmet.

• EVIDENCE WARNING: Do NOT throw away your cracked helmet. It is irrefutable proof that your head hit the pavement, which is critical evidence if you later develop symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Hidden Insurance Coverage for Cyclists

Most cyclists don’t realize their own car insurance might cover them when they are riding their bike.

If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your auto policy, it generally follows you, not just your car. If the driver who hit you on your bike has state-minimum insurance ($25,000) and your hospital bills are $100,000, your own auto policy should step in to pay the difference.

You need an advocate who knows how to find these policies and won’t let an insurance company treat you like a second-class road user.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. I got “doored” by a parked car. Is that their fault? YES. Colorado law requires drivers (and passengers) to ensure it is reasonably safe before opening a vehicle door into traffic. They are 100% liable for your injuries if they open a door into your path.

2. Was I required to be in the bike lane? Generally, yes, if one is available and safe. HOWEVER, you are legally allowed to leave the bike lane to avoid hazards (like debris, potholes, or parked cars) or to prepare for a left turn. If you were hit while rightfully taking the main lane, it’s not your fault.

3. The driver was nice and offered to just pay for my bike repair. Should I accept? NO. You might have adrenaline masking a serious injury right now. If you accept cash for your bike today, you might be signing away your right to have them pay for your $50,000 shoulder surgery next month. Never settle until you are medically cleared.

4. What if I was riding on the sidewalk? It depends on the specific city. Some Colorado cities allow sidewalk riding; others ban it in downtown areas. Even if you were technically violating a local ordinance, a car driver still has a duty to watch for you at driveways and crosswalks. It doesn’t automatically ruin your case.