In Colorado, Bicyclists may treat a Stop as Yield and a Red Light as a Stop Sign.

When riding a bicycle in Colorado and approaching a stop sign or a red traffic signal, a cyclist may perform a yield at a stop sign or treat the red light as a stop sign, unless otherwise posted. This is sometimes referred to as an “Idaho Stop.” These maneuvers only apply to bicycles and some other low speed non-motor vehicles, and only if you are 15 years of age or accompanied by an adult if younger than 15. Here is how it works.

When approaching a stop sign a cyclist must slow down and, if required for safety, stop before entering the intersection. If a stop is not required for safety, a cyclist must slow to a reasonable speed of 10 mph or less unless a higher speed is posted, and yield the right-of-way to any traffic or pedestrian in or approaching the intersection. After yielding the right of way, a cyclist then may cautiously make a turn or proceed through the stop sign and intersection without stopping.

When approaching a red traffic light, a cyclist must stop before entering the intersection and shall yield to all other traffic and pedestrians. After the cyclist has stopped and yielded to all other traffic and pedestrians, a cyclist may cautiously proceed in the same direction through the red light and intersection or make a right-hand turn. A cyclists must not proceed through the intersection or turn right if an oncoming vehicle is turning or preparing to turn left in front of the cyclist.

A cyclist may only perform a left turn on a red traffic light if turning onto a one-way street and after yielding to oncoming right turning vehicles.

Regardless of this statewide law, cyclists must obey any posted traffic signs that direct otherwise.

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If you found this post helpful, you might also like to explore the other topics listed below and the many other topics in our comprehensive Safety & Prevention Guide, Brain Injury Guide, and Bike Injury Guide.