FIND THE BEST ROUTE
SAFETY TIPS
If you're new to Boulder, take a moment to read up on our bike laws below.
Obey all signs and signals
When riding in the street, all signs apply to you, including stop signs and traffic lights. Stop when you're supposed to, and always yield to pedestrians.
Keep off sidewalks & pedestrian malls
Don't be a nuisance to pedestrians by riding where you're not supposed to. Boulder has hundreds of miles of multi-use bike paths and lanes, so you should have no problem sticking to those. You can find maps of bike routes on the City of Boulder's website, or on the printed maps at each of our stations.
Ride predictably & use hand signals
Make your intentions clear to all other road and path users. Ride in a straight line, signal turns, use audible signals if passing pedestrians and other bikes, and check behind you well before turning or changing lanes. Make eye contact with drivers.
Wear a helmet—not the law, but a good idea
The City of Boulder does not require riders to wear bike helmets, nor does Boulder B-cycle's user agreement. However, protecting your noodle is always a good idea. You can bring your own helmet along or check out one of the helmet rental spots featured in the following section.
LOCAL BIKE LAWS
Speed Limits
- Enter crosswalks at 8 mph or less.
- Multi-use paths have a 15 mph speed limit for bikes, unless noted otherwise.
Equipment
- It's illegal for cyclists to wear headphones or earbuds while biking.
- When riding after dusk, cyclists are required to equip their bikes with a white light for the front and a red light for the back
- We've got you covered there—All of our bikes feature internally-powered front and rear lights
Where to Ride
- Always ride with the flow of traffic.
- Stay on designated paths and trails; no bikes are allowed on Pearl Street Mall.
Yielding
- Motorists must yield to cyclists and pedestrians.
- Cyclists must yield to pedestrians.
- It's more important to avoid an accident than it is to abide by a law or claim some right-of-way.
If You're in an Accident
- The law requires you to stop immediately, aid any injured person and to properly identify yourself. You are also required to notify the police immediately by calling 9-1-1 in an emergency. In non-emergency situations, please call 303-441-3333.
If You've had a Close Call
- Fill out the close call form or call the City of Boulder’s Close Call Comment Line at 303-441-4272 and let us know. This helps the city identify potential trouble spots. Remember that the Close Call Line is not a way to report an incident/accident to the police.
Winter Safety Tips
