Colorado Bicycle Helmet Laws

Bicycling is an excellent way to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors. However, safety should always be a top priority. Although Colorado generally does not require bike helmets for riders, it is a good idea to voluntarily wear safety gear that protects you from a brain injury or other serious head injury. No matter how effective a personal injury attorney may be at recovering money for a bicycle accident injury, you are better off avoiding or minimizing injury before it happens.

If you sustained injuries in an accident in Colorado, contact the personal injury lawyers at Front Range Injury Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced legal team are knowledgeable and zealous advocates for our clients and their cases. We treat our clients as people, not case files. Learn more about how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact our Denver law firm to learn more.

Colorado Bicycle Helmet Laws: What You Need to Know

Colorado has few bicycle helmet laws. On a state level, there is no law requiring any riders to wear a helmet when biking with a traditional pedal-powered bike. Despite many states passing uniform helmet laws–or at least requiring them for riders under 18 years of age–Colorado does not require any riders to wear a helmet. Although Colorado bicycle laws do not require you to wear a helmet, you should consider your own safety.

Colorado electric bike helmet law

There is one exception and that is when riding an electric bicycle. A class 3 electric bike requires a helmet only under certain circumstances. These include:

• Riders under 18 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet
• The helmet must adhere to design regulations determined by the American Society for Testing and Materials or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
• The helmet remains in place secured by an approved chin strap

A class 3 electric bike is an e-bike that gives motor assistance when the rider pedals up to 28 miles per hour.

Individuals who violate Colorado’s e-bike helmet law may receive a fine.

Why should you wear a bicycle helmet?

Although a bicycle helmet may not be the most enjoyable way to ride a bike, it is the safest. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, over 800 people lose their lives in bicycle accidents. An even larger number of people suffer minor to permanent injuries.

According to their research, the most common cause of bicycle accident fatalities is severe head injury. Wearing a helmet reduces the chances of a brain injury by as much as 50% and a neck injury by 33%. Bike helmets prevent blunt force trauma to the skull along with concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. Children are more at risk of a brain injury due to their fragile cranial bones.

How can I find the right bicycle helmet?

Finding the right bicycle helmet is crucial to ensure your safety while cycling. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a helmet:

Safety Standards

Make sure the helmet you choose meets specific safety standards, such as those set by the CPSC or Snell Memorial Foundation. These standards ensure that the helmet provides adequate protection in the event of an accident.

Proper Fit

A properly fitted helmet is essential for maximum protection. Make sure the helmet fits snugly on your head without being too tight or too loose. It should sit level on your head and cover your forehead, with the straps fastened securely under your chin.

Comfort

Choose a helmet that is comfortable to wear, with adequate ventilation to keep you cool during hot weather. Look for helmets with adjustable straps and padding to ensure a comfortable fit.

Style

While style may not be the most important factor in choosing a helmet, it’s still important to choose a helmet that you like and feel comfortable wearing. There are many different styles of helmets available, from traditional road helmets to more casual urban helmets.

Conclusion

While Colorado’s helmet laws only require individuals under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while cycling, wearing a helmet is still highly recommended for adults to ensure their safety. Make sure to choose a helmet that meets specific safety standards, fits properly, and is comfortable to wear. By taking these steps, you can enjoy cycling while keeping yourself safe on the road.

Hopefully you never experience an injury caused by a bicycle accident, but wearing proper safety gear can significantly reduce the likelihood of a serious or fatal injury. If you are injured in a bike crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you should contact our experienced Denver bicycle accident lawyers to discuss your case.