Motorists can be found negligent in many Colorado bicycle accidents due to general carelessness. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), automobile drivers are often at fault in such crashes due to speeding, failing to yield at intersections, driving under the influence, distracted driving, making improper or unsafe turns, ignoring traffic signs or signals, and unsafe lane changes

Colorado drivers must watch for and yield to vulnerable road users, including bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, road workers, and emergency personnel. Vulnerable users also include those using roller skates, electric scooters, farm equipment, or leading animals. 

Under the 2019 Colorado law, careless driving that causes serious injury to a vulnerable road user is a criminal offense classified as a class 1 misdemeanor.

A person operating a motor vehicle in Colorado has a duty of care to ensure the safety of others. This goes especially for those statutorily classified as “vulnerable road users,” which includes bicyclists. For this reason, motorists are usually found more at fault when automobile-bike accidents occur.

Cyclists in Colorado have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. They can be partially liable for accidents if they don't follow traffic laws. Cyclists must:

• stay as far right as safely possible on two-way roads

• keep a safe distance to the left of cars on one-way roads

• avoid blocking traffic, especially when riding in pairs or groups

A cyclist who causes an accident by disregarding these laws can be found liable.