Motorcyclists can soon pass between cars in Colorado under certain circumstances
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the state’s wording, which says traffic must be stopped.
DENVER (KDVR) — A new Colorado bill was signed into law on Thursday that will give motorcyclists the ability to pass cars, but only under certain circumstances.
Senate Bill 24-079, “Motorcycle Lane Filtering and Passing” was introduced in January.
The legislation declaration cited a few studies that found “lane filtering” was safer for motorcyclists than stopping in traffic. One study found that motorcyclists were seven times more likely to be hit while stopped than crash while lane filtering.
“Lane filtering” means a motorcycle rider can ride between two lanes when traffic is stopped.
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While motorcyclists can now pass cars, it’s under very specific situations.
When can motorcyclists pass cars?
According to the bill summary, it specifically authorizes a two-wheeled motorcycle to overtake or pass another motor vehicle in the same lane if:
The other motor vehicle is stopped
The road has lanes wide enough to pass safely
The motorcycle is moving at 15 miles per hour or less
Conditions permit prudent operation of the motorcycle while overtaking or passing
The summary also cites when motorcyclists can’t pass a vehicle.
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According to the summary, motorcycle riders overtaking or passing under the bill must not overtake or pass:
On the right shoulder
To the right of a vehicle in the farthest right-hand lane if the highway is not limited access
In a lane of traffic moving in the opposite direction
The law will take effect in August and will last until September 2027.
After this time, the Colorado Department of Transportation will analyze the data on motorcycle rear-end crashes, rear-end collisions in heavy traffic and motorcycle side-swipe collisions while passing at a rate of 15 mph before and after the effective date.
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