April 20, 2022

Colorado Safety Stop signed into law

Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 22-1028, also known as the Colorado safety stop bill, into law on April 13, 2022. The bill modifies Colorado Revised Statutes regarding controlled intersections to allow bicyclists to make a safety stop at a stop sign or stop and proceed at a traffic signal during certain circumstances. The bill summary states that:

• When approaching a stop sign, if it is safe to proceed, the person may, after slowing to a reasonable speed of 15 miles per hour or less, or 10 or 20 miles per hour or less if so specified by municipality or county for a particular intersection and marked with appropriate signage, and yielding the right-of-way to any traffic or pedestrian in or approaching the intersection, continue through the intersection without stopping; and
• When approaching an illuminated red traffic control signal, the person must first stop at the intersection and yield to all other traffic and pedestrians and then, when safe to do so, may proceed straight or make a right turn through the intersection or, subject to specified conditions, make a left turn onto a one-way street only. (Colorado General Assembly)

Further information about the bill can be found here. 

Want to serve on the Multimodal Advisory Board?

The city is accepting applications for the business owner, public health, and senior/disabled/disadvantaged positions on the Multimodal Advisory Board. Applications will be accepted through noon on April 25. A main function of the Multimodal Advisory Board is to recommend infrastructure projects to City Council for funding. If you are interested in being a part of making Durango safer for all road users, especially our most vulnerable users, bicyclists and pedestrians, click Here for more information and to apply. 

Email multimodal@durangogov.org if you have any questions about the Multimodal Advisory Board. 

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

The National Safety Council's 2021 motor vehicle fatality estimates show more than 46,000 people died on roads in the U.S. last year, a 9% increase from 2020. Their estimated rate for 2021 also exceeds the death rate in 2019 by 19%. 

At 55 mph, a 4-second text takes your eyes off the road while you travel the full length of a football field! Distracted driving can be deadly. #JustDrive and get free National Safety Council resources.