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Bicycling The Town of Breckenridge Public Education 7-28-10

The document provides information about bicycling rules and facilities in the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado. It discusses that the town has been designated as bicycle friendly and outlines rules for bicyclists on roadways, in bike lanes, with shared lane markings ("sharrows"), and on recreational paths. Rules are also outlined for singletrack trails and backcountry routes, emphasizing leaving no trace, controlling bicycles, yielding to other users, not scaring animals, planning ahead, and keeping trails open. Contact information is provided for additional questions.

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286 views4 pages

Bicycling The Town of Breckenridge Public Education 7-28-10

The document provides information about bicycling rules and facilities in the Town of Breckenridge, Colorado. It discusses that the town has been designated as bicycle friendly and outlines rules for bicyclists on roadways, in bike lanes, with shared lane markings ("sharrows"), and on recreational paths. Rules are also outlined for singletrack trails and backcountry routes, emphasizing leaving no trace, controlling bicycles, yielding to other users, not scaring animals, planning ahead, and keeping trails open. Contact information is provided for additional questions.

Uploaded by

summitdaily
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Bicycling in the Town of Breckenridge

Welcome! The Town of Breckenridge is honored to be designated a silver level Bicycle Friendly
Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Breckenridge is proud of this designation and
is working to improve the town’s bicycling facilities and educate bicyclists and motorists
regarding bicycling rules and responsibilities.

Both bicyclists and motorists are expected to follow the Colorado state traffic rules and
regulations within Town limits. A copy of the statewide rules can be found here.

The remainder of this document provides a brief overview of different bicycling facilities within
the Town of Breckenridge and the “rules of the road” for each. For additional questions or
comments about this information, please contact: [email protected] .

Rules for operating a bicycle on Town roadways


Most streets in the Town of Breckenridge have either an unstriped or a striped, paved shoulder
with no other bicycle route demarcation. Bicyclists and motorists are expected to follow state
laws regarding the operation of vehicles on public roadways. Those include:

 Bicyclists have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle and
can be penalized for violating traffic laws.
 Bicyclists should ride in the right lane and as far right as safely possible, except when
passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards.
 Bicyclists should ride on paved shoulders and bike lanes when present and free of
hazards.
 Motorists and bicyclists are required to obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
 Motorists are required to provide three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists.
 Bicyclists should ride no more than two abreast, returning to single-file if riding two
abreast impedes traffic flow.
 Bicyclists should use hand signals to indicate left or right turns, slowing or stopping
 Bicyclists should use a headlight, taillight, and reflectors at nighttime.
 Expect the unexpected; your first responsibility is to be safe.
(Source: Bicycle Colorado)
Rules in a bike lane
A bike lane includes a white line stripe with a bicyclist icon and arrow. Examples of
this bike facility within Town of Breckenridge limits include Main Street, Watson
Ave. and the alley one half block west of Main Street.
 A bike lane indicates that motor vehicles and bicycles can operate side by
side on the roadway, with each user in a separate lane.
 The white line indicates that motor vehicles may not travel in the bike
lane, but can cross the bike lane for turning and parking movements after
yielding to bikes. “Bike Lane”
 Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws while in the bike lane, including signalizing turns
and stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks.

Rules of the “Sharrow”


A sharrow is a painted symbol used on roads to:
 Assist bicyclists in lateral positioning in lanes that are too narrow for a
vehicle and bicycle to travel side by side in the same lane, or on roads
with parallel parking.
 Encourage safe passing of bicyclists by motorists, and
 Alert road users of lateral location of bicyclists within the travel lane.
“Sharrow”
Examples of “sharrowed” routes in the Town of Breckenridge include Wellington Road, French
Street, Airport Road and the signalized intersections on Main Street.
 The same rules apply for sharrow routes and Town roadways. The primary intent of the
sharrow is to inform both motorists and bicyclists regarding lateral positioning within the
travel lane.
 Motorists are required to provide three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists.

Rules of the Recreational Pathway or “Rec Path”


The Town of Breckenridge contains a section of the world-class, 50+ mile paved Summit County
Recreational Pathway system. The Town of Breckenridge’s ___ mile section, known as the
“Blue River Rec Path” connects the center of town with the rest of Summit County, and even
Eagle County via Vail Pass.

The name “Rec Path” recognizes that these routes accommodate runners, hikers, dog walkers,
inline skaters, anglers, as well as bicyclists. Please use common sense and courtesy when
encountering all users on the Rec Path system.

While Colorado has no statewide statues regulating multi-use trails, here is a list of suggested
practices when using these multi-use Rec Paths:

 Always ride, walk, or skate on the right side of the trail.


 Obey traffic control signs and markings on trail, including stop signs.
 Slow down when the trail is crowded, and travel at speeds that are safe and appropriate to
trail conditions
 Pass on the left, when oncoming pathway traffic is clear.
 Give an audible warning before overtaking other pathway users.
- Ring your bike bell.
- Loudly and clearly call out "Passing" or “On your left”.
 Listen up! Headphones prevent you from hearing warnings.
 Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.
 When stopping, pull off the side of the pathway so that traffic is not impeded.
 Ride single file so that other users may pass safely.
 Anticipate unexpected movements from other users, especially with children or dogs.

(Source: Bicycle Colorado)

Rules for singletrack trails and backcountry routes


The Town of Breckenridge is nestled among a diverse backcountry trail system offering a wide
variety of experiences for all types of users. These trails are a rare resource, maintained with
great effort and care. Please respect these trails, as well as the public and private lands through
which these trails go.

The most current map and information for the Town of Breckenridge and surrounding areas can
be found here. Hard copies of this map can be purchased at the Breckenridge Welcome Center or
area bike shops and outdoor stores.

In general, backcountry users should follow the International Mountain Bicycling Association
(IMBA) Rules of the Trail:

1. Ride On Open Trails Only.


Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land;
obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness
areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions
and policies.

2. Leave No Trace.
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail
construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to
damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying
on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at
least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle!


Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and
recommendations.

4. Always Yield Trail.


Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate
and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a
walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind
spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if
necessary and pass safely.
5. Never Scare Animals.
All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud
noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room
and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions
from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a
serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.

6. Plan Ahead.
Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare
accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry
necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a
satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate
safety gear.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially
responsible off-road cycling.

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