Eddington Law is the Boulder bicycle accident lawyer that provides experienced representation for cyclists injured throughout Boulder County. Despite Boulder’s reputation as one of America’s most bike-friendly cities—with extensive trails, bike lanes, and cycling infrastructure—serious accidents continue. Statewide, cyclist deaths jumped 33% last year to 20. Boulder County has seen tragic losses including 17-year-old Magnus White, killed while training for world championships. City data shows cyclists account for nearly 40% of severe crashes despite representing only 6% of total crashes. Our family-owned firm with 35+ years of experience fights for injured cyclists and their families.
Protecting Cyclists in Colorado’s Cycling Capital
Boulder has earned its reputation as one of America’s premier cycling destinations. The city boasts extensive bicycle infrastructure including grade-separated paths, protected bike lanes, cycle tracks, and on-street routes integrated into a comprehensive network. The Boulder Creek Path, trails connecting to open space, and routes into the foothills attract cyclists of all abilities. The University of Colorado campus and surrounding areas see heavy bicycle traffic. Professional and elite cyclists train on the roads surrounding Boulder, attracted by the altitude, terrain, and cycling culture.
Yet despite this infrastructure and culture, serious bicycle accidents continue to occur in Boulder and throughout Boulder County. The statistics are sobering. Statewide, cyclist deaths jumped 33% last year—from 15 to 20—after three consecutive years without an increase. Boulder County has experienced its share of these tragedies, including the death of 17-year-old Magnus White, an elite cyclist killed while training for world championships when a driver fell asleep and drifted from her lane near Boulder.
At Eddington Law, our bicycle accident lawyers understand the unique challenges cyclists face and the devastating consequences when drivers fail to share the road safely.
Boulder’s Cycling Infrastructure
Understanding Boulder’s bicycle network helps explain where and how accidents occur.
Multi-Use Paths
Boulder Creek Path serves as the spine of Boulder’s trail system, running east-west through the heart of the city. The path connects numerous neighborhoods, parks, and destinations while providing grade-separated crossing of major roads. However, intersections where the path crosses streets remain conflict points between cyclists and motorists.
Protected Bike Lanes and Cycle Tracks
Boulder has invested in protected bicycle facilities that separate cyclists from motor vehicle traffic. These facilities provide greater safety than traditional bike lanes but still require careful attention at intersections and driveways where vehicles cross the bike lane.
On-Street Bike Routes
Traditional bike lanes and shared roadways carry significant bicycle traffic throughout Boulder. Major cycling corridors include portions of Broadway, Baseline Road, Arapahoe Avenue, and numerous residential streets designated as bicycle routes.
US-36 Bikeway
The US-36 bikeway parallels the Denver-Boulder Turnpike, providing a separated path for cyclists commuting between Boulder, Louisville, Superior, and Westminster. This facility opened in phases between 2015 and 2016 as part of the multimodal Fastracks Express Lanes Project.
Common Types of Boulder Bicycle Accidents
City data reveals that while cyclists are involved in only about 6% of Boulder’s crashes, they account for nearly 40% of all severe crashes. Common accident types include:
Right Hook Collisions
Motorists turning right into the path of a cyclist traveling straight represent one of the most common and dangerous crash types. These accidents occur at intersections and driveways throughout Boulder, often when drivers fail to check for cyclists before turning.
Left Cross Collisions
Motorists turning left across the path of an oncoming cyclist cause devastating crashes. These collisions often involve high closing speeds and give cyclists little time to react.
Dooring Accidents
In areas with on-street parking, cyclists face the danger of vehicle occupants opening doors into their path. Pearl Street, University Hill, and other areas with parallel parking see dooring incidents.
Distracted Driving Crashes
Drivers using phones, navigation systems, or other distractions may fail to notice cyclists until it’s too late. Despite Colorado’s texting ban, distracted driving remains a leading cause of bicycle accidents.
Hit-and-Run Incidents
Tragically, some drivers who strike cyclists flee the scene. Boulder County has seen multiple hit-and-run incidents involving cyclists, leaving victims without immediate identification of the responsible party.
High-Risk Hours and Locations
According to the Colorado Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment, the highest number of bicycle crashes occur between 6 and 10 p.m. when reduced visibility combines with commuter and evening traffic. In Boulder, high-risk locations include major arterials like 28th Street, Broadway, and Arapahoe Avenue; intersections throughout downtown and the Hill neighborhood; trail crossings at major streets; and areas near the University of Colorado campus.
Bicycle Accident Injuries
Cyclists lack the protection that motor vehicle occupants have, making injuries typically severe.
Head injuries account for 75% of all deaths and permanent disabilities in bicycle accidents, according to the Boulder Cycling Club’s safety research. Even with helmets, traumatic brain injuries occur when the violent forces of collisions affect the brain.
Broken bones, particularly to the collarbone, wrist, and hip, are common when cyclists are thrown from their bikes. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis. Road rash and soft tissue injuries may require extensive treatment.
Colorado Bicycle Laws
Understanding Colorado’s bicycle laws helps establish liability in accident cases.
Bicycles are legally classified as vehicles in Colorado, giving cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Drivers must provide at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists and ensure adequate space for oncoming traffic. Colorado’s new Hands-Free Law prohibits handheld phone use while driving, directly addressing distracted driving as a cause of cyclist fatalities.
Colorado’s comparative negligence system allows bicycle accident victims to recover compensation even when partially at fault, provided they bear less than 50% responsibility.
Compensation for Injured Cyclists
Bicycle accident victims may recover substantial compensation including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Given the severity of typical bicycle accident injuries, lifetime medical costs and lost earning capacity can be substantial.
Contact Boulder Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Boulder or anywhere in Boulder County, the attorneys at Eddington Law are ready to fight for your rights. Evidence in bicycle accident cases deteriorates quickly, so prompt action is essential.
Contact us today for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win your case. Let our family fight for your family.