Street Smart

Be Safe

• Stop at stop signs – unless the intersection is empty. Then, slow down and proceed with caution.  
• Obey all traffic signs and signaled crosswalks.
• Watch for cars turning, backing up, or opening doors.
• Scan ahead for potholes, speed bumps, and other hazards.
• Prepare for the weather forecast. 
• Dismount and establish eye contact with drivers when using a crosswalk. Use crosswalk signals if accessible.

Be Seen

• Ride on roads and with the direction of vehicle traffic.
• Go the correct way on a one-way street.
• Announce yourself when passing. Ring a bike bell and say, “On your left” or, “Passing.”
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing.
• Use bike lights to remain visible at night.

Be Predictable

• Use appropriate hand signals to let others know when you’re turning and stopping.
• Ride single file and with the flow of traffic. Stay to the right for safer passing.
• Use ped-bikeways and trails when possible. 
• Shared lanes, or sharrows, are shared space for bikes and cars. 
• Green “bike boxes” that are painted on the street at intersections are for cyclists. When at a red light, wait in the green box until the light changes to green. Then, roll through the intersection. 
• Sidewalks and pedestrian malls are for pedestrians. Dismount and walk your bike.

Additional Resources: 

• Trail Maps: Aspen has beautiful and accessible parks and trails. Go even further on Pitkin County trails. 
• Ped-Bikeways: Ped-bikeways are streets primarily designated for bikes and pedestrians. Drivers are only allowed to drive one block when on a ped-bikeway; they are not a throughway. 
• WECycle: Access one of the more than 100 bikes available through the WE-Cycle bike share program.
• E-Bikes:In Aspen, Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes are allowed on paved paths. E-bikes are not allowed on dirt single-track trails, sidewalks, or the mall.
  • In Pitkin County, Class 1 e-bikes only are allowed on trails. This includes the portion of the Rio Grande Trail that travels outside of Aspen and through Pitkin County. 

Be Safe

• Drive slowly, stay focused, and be mindful of cyclists and pedestrians.
• Pass cyclists with care in shared spaces like sharrows (shared bike/car lanes). [image – this is a sharrow]
• Take extra care when there is weather. 

Be Seen

• Before turning, look for cyclists and pedestrians.
• Be aware of blind spots.
• Avoid distractions while driving.
• Use daytime lights and turn signals.

Be Predictable

• Green “bike boxes” that are painted on the street at intersections are for cyclists. When at a red light, stop behind the green box until the light changes to green. Then, roll through the intersection. Before turning right, look for bikers on the right side of the road. 
• Limit the use of ped-bikeways. Drivers are only allowed to drive one block when on a ped-bikeway; they are not a throughway.