Safety & Other Considerations

Safety

It is certainly disappointing for children and parents to find that they cannot ride their new scooter in the cul-de-sac or on a path in a local park. Additionally, it may seem silly to ticket children for riding a scooter along a residential roadway. As you can imagine, deputies’ response to crimes against people and property takes precedence over scooter-law violators. Deputies give scooter-related tickets infrequently. However, deputies do respond to citizens’ complaints about any traffic issues, including scooters, and frequently issue warnings.

Deputies recognize that educating the public on safety issues is of the utmost importance. As such, there are serious safety issues that come into play when people - especially children operate small, motorized vehicles around regular traffic. Parents or other responsible adults should supervise younger children on any scooter. Your safety is our concern so please follow these safety tactics:

• Wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet at all times; eye protection is also encouraged
• Avoid curbs, cobblestones, grates, and other rough or discontinuous surfaces
• Never ride with more than one person on a scooter
• Never ride your scooter at dusk or at night without appropriate lights
• Before each use, verify that there are no loose or missing parts, and that the brakes are working properly
• Don't ride in wet or icy conditions. Wet weather impairs traction, braking, and visibility
• Do not stunt ride
• Ride in control at all times
• Never tie or hold your dog leash as you ride your bike or scooter while still connected with your pet
• Failure to properly tighten the handlebar quick-release lever may compromise steering action, which could cause you to lose control and fall

Other Considerations

• Wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs are not considered vehicles. People in wheelchairs or motorized wheelchairs are considered pedestrians.
• When riding a vehicle on the sidewalk you must yield to any pedestrian.
• Everyone who operates a vehicle on the roadway must obey the rules of the road. The Colorado State Driver Handbook is a good resource for understanding these rules.
• Colorado law defines a motorcycle as a vehicle with two or three wheels with an engine exceeding 50 cc. It must be equipped with operating headlights, taillights, turn signals, and all other equipment required of any motor vehicle. Motorcycles may only be operated on roadways, and drivers must obey all traffic laws. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement. Motorcycles are registered like other vehicles and must display a license plate on the rear. Motor scooters over 50 cc will normally have the cc number displayed on the vehicle.
• Colorado Revised Statutes states that 42-4-109 (9)’s “subsection (9) does not apply to any public way which is set aside by proper authority as a play street and which is adequately roped off or otherwise marked for such purpose.”

Report

To report a violation or other concern, call the Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 303-277-0211.