Updated on May 23, 2019.
Boulder is a true multimodal city, with cars, trucks, buses, bicycles, and pedestrians all sharing the roads. Unfortunately, the size and speed disparity between vehicles and people means that an collision between a pedestrian and a car rarely favors the one on foot. If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, please contact the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, at (303) 665-2929 to schedule a free consultation.
Boulder is generally safe for pedestrians. The city has made pedestrian access a priority, with dedicated paths, protected crossings, and other infrastructure improvements that benefit those on foot. But, as in any city, a pedestrian takes a risk when he or she crosses the street or otherwise intersects the path of a vehicle.
A study conducted by city officials found that most pedestrian accidents occur at crosswalks, and that not all crossings are equally dangerous. The study determined that the majority of dangerous crosswalks in Boulder were centered around the University of Colorado. Four of these crossings are located along Broadway, adjacent to the University’s campus; but most pedestrian accidents took place is on the north side of the campus, at Colorado Avenue and Regent Drive.
To reduce your chance of being struck by a vehicle, follow these safety tips when you’re out walking:
- Wear reflective clothing, beginning at dusk and throughout the night. Bright colors during the day may also help.
- Look both ways, and then look again, before crossing the street. Remain alert.
- Cross only at crosswalks, and obey all walk and don’t walk signals.
- Always assume that motorists don’t see you. Make eye contact with motorists if possible.
- Take extra care during times of high traffic, especially during dusk and dawn.
To cross intersections:
- Stop walking before stepping into the crosswalk
- Look both directions to make sure vehicles are stopped. Take a second look before stepping into the crosswalk.
- Cross the street as quickly as possible. Do not stop to check your phone or re-orient yourself; wait until you’re back on the sidewalk.
And just for bicyclists, who are only two skinny wheels away from being pedestrians:
- According to Colorado law, bicycles are required to have a front light and back reflector when riding at night or in low-light conditions.
- It is against Colorado law to wear headphones while riding a bicycle. If you are wearing headphones as a skateboarder or pedestrian, it is recommended that you keep your volume at a safe, low level.
Obey all state, city, and campus traffic laws. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and may affect any personal injury claim you attempt to file afterward. Knowing and obeying local traffic laws is your best defense in safely navigating Boulder’s streets and sidewalks, but no substitute for your attention. Even if you’ve been doing everything legally, a distracted driver can come out of nowhere and strike you, leading to serious injuries. That’s when we can go to work to make things right.
If you’ve been injured in an accident as a pedestrian, you owe it to yourself to seek compensation for your pain, suffering, medical bills, and more. Please contact a Boulder pedestrian injury attorney at the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, to schedule a free consultation today.