How Colorado Springs Handles Mobility & Curb Rules: A Practical Guide

Colorado Springs maintains 144 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with mobility & curb rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Colorado Springs falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Bike Lane Rules

Colorado Springs City Code bars drivers from stopping, standing or parking within a bicycle lane under § 10.12.101(S), one of nineteen listed no-parking locations citywide. Vehicles obstructing a bike lane can be towed under § 10.25.101(F), and § 10.2.104 separately requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to cyclists and scooter riders using bike lanes.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 10.12.101(S). Prohibited act: Stop, stand or park within a bike lane. Towing authority: § 10.25.101(F) for obstructing a bike lane. Driver yield rule: § 10.2.104: yield to cyclists in the lane. Max penalty: $2,500 fine or 189 days jail (§ 1.1.201).

Any violation of Chapter 10 is unlawful under § 10.1.101(A) and punished under § 1.1.201(B), up to a $2,500 fine, up to 189 days in jail, probation, or a combination, unless a lesser penalty applies. In practice, officers issue a penalty assessment notice under § 10.1.102(C) payable through the Municipal Court violations bureau, or have the vehicle towed immediately under § 10.25.101(F) if it is actively obstructing the bike lane.

E-Bike Classes

City Code defines three classes of electrical assisted bicycle by motor behavior and top assisted speed. Class 1 e-bikes count as nonmotorized use citywide, while Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are classified as motorized uses and barred from City trails except for maintenance, emergency or safety vehicles.

Key details: Motor power limit: 750 watts, all classes. Class 1 & 2 top assist speed: 20 mph. Class 3 top assist speed: 28 mph. Class 1 status: Nonmotorized use. Class 2 & 3 status: Motorized uses.

Operating a Class 2 or Class 3 electrical assisted bicycle on a trail, open space area or park not designated for motorized use is a violation of the Trails, Open Space and Parks Program rules; the Parks Manager may eject the rider and seize the device under Section 4.1.102. On streets, failing to comply with the operating requirements of Article 19 of the Traffic Code is a violation citable under Section 10.19.101(C).

The Bottom Line

Colorado Springs's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Colorado Springs is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Colorado Springs can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.