A Bill for an Act
Page 1, Line 101Concerning measures affecting equestrians.
Bill Summary
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not reflect any amendments that may be subsequently adopted. If this bill passes third reading in the house of introduction, a bill summary that applies to the reengrossed version of this bill will be available at http://leg.colorado.gov.)
The bill defines an equestrian zone as an area that a municipality or county determines is suburban or urban and contains:
- Public equestrian venues;
- Residential neighborhoods where significant numbers of equestrians live and engage in equestrian activities;
- Keystone properties that have equestrian facilities that stable horses, serve the community, or provide equestrian services; or
- Roads or trails that equestrians regularly use and that are related to the areas described in the last 3 bullet points.
- Construct and maintain infrastructure necessary to access horse trails and install signs that notify the public of the infrastructure;
- Identify locations where equestrian road crossings are needed to safely use horse trails, construct and maintain the equestrian road crossings in those places, and install signs notifying the public of the crossings;
- Publish a map showing the location and character of existing or proposed equestrian infrastructure;
- Erect road signs bearing the universal equestrian sign symbol and the words "wide and slow" in equestrian zones; and
- Identify and show the location and character of existing or proposed equestrian infrastructure, venues, and riding zones on master plans.
- Proceed with due care and caution, passing wide and slow;
- Refrain from using the vehicle's horn, unless necessary to avoid an unsafe condition or harming the equestrian;
- Obey a signal from the equestrian to stop or slow the motor vehicle;
- Keep the motor vehicle from exceeding 10 miles per hour; and
- Maintain 6 feet of distance from the equestrian.
The bill requires municipalities and counties to:
A municipality or county may organize public events to educate the public about equestrian use of recreational trails and roads and the duties of users of trails and roads with regard to equestrian users.
In an equestrian zone on a road, the driver of a motor vehicle must, when passing an equestrian:
When using a road, equestrian riders may proceed 2 abreast if one of the riders is under 18 years of age or if one of the equestrians is inexperienced and the young or inexperienced equestrian is closest to the edge of the road. Equestrians have the right-of-way at a designated equestrian road crossing. The local authority must post a permanent sign at an equestrian road crossing.
The division of local government in the department of local affairs is given the duty of educating sheriffs and local law enforcement of these trail and road provisions. The department of revenue is given the duty of adopting rules to add the road provisions to driver's education curricula.
Page 2, Line 1Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:
Page 3, Line 1SECTION 1. Legislative declaration. (1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
Page 3, Line 2(a) The equestrian community in Colorado is a vibrant and valued
Page 3, Line 3segment of the state's cultural heritage and recreational activities, utilizing the state's roads, trails, and public lands;
Page 3, Line 4(b) Equestrians play a critical role in Colorado's tourism, rural and
Page 3, Line 5suburban economies, and broader agricultural and recreational industries, driving economic growth and supporting job creation across the state;
Page 3, Line 6(c) The 2023 American Horse Council impact study estimates over 180,000 horses are housed on 430,700 acres in the state;
Page 3, Line 7(d) The economic effects of the equestrian recreational sector
Page 3, Line 8include direct employment in 277,716 jobs, total employment in 466,969 jobs, and a direct contribution to the economy of $14.548 billion;
Page 3, Line 9(e) The economic effects of the equestrian competition sector
Page 3, Line 10include direct employment in 301,527 jobs, total employment in 486,820 jobs, and direct contribution to the economy of $15.628 billion;
Page 3, Line 11(f) The economic effects of the equestrian racing sector include
Page 3, Line 12direct employment in 312,484 jobs, total employment in 491,232 jobs, and a direct contribution to the economy of $16.049 billion;
Page 3, Line 13(g) Equestrian activities are vital to Colorado's communities,
Page 3, Line 14providing opportunities for outdoor recreation that promote physical health, mental well-being, and the preservation of open spaces;
Page 3, Line 15(h) Colorado's growing population has increased the presence of
Page 3, Line 16equestrians on roadways and trails, yet riders face significant safety risks
Page 3, Line 17due to inadequate infrastructure, lack of designated roadways, and unclear or conflicting regulations;
Page 3, Line 18(i) The absence of specific legislative protections and
Page 4, Line 1infrastructure for equestrians has led to conflicts with motorized traffic, resulting in accidents, injuries, and fatalities for both riders and drivers;
Page 4, Line 2(j) Existing traffic laws and systems fail to address the unique
Page 4, Line 3needs of equestrians, including wide-passing zones, safe crossings, properly designated parking, and staging areas for equestrian activities;
Page 4, Line 4(k) Public safety and equitable access to recreation are essential
Page 4, Line 5to Colorado's commitment to fostering a harmonious environment for all
Page 4, Line 6road users, including motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians, while protecting diverse outdoor activities; and
Page 4, Line 7(l) Enhancing the safety, access, and recognition of the equestrian
Page 4, Line 8community supports Colorado's commitment to protecting diverse
Page 4, Line 9outdoor activities, responsibly using public lands, and fostering mutual respect among all users.
Page 4, Line 10(2) Now, therefore, the general assembly of the state of Colorado
Page 4, Line 11declares that it is necessary and in the public interest to enact legislation to:
Page 4, Line 12(a) Ensure representation of the equestrian community in
Page 4, Line 13transportation, recreational, and land-use planning by establishing equestrian zones;
Page 4, Line 14(b) Implement a "pass wide and slow" policy for vehicles
Page 4, Line 15approaching or passing equestrians on roadways to enhance safety for riders, drivers, and cyclists;
Page 4, Line 16(c) Establish clear standards for equestrian road crossings to
Page 4, Line 17provide safe and designated transitions between trails, parks, and public roads;
Page 4, Line 18(d) Develop designated equestrian parking zones and trail heads
Page 4, Line 19with facilities for horse trailers and safe staging areas; and
Page 5, Line 1(e) Promote public awareness to educate drivers, cyclists, and other road users about the safety needs and rights of equestrians.
Page 5, Line 2(3) The general assembly further declares that, by enacting this
Page 5, Line 3legislation, the state of Colorado will take meaningful steps toward
Page 5, Line 4fostering a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable transportation and
Page 5, Line 5recreational environment for the equestrian community, while
Page 5, Line 6contributing to the preservation and enjoyment of the state's outdoor traditions.
Page 5, Line 7SECTION 2. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 24-32-104, add (9) as follows:
Page 5, Line 824-32-104. Functions of the division - interconnectivity grant
Page 5, Line 9program - interconnectivity grant program fund - reporting -
Page 5, Line 10definition. (9) The division shall educate county sheriffs and
Page 5, Line 11other law enforcement agencies about equestrian zones and the duties prescribed in section 42-4-1417.
Page 5, Line 12SECTION 3. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 30-11-133 as follows:
Page 5, Line 1330-11-133. Construction and maintenance of equestrian
Page 5, Line 14infrastructure. (1) A county shall construct and maintain
Page 5, Line 15infrastructure, such as road crossings, road access facilities,
Page 5, Line 16or horse-trailer parking, necessary to access equestrian trails.
Page 5, Line 17The county shall install signs that notify the public of the infrastructure, in accordance with section 30-28-141.
Page 5, Line 18(2) A county shall identify locations where equestrian
Page 5, Line 19road crossings are needed to safely use horse trails. When a
Page 5, Line 20location is identified, the county shall construct and maintain
Page 5, Line 21the equestrian road crossing. The crossing must:
Page 6, Line 1(a) Have appropriate signs notifying road users of the equestrian crossing; and
Page 6, Line 2(b) Be clearly marked on the road.
Page 6, Line 3SECTION 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 30-28-106, add (9) as follows:
Page 6, Line 430-28-106. Master plan - definitions - repeal. (9) (a) As used in this subsection (9):
Page 6, Line 5(I) "Equestrian" has the meaning set forth in section 31-23-206 (9)(b)(I).
Page 6, Line 6(II) "Equestrian zone" means an area that a county determines is suburban or urban and contains:
Page 6, Line 7(A) Public equestrian venues;
Page 6, Line 8(B) Residential neighborhoods where significant numbers of equestrians live and engage in equestrian activities;
Page 6, Line 9(C) Keystone properties that have equestrian facilities
Page 6, Line 10that stable horses, serve the community, or provide equestrian services; or
Page 6, Line 11(D) Roads or trails that equestrians regularly use and
Page 6, Line 12that are related to an area described in subsections (9)(a)(II)(A) to (9)(a)(II)(C) of this section.
Page 6, Line 13(III) "Suburban or urban" means the population and
Page 6, Line 14traffic density are sufficient to cause significant and regular
Page 6, Line 15interactions between equestrians and motor vehicles or other residents.
Page 6, Line 16(b) A county planning commission shall identify and show
Page 6, Line 17on the master plan the location of and character of existing or
Page 6, Line 18proposed equestrian infrastructure, venues, and equestrian zones.
Page 7, Line 1(c) (I) This subsection (9) applies to master plans adopted
Page 7, Line 2or amended after January 1, 2027, and to all master plans after January 1, 2032.
Page 7, Line 3(II) This subsection (9)(c) is repealed, effective July 1, 2034.
Page 7, Line 4(d) A county may organize public events to educate the
Page 7, Line 5public about equestrian use of recreational trails and roads
Page 7, Line 6and the duties of users of trails and roads with regard to
Page 7, Line 7equestrian users. A county may partner with local horse
Page 7, Line 8advocacy groups to educate the public about these matters or to hold the public events.
Page 7, Line 9SECTION 5. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 30-28-141 as follows:
Page 7, Line 1030-28-141. Equestrian map and sign requirements. (1) A
Page 7, Line 11county shall publish a map showing the location of and
Page 7, Line 12character of existing or proposed equestrian infrastructure.
Page 7, Line 13The map may be published on the county's website. The map must include:
Page 7, Line 14(a) Equestrian venues, including fairgrounds, equestrian parks, public arenas, and riding schools;
Page 7, Line 15(b) Equestrian trail infrastructure, including trails, designated trailer parking, and access points to trails;
Page 7, Line 16(c) Equestrian-designated road crossings; and
Page 7, Line 17(d) Equestrian zones, as defined in section 30-28-106 (9)(a)(II).
Page 7, Line 18(2) A county shall post road signs bearing the universal
Page 7, Line 19equestrian sign symbol and the words "wide and slow" on roads
Page 8, Line 1determined to be equestrian zones in accordance with section 30-28-106 (9)(a)(II).
Page 8, Line 2SECTION 6. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 31-15-717 as follows:
Page 8, Line 331-15-717. Construction and maintenance of equestrian
Page 8, Line 4infrastructure - legislative declaration - exception. (1) The general
Page 8, Line 5assembly finds that equestrians do not stay within one
Page 8, Line 6jurisdiction, many equestrian trails are not contained within a
Page 8, Line 7single municipality, and equestrians need the protections
Page 8, Line 8afforded by appropriate infrastructure within the entire state.
Page 8, Line 9Therefore, the general assembly declares this section to be a matter of statewide concern.
Page 8, Line 10(2) A municipality shall construct and maintain
Page 8, Line 11infrastructure, such as road crossings, road access facilities,
Page 8, Line 12or horse-trailer parking, necessary to allow equestrians to
Page 8, Line 13access equestrian trails. The municipality shall install signs
Page 8, Line 14that notify the public of the infrastructure, in accordance with section 31-23-228.
Page 8, Line 15(3) A municipality shall identify locations where
Page 8, Line 16equestrian road crossings are needed to safely use horse trails.
Page 8, Line 17When a location is identified, the municipality shall construct and maintain the equestrian road crossing. The crossing must:
Page 8, Line 18(a) Have appropriate signs notifying road users of the equestrian crossing; and
Page 8, Line 19(b) Be clearly marked on the road.
Page 8, Line 20(4) This section does not apply to a municipality with a
Page 8, Line 21population of two thousand or fewer individuals.
Page 9, Line 1SECTION 7. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 31-23-228 as follows:
Page 9, Line 231-23-228. Equestrian map and sign requirements - legislative
Page 9, Line 3declaration. (1) The general assembly finds that equestrians do
Page 9, Line 4not stay within one jurisdiction, many equestrian trails are not
Page 9, Line 5contained within a single municipality, and equestrians need the
Page 9, Line 6protections afforded by knowledge of the existing
Page 9, Line 7infrastructure within the entire state. Therefore, the general
Page 9, Line 8assembly declares this section to be a matter of statewide concern.
Page 9, Line 9(2) A municipality shall publish a map showing the
Page 9, Line 10location of and character of existing or proposed equestrian
Page 9, Line 11infrastructure. The map may be published on the municipality's website. The map must include:
Page 9, Line 12(a) Equestrian venues, including fairgrounds, equestrian parks, public arenas, and riding schools;
Page 9, Line 13(b) Equestrian trail infrastructure, including trails, designated trailer parking, and access points to trails;
Page 9, Line 14(c) Equestrian-designated road crossings; and
Page 9, Line 15(d) Equestrian zones, as defined in section 31-23-206 (9)(b)(II).
Page 9, Line 16(3) A municipality shall post road signs bearing the
Page 9, Line 17universal equestrian sign symbol and the words "wide and slow"
Page 9, Line 18on roads determined to be equestrian zones in accordance with section 31-23-206 (9)(b)(II).
Page 9, Line 19SECTION 8. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 31-23-206, add (9)
Page 9, Line 20as follows:
Page 10, Line 131-23-206. Master plan - legislative declaration - definitions -
Page 10, Line 2repeal. (9) (a) The general assembly finds that equestrians do
Page 10, Line 3not stay within one jurisdiction, many equestrian trails are not
Page 10, Line 4contained within a single municipality, and equestrians need the
Page 10, Line 5protections afforded by knowledge of the existing
Page 10, Line 6infrastructure within the entire state. Therefore, the general
Page 10, Line 7assembly declares this section to be a matter of statewide concern.
Page 10, Line 8(b) As used in this subsection (9):
Page 10, Line 9(I) (A) "Equestrian" means an individual who is riding a horse, leading a horse, or riding in a vehicle drawn by a horse.
Page 10, Line 10(B) "Equestrian" includes the horse being ridden, being
Page 10, Line 11led, or drawing a vehicle, as each are described in subsection(9)(b)(I)(A) of this section.
Page 10, Line 12(II) "Equestrian zone" means an area that a municipality determines is suburban or urban and contains:
Page 10, Line 13(A) Public equestrian venues;
Page 10, Line 14(B) Residential neighborhoods where significant numbers of equestrians live and engage in equestrian activities;
Page 10, Line 15(C) Keystone properties that have equestrian facilities
Page 10, Line 16that stable horses, serve the community, or provide equestrian services; or
Page 10, Line 17(D) Roads or trails that equestrians regularly use and
Page 10, Line 18that are related to an area described in subsections (9)(b)(II)(A) to (9)(b)(II)(C) of this section.
Page 10, Line 19(III) "Suburban or urban" means the population and
Page 10, Line 20traffic density are sufficient to cause significant and regular
Page 11, Line 1interactions between equestrians and motor vehicles or other residents.
Page 11, Line 2(c) A municipality with a master plan shall identify and
Page 11, Line 3show on the master plan the location of and character of
Page 11, Line 4existing or proposed equestrian infrastructure, venues, and equestrian zones.
Page 11, Line 5(d) (I) This subsection (9) does not apply to municipalities with a population of two thousand or fewer individuals.
Page 11, Line 6(II) (A) This subsection (9) applies to master plans adopted
Page 11, Line 7or amended after January 1, 2027, and to all master plans after January 1, 2032.
Page 11, Line 8(B) This subsection (9)(d)(II) is repealed, effective July 1, 2034.
Page 11, Line 9(e) A municipality may organize public events to educate
Page 11, Line 10the public about equestrian use of recreational trails and roads
Page 11, Line 11and the duties of users of trails and roads with regard to
Page 11, Line 12equestrian users. A municipality may partner with local horse
Page 11, Line 13advocacy groups to educate the public about these matters or to hold the public events.
Page 11, Line 14SECTION 9. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 42-4-805, amend (1) as follows:
Page 11, Line 1542-4-805. Pedestrians walking or traveling in a wheelchair on
Page 11, Line 16highways. (1) Pedestrians walking or traveling in a wheelchair along and
Page 11, Line 17upon highways where sidewalks are not provided shall walk or travel only
Page 11, Line 18on a road shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway.
Page 11, Line 19Where neither a sidewalk nor road shoulder is available, any pedestrian
Page 11, Line 20walking or traveling in a wheelchair along and upon a highway shall walk
Page 12, Line 1or travel as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway and,
Page 12, Line 2in the case of a two-way roadway, shall walk or travel only on the left
Page 12, Line 3side of the roadway facing traffic that may approach from the opposite direction; except that:
Page 12, Line 4(a)
any personPage 12, Line 5on either side of
suchPage 12, Line 6(b) An individual riding or leading a horse may travel on the right side of the road with the direction of traffic.
Page 12, Line 7SECTION 10. In Colorado Revised Statutes, add 42-4-1417 as follows:
Page 12, Line 842-4-1417. Equestrian use of roadways - motor vehicle driver
Page 12, Line 9duties - vehicle rider duties - definitions. (1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:
Page 12, Line 10(a) "Equestrian" has the meaning set forth in section 31-23-206 (9)(b)(I).
Page 12, Line 11(b) "Equestrian zone" means an area where highway users
Page 12, Line 12are notified of equestrian highway use by the posting of a sign
Page 12, Line 13containing a universal equestrian sign symbol and the words "wide and slow".
Page 12, Line 14(c) "Traffic conditions" means conditions that reasonably
Page 12, Line 15affect a driver's decision-making and include weather, other drivers, road conditions, or lane size.
Page 12, Line 16(2) In an equestrian zone, the driver of a motor vehicle shall, when passing an equestrian who is using the roadway:
Page 12, Line 17(a) Proceed with due care and caution to avoid causing
Page 12, Line 18injury to the equestrian;
Page 13, Line 1(b) Not use the vehicle's horn, unless necessary to avoid an unsafe condition or to avoid harming the equestrian;
Page 13, Line 2(c) Obey a signal from the equestrian to stop or slow the motor vehicle;
Page 13, Line 3(d) Not exceed ten miles per hour; and
Page 13, Line 4(e) (I) Maintain at least six feet of distance from the
Page 13, Line 5equestrian when passing unless traffic conditions make it impossible to maintain six feet of distance; or
Page 13, Line 6(II) Maintain as much distance as possible from the
Page 13, Line 7equestrian if traffic conditions make it impossible to maintain six feet of distance.
Page 13, Line 8(3) When using a roadway, equestrian riders may proceed two abreast if:
Page 13, Line 9(a) One of the riders is under eighteen years of age and the younger rider is closest to the edge of the road; or
Page 13, Line 10(b) One of the riders is inexperienced and the inexperienced rider is closest to the edge of the road.
Page 13, Line 11(4) (a) Equestrians have the right-of-way at a designated
Page 13, Line 12equestrian crossing. At a designated equestrian crossing, the
Page 13, Line 13driver of a motor vehicle or rider of a vehicle shall yield the
Page 13, Line 14right-of-way to an equestrian who is approaching the crossing or in the crossing until the equestrian has exited the crossing.
Page 13, Line 15(b) The local authority shall post a permanent sign to notify drivers and riders of an equestrian crossing.
Page 13, Line 16SECTION 11. In Colorado Revised Statutes, 42-2-603, amend (3) as follows:
Page 13, Line 1742-2-603. Rules. (3) In adopting the rules, the department shall:
Page 14, Line 1(a) Use the guidelines concerning commercial driving schools
Page 14, Line 2
promulgatedPage 14, Line 3(b) Include in the curricula the duties prescribed in section 42-4-1417.
Page 14, Line 4SECTION 12. Act subject to petition - effective date -
Page 14, Line 5applicability. (1) This act takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on the day following
Page 14, Line 6the expiration of the ninety-day period after final adjournment of the
Page 14, Line 7general assembly; except that, if a referendum petition is filed pursuant
Page 14, Line 8to section 1 (3) of article V of the state constitution against this act or an
Page 14, Line 9item, section, or part of this act within such period, then the act, item,
Page 14, Line 10section, or part will not take effect unless approved by the people at the
Page 14, Line 11general election to be held in November 2026 and, in such case, will take
Page 14, Line 12effect on the date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.
Page 14, Line 13(2) This act applies to offenses committed on or after the applicable effective date of this act.