Last question, then I have to get back to being productive. I ask, because I really don't know, and don't feel like googling a Colorado traffic manual.
What is the proper procedure for autos passing bicycles? A full change-lane pass, as you would an auto? Or a same lane pass? I generally assume the former, but on 15th in particular, you see all sorts of things. I'd be scared shitless if I was a bicyclist getting squeeze-passed by an RTD bus, and you see that every single day.
EDIT: I googled. This site -
http://www.safe-route.org/laws/passing.php - says this:
Colorado
No law directly on point. Overtaking law, “42-4-1003. Overtaking a vehicle on the left.”, (here) states “The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.” (italics added)
Whoa, seriously vague. Safe distance?
Note to advocates for an Idaho-type bicycle law in Colorado. Forget focusing on the arguments about red lights, that picks too many fights. You should address the overtaking part, and use that as justification for bike lanes, red light-running, etc. etc.
EDIT 2:
Pulled up traffic code, not something I look at every day... There is also this, but it's not as helpful as I would want. Seems to imply the crowding would have to be intentional, or provocative in some way. Doesn't address close passing, I don't think.
42-4-1008.5. Crowding or threatening bicyclist.
(1) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not, in a careless and imprudent manner, drive the vehicle unnecessarily close to, toward, or near a bicyclist.