Governor Jared Polis has signed a bipartisan bill into law aimed at improving safety in Colorado’s rideshare industry, a move sparked by a surge in sexual assault incidents and increasing public outcry. The new law, known as House Bill 1291, mandates that rideshare companies, including Uber and Lyft, enforce stricter safety regulations and conduct more rigorous background checks on drivers. The legislation comes amid rising concerns over the safety of passengers and drivers, particularly in light of alarming statistics that show an increasing number of sexual assault allegations involving rideshare drivers.
The law requires rideshare companies to conduct background checks on drivers every six months and prohibits hiring drivers with a history of serious offenses, including domestic violence, stalking, and harassment. Additionally, the bill mandates that companies investigate complaints of inappropriate behavior within 72 hours, and deactivate the accounts of drivers found to have likely committed the offenses. A key component of the bill also requires rideshare companies to record audio and video during each ride to provide an added layer of safety and accountability.
A Tipping Point for Rideshare Safety
The bill comes in the wake of troubling statistics: between 2017 and 2022, over 15,000 Uber and Lyft riders reported being sexually assaulted. This statistic was highlighted by State Representative Jenny Willford, a primary sponsor of the bill, who has been an outspoken advocate for improved rideshare safety after her own experience being sexually assaulted by a Lyft driver. Willford’s incident, which occurred in February 2024, involved a driver using a friend’s account rather than an official one, leading to her subsequent lawsuit against the company.
“The rideshare industry has a severe and pervasive safety issue that they’ve tried to ignore for too long,” Willford stated. “They are in crisis, whether they want to admit it or not. Uber and Lyft have failed to take meaningful action despite years of incidents.”
Uber’s Resistance and Potential Shutdown in Colorado
Uber, however, has voiced strong opposition to the bill, claiming that it would force the company to cease operations in Colorado. In a letter sent to the state’s House and Senate leadership, Uber’s Vice President of Operations, Camiel Irving, argued that the new regulations would be “unworkable.” Specifically, Uber raised concerns about the mandated audio and video recording of every ride, which the company argues presents technical and logistical challenges. The company also criticized provisions that would require rideshare companies to publicly share all rider and driver comments, a move Uber says would compromise user privacy.
“We’ve worked hard to create safety features, like in-app emergency buttons and sharing trip details with trusted contacts,” Irving stated. “But this bill goes too far and risks undermining our progress. We want to work with lawmakers on a better solution, but as it stands, Uber’s viability in Colorado is at risk.”
Uber also pointed to a recent report showing that 99.9998% of U.S. trips ended without a serious safety incident and claimed that the company has seen a 44% decrease in sexual assault incidents since it began publishing data on the matter.
Lyft’s Call for Collaboration and Potential Fallout
Lyft echoed Uber’s concerns, noting that several provisions of the bill would negatively impact users and riders. The company acknowledged the need for safety reforms but warned that the current form of the bill could lead to unintended consequences, including higher costs for consumers. “We believe a compromise can be reached, but this bill, in its current form, will negatively affect the rideshare experience for many,” said a Lyft spokesperson.
The Impact on Rideshare Assault Survivors
The growing concerns about rideshare safety underscore the critical need for further legislative action and reform. As Helping Survivors knows well from its work with victims of rideshare assault, the need for comprehensive safety measures is paramount. Our team has extensive experience in handling cases involving sexual assaults and misconduct in the rideshare industry, and we understand how difficult it can be for survivors to seek justice.
The new law passed in Colorado is a step in the right direction, but it’s essential that it be enforced and followed by further measures. As rideshare companies continue to resist changes that could significantly improve passenger safety, Helping Survivors remains committed to supporting those who have been impacted by rideshare abuse. Whether you are a rider or a driver who has experienced sexual assault or any form of misconduct, we are here to help you navigate the legal process.
How Helping Survivors Can Help
If you have been the victim of a rideshare assault, Helping Survivors offers confidential legal support. Our experienced team works with survivors to ensure they receive the justice they deserve. We specialize in cases involving sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct, and we are here to help guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and find out how we can assist you in your pursuit of justice.
