CDOT urges motorcyclists to use caution this September

Statewide — Last year, 165 motorcyclists were killed on Colorado roads, the state’s highest number ever recorded. September 2024 was especially deadly for motorcyclists, claiming an unprecedented 33 lives in a single month. Alarmingly, motorcycle deaths have risen 57% since 2015. As motorcyclists gear up for fall rides, the Colorado Department of Transportation is urging both motorcyclists and drivers of motor vehicles to put safety first.

Motorcycle fatalities accounted for nearly one-quarter (24%) of all traffic deaths in Colorado last year despite being just 3% of vehicles on the road. Motorcycles were also involved in 774 serious bodily injury crashes last year.

“Many riders do the right thing — they ride sober, avoid distractions and follow traffic laws,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “But there are those who fail to protect themselves and others when out on the road. Aggressive riding and the decision to forego safety gear increase the risk of a serious injury or death in a crash. By changing two habits —wearing a helmet and adhering to the speed limit —we can prevent dozens of needless tragedies. Don't risk your future. Your safety matters.”

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Helmets remain the primary way to reduce serious injury and motorcycle fatalities. Last year, 44% of the motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes were not wearing a helmet. In May, CDOT began a campaign to encourage riders to wear helmets and gear up for every ride.

This fall, CDOT will work closely with traffic safety advocates throughout the state, share a communications toolkit with its partners and utilize variable message signs (VMS) to raise awareness, reduce motorcycle crashes and build a culture of shared responsibility on the road.

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“While motorcycle deaths are down 15% so far this year compared to the same period in 2024, an alarming rise in fatal motorcycle crashes remains,” said CDOT’s Executive Director Shoshana Lew.“Let’s all do our part to prevent tragedies. Motorcyclists should gear up for every ride and obey the speed limit. Drivers of passenger cars and trucks should always look twice for motorcyclists and give them plenty of space. We all need to share the road safely.”

New motorcycle lane filtering law

In 2024, Colorado passed a new law allowing motorcycles to pass between vehicles stopped on the roadway. The new law could save motorcyclists’ lives by reducing the risk of motorcyclists being rear-ended by a car or truck.

Lane filtering is not the same as lane splitting. Lane filtering allows motorcyclists to safely navigate through stopped traffic traveling in the same direction as the rider. Lane splitting — which remains illegal — involves riding between lanes of moving vehicles.

For motorcycle riders to lane filter correctly, they must follow these rules:

• If a rider wants to pass, traffic must be at a complete stop.
• The lane must be wide enough to fit the vehicle and motorcycle while passing.
• The motorcycle must go 15 MPH or less.
• The rider must pass safely and control the motorcycle.
• The rider must pass on the left and not enter the oncoming traffic lane.

For more information on lane filtering, visit codot.gov/safety/motorcycle/lanefiltering. Additional resources, including educational videos on lane filtering, are available on the Colorado State Patrol website.

Motorcycle safety tips

• Drivers of vehicles should always leave extra space when behind a motorcycle on the roadway.
• Riding a motorcycle takes skill - classes are available on CSP's Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) webpage.
• Motorcyclists should always ride sober and obey the speed limit.
• Drivers of vehicles should avoid distractions such as cellphones or anything else that takes their eyes off the road.
• Drivers of vehicles should always look twice at intersections - motorcycles can be hard to see.
• Motorcyclists should wear high-visibility personal protective gear and DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets. Learn how to identify a safe, DOT-compliant helmet at www.nhtsa.gov/motorcycle-safety/choose-right-motorcycle-helmet.
• Motorcyclists should get endorsed by reaching out to their local DMV at Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Motorcycle Endorsement webpage.

Crash Not Accident

Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying 'crash' instead of 'accident' when reporting.