Pedestrian deaths up 88% statewide since 2015

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Statewide — Yesterday the Colorado Department of Transportation and Bicycle Colorado launched a campaign in Colorado Springs to bring awareness to pedestrian and bicycle safety in the state. Signs placed around Memorial Park near the city’s downtown highlighted recent fatalities and the laws in place to protect bicyclists and pedestrians. Since 2015, pedestrian deaths in Colorado have increased by 88%.

This effort comes ahead of Pedestrian Safety Month, which takes place in October. In addition, the end of daylight savings time is a historically dangerous period for pedestrians. Last year, October was the deadliest month in Colorado for pedestrians with 17 fatalities. In total, 120 pedestrians were killed in 2024.

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In 2024, 16 pedestrians were killed in El Paso County, a concerning 167% increase from the six fatalities that occurred ten years earlier.

During the targeted activation, CDOT, Bicycle Colorado, safety advocates and victims of pedestrian-related fatalities gathered to raise awareness about Colorado’s laws and address the rising number of pedestrian fatalities in El Paso County.

“Simply put, the safety of pedestrians is the safety of all roadway users. Ahead of Pedestrian Safety Month, CDOT and our partners are reminding all Coloradans to look out for one another, whether you’re driving, walking or biking,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “The rise in pedestrian deaths over the past decade is alarming. All road users have a responsibility to keep themselves and others safe."

Last year, the counties with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities were Adams (22), Denver (18) and El Paso (16). Together, these counties account for 47% of all fatalities that occurred in 2024. Additionally, most pedestrian fatalities occur during the darker hours of evening or nighttime. In fact, 65% of 2024 pedestrian fatalities occurred in these conditions. During Pedestrian Safety Month and the upcoming end of daylight savings time, CDOT urges drivers to use extra caution when driving near bicyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable people, especially in the dark.

78 pedestrian fatalities occurred when it was dark in 2024.

“Pedestrian deaths are steadily increasing in the state, and we are determined to reverse this trend,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Cars do not own our roadways, which is why we need to share the road so that all travelers, no matter their mode of travel, arrive safely at their destinations.”

Last year, 81 or 68% of pedestrian fatalities occurred outside of crosswalks in Colorado. CDOT reminds pedestrians to use crosswalks and sidewalks when possible. Drivers should always use caution around pedestrians in and outside of intersections, follow the posted speed limit and avoid distractions.

Colorado Pedestrian Laws

• Pedestrian Right-of-Way: Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at an intersection when traffic signals indicate it is safe to cross.
• Illegal Crossing: Crossing the street outside of designated crossings is illegal and can result in a ticket and fine. Pedestrians must always yield to vehicles unless crossing at a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
• Where should pedestrians walk or run? Pedestrians must use sidewalks whenever available. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
• Pedestrians must follow pedestrian-specific traffic signals and signs. If a pedestrian signal is broken or stays on “Don’t Walk” or “Walk” for multiple cycles, pedestrians shall not enter the roadway unless it’s safe to do so and won’t interfere with traffic.

“Vulnerable road users simply do not have the protections of those inside vehicles. Our team is determined to keep all travelers safe, especially those outside of vehicles who bike, walk and roll,” said Pete Piccolo, Executive Director of Bicycle Colorado. “Bicycle Colorado is thrilled to partner with CDOT to promote safe behaviors on Colorado's roads. It's critical that everyone is aware of and follows traffic laws that keep all users safe.”

Safety Reminders for Drivers around Pedestrians

• Be sure to stop before the crosswalk, never in it
• When the light turns green, go slow, check your surroundings and proceed with caution
• Try to make eye contact with pedestrians to ensure it's safe to continue through the intersection
• Always use your turn signal
• At night, reduce your speed and always use headlights
• Avoid cell phone use and other distractions, obey speed limits and never drive impaired
• Always yield to pedestrians and slow down, especially in urban areas.

Safety Reminders for Pedestrians around Drivers

• Use sidewalks whenever available, and cross streets at crosswalks or intersections
• Stay off your phone when crossing the street
• At crosswalks, try to make eye contact or nod to a driver to confirm they see you before you cross
• Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment
• At night, wear light colors and walk where streetlights will illuminate you
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots

In August, CDOT launched a campaign about the risks of speeding drivers to pedestrians. The risk of death for pedestrians is 10% at 23 MPH and up to 75% at 50 MPH. CDOT encourages drivers to always follow the speed limit for the safety of themselves, other drivers and VRUs. Crashes involving speeding claimed the lives of 237 people last year, and knowing the laws is essential to reversing these alarming trends. Visit CDOT’s Speeding campaign to learn more about speeding and pedestrian safety.

CDOT encourages the traveling public to educate themselves on how to do their part in reducing the number of traffic injuries and fatalities, especially for our most vulnerable outside of a vehicle. Learn more about bicycle and pedestrian safety at codot.gov/programs/bikeped.

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