UPDATE: The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has just launched an urgent summer bike safety campaign following alarming statistics revealing that nearly 48.1% of Colorado’s bicycle fatalities occur during the summer months. This new initiative aims to raise awareness in Denver’s Washington Park, where the campaign will visually highlight the rising number of bicyclist deaths.
As the summer season begins, CDOT reports a tragic record: since 2020, 79 bicyclists have lost their lives on Colorado roads. With an average of 15 deaths and over 200 serious injuries each year, the urgency for enhanced bicycle safety is critical.
At 11:00 a.m. today, CDOT will kick off the campaign with a special event in Washington Park. Families of crash victims will install safety signs along the park’s bike path and share personal stories about the devastating impact of traffic incidents. Among the speakers is Teri Vogel, whose husband was killed while biking in Douglas County in 2019.
“I think a lot of drivers don’t know the law that requires them to allow three feet of distance between them and the bicyclist when passing,” said Sam Cole, CDOT’s Traffic Safety Communications Manager. He emphasized the importance of understanding bicycle laws to foster safer interactions between drivers and cyclists.
The campaign will feature dozens of signs depicting the grim reality of bicyclist fatalities in Colorado, alongside vital safety tips for both drivers and cyclists. This initiative aligns with CDOT’s broader effort to educate the public on safe road-sharing practices.
“Bicyclists are equal users of our roadways,” Cole stated. “We all need to come together to protect each other.” CDOT’s campaign is expected to run throughout the summer, with plans to expand into other urban areas across the state.
Authorities report an 8% increase in bicyclist deaths since 2015, attributed to infrastructure gaps and unsafe behaviors. “There are simple ways to make our roads safer for bicyclists, such as bike lanes and safer intersections,” Cole added. “But ultimately, it’s the behaviors of drivers and cyclists that matter most.”
For more information on Colorado’s bicycle laws and safety tips, visit CDOT’s website or check out Bicycle Colorado.
As the summer progresses, the urgency for enhanced awareness and safe driving practices remains paramount. The message is clear: every life matters, and together, we can ensure everyone makes it home safely.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
