Last year, Colorado recorded 165 motorcyclist fatalities, marking the highest number ever in the state. September 2024 was particularly deadly, with 33 motorcyclists losing their lives in that month alone. Since 2015, motorcycle deaths have increased by 57%. As fall approaches and more riders take to the roads, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is calling for heightened caution from both motorcyclists and drivers.
Motorcycle-related deaths made up nearly a quarter of all traffic fatalities in Colorado last year, despite motorcycles representing only about 3% of vehicles on the road. In addition to fatalities, there were 774 serious injury crashes involving motorcycles during the same period.
“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.”
Data from CDOT shows that motorcycle fatalities varied throughout 2024: January saw no deaths; February had three; March nine; April eight; May seventeen; June twenty; July twenty-six; August twenty-three; September thirty-three; October seventeen; November three; December six.
Helmets continue to be identified as an effective measure for reducing injuries and fatalities among motorcyclists. Last year, 44% of those killed in motorcycle crashes were not wearing helmets. In response, CDOT launched a campaign in May aimed at encouraging helmet use and promoting proper gear for every ride.
CDOT plans to collaborate with traffic safety advocates across Colorado this fall by distributing communication toolkits and using variable message signs (VMS) to promote awareness about motorcycle safety and shared responsibility on roadways.
“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.”
A new law passed in Colorado in 2024 now allows motorcycles to pass between vehicles stopped on roadways—a practice known as lane filtering—which aims to reduce rear-end collisions involving motorcycles.
Lane filtering differs from lane splitting: while lane filtering permits riders to move through stopped traffic traveling in their direction, lane splitting—riding between lanes of moving vehicles—remains illegal under state law.
