Last year, Colorado saw a record number of motorcycle fatalities, with 165 motorcyclists killed on state roads. September 2024 was particularly deadly, accounting for 33 deaths in just one month. Since 2015, the number of motorcycle deaths has increased by 57%. As fall approaches and more riders take to the roads, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is calling for increased caution among both motorcyclists and drivers.
Motorcycle fatalities made up nearly a quarter of all traffic deaths in Colorado last year, even though motorcycles represented only 3% of vehicles on the road. In addition to the fatalities, there were 774 crashes resulting in serious bodily injury involving motorcycles.
“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 monthly motorcycle fatalities ranged from zero in January 2024 to a high of 33 in September, with significant numbers throughout spring and summer.
Helmets remain a critical factor in reducing injuries and deaths among motorcyclists. Last year, 44% of those killed were not wearing helmets. In response, CDOT launched a campaign this May urging riders to wear helmets and appropriate gear every time they ride.
In coming months, CDOT plans to collaborate with traffic safety advocates across Colorado and provide resources such as communications toolkits and variable message signs to promote awareness about motorcycle safety.
“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 that are stopped on roadways—a maneuver known as lane filtering—which may help reduce rear-end collisions involving motorcyclists by allowing them to move through stopped traffic rather than remain stationary behind other vehicles.
It is important to note that lane filtering is distinct from lane splitting; while lane filtering lets riders move through stopped traffic going their direction, lane splitting—riding between lanes of moving vehicles—remains illegal in Colorado.
