Pedestrian deaths in Colorado have risen by 88% since 2015, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The agency, together with Bicycle Colorado, launched a campaign in Colorado Springs to raise awareness about pedestrian and bicycle safety. Signs were placed around Memorial Park near downtown to highlight recent fatalities and inform the public about laws protecting pedestrians and bicyclists.
The campaign precedes Pedestrian Safety Month in October, a period when risks for pedestrians are higher. In 2024, October saw 17 pedestrian fatalities—the highest monthly total that year. Statewide, there were 120 pedestrian deaths in 2024.
El Paso County experienced a significant increase in pedestrian fatalities, with 16 deaths reported in 2024 compared to six ten years earlier—a rise of 167%. During the awareness event at Memorial Park, CDOT officials, Bicycle Colorado representatives, safety advocates, and victims’ families gathered to address the issue.
“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.”
Adams County recorded the most pedestrian fatalities last year (22), followed by Denver (18) and El Paso (16). These three counties accounted for nearly half of all such deaths statewide in 2024. Most incidents occurred during evening or nighttime hours; specifically, 65% happened when it was dark.
As daylight savings time ends—a period associated with increased risk—CDOT urges drivers to be extra cautious around vulnerable road users after dark. In total, 78 fatal pedestrian incidents took place under low-light conditions last year.
“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.”
Data from CDOT shows that most fatalities—81 out of 120—occurred outside crosswalks. The agency reminds pedestrians to use crosswalks and sidewalks whenever possible while urging drivers to remain alert near intersections and avoid distractions.
Colorado law gives pedestrians right-of-way at crosswalks and unmarked crossings at intersections when signals indicate it is safe. Crossing outside designated areas is illegal and can result in fines; pedestrians must yield unless crossing legally at an intersection.
Pedestrians should use sidewalks where available or walk on the left side facing traffic if none exist. They must also follow specific traffic signals; if signals malfunction or remain unchanged for multiple cycles, crossing should only occur when it is safe and does not disrupt traffic flow.
“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.”
