As the streets of Colorado become increasingly populated with bicycles during the summer months, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has initiated a safety campaign aimed at reducing bicycle crashes. According to CDOT, since 2020, the state has seen 79 bicyclist fatalities, nearly half occurring in the summer season. In response, CDOT has installed memorial signs at Washington Park in Denver to draw attention to the sobering statistics and to emphasize the laws designed to protect cyclists.
The signs, which feature a green and yellow graphic of a bicyclist along with the logos of CDOT, Bicycle Colorado, and Shift into Safe, serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by cyclists and the importance of knowing and obeying bicycle laws. As quoted by CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk, "Most of us switch roles every day — we drive to a trailhead or park, then hop on a bike or take a walk. We are all drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians at some point," as obtained by CDOT. In 2024, CDOT reported 14 deaths and 224 serious injuries from bicycle crashes, an alarming reminder that such incidents are preventable.
Drivers are reminded to practice the Three Foot Law, which mandates giving at least three feet of space when passing bicyclists. This sometimes requires crossing a double yellow line when oncoming traffic allows, to ensure safety. Failure to yield the right of way is one of the leading causes of bicycle crashes. The Safety Stop Law, another cornerstone of the campaign, permits cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights like stop signs after ensuring the intersection is clear.
Complementing these driver-focused laws, cyclists are also advised on safety measures. Always wearing a helmet, ensuring their bicycles are in good working order, using bike lanes, avoiding intoxicants, and wearing lights or reflective gear at night are among the basic precautions suggested. Pete Piccolo, Executive Director of Bicycle Colorado, stated, "All bicyclists deserve a safe ride to their destination without fear that it could be their last," as per CDOT. He affirmed the organization's support for CDOT's campaign.
