A late-night bike ride turned fatal in Brighton on Tuesday when a cyclist was struck by a car while crossing U.S. Highway 85 at East 120th Avenue, according to the Brighton Police Department. The crash happened around 11:30 p.m. The rider was taken to a nearby hospital and later died. The driver, who was not reported injured, stayed at the scene. Police have not yet released the victim's name.
What Investigators Say Happened
Detectives determined the cyclist was crossing U.S. 85 at the East 120th Avenue intersection against a red light when they were hit by a vehicle traveling northbound, according to The Denver Gazette. Investigators are still working to map out the exact sequence of events leading up to the collision.
What Police Say About The Driver
Officers said the driver remained at the scene and "showed no signs of impairment," The Denver Gazette reported, citing Brighton police. The driver was not injured while investigators documented the crash site and collected evidence.
Investigators Looking For Witnesses
Brighton police are asking anyone with information, dash-cam footage, or photos from the area around the time of the crash to call the department's tip line at 303-655-8740, according to the Brighton Police Department. The agency's investigations page lists contact numbers and how to share material with detectives.
Statewide Safety Concerns For Cyclists And Pedestrians
The deadly crash comes amid broader worries about people being killed while walking or biking across Colorado. The Colorado Department of Transportation has reported that pedestrian and bicycle fatalities rose in 2025, with those deaths up about 5% from the previous year. In response, CDOT has been pushing for changes to traffic signals and infrastructure aimed at keeping people on foot and on bikes safer.
Why U.S. 85 Crossings Are Considered Tricky
Regional planners have long flagged U.S. 85 as a corridor with heavy traffic and challenging crossings for anyone not in a car. A planning study for the highway recommends upgrades such as signal timing changes, leading pedestrian intervals, and other design tweaks to shorten crossing distances and improve visibility at major intersections. Those recommendations are laid out in a corridor conditions report cited in the US-85 planning study.
Brighton investigators say they will release more details as they confirm them. Anyone with tips, video, or photos related to the crash is urged to call the Brighton Police Department tip line at 303-655-8740.
