2025 Bicycle Deaths in Colorado
Colorado’s roads continue to pose a significant challenge to bicycle safety. As of April 2025, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) data shows that three bicyclists have been killed on the state’s roads this year. While 2024 saw a positive shift with bicycle deaths decreasing by 30% from the previous year (14 fatalities in 2024 compared to 20 in 2023), the long-term trend remains alarming. According to CDOT’s April 2025 safety report, Colorado has seen a 78% increase in combined pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities since 2015, and 2024 marked the state’s second-deadliest year on record.
Potential reasons for this observed drop in 2024
- Increased Safety Initiatives and Awareness Campaigns: CDOT and Bicycle Colorado actively work to improve road safety for all users.
- “Shift into Safe” Campaign: CDOT’s 2024 campaign addresses distracted driving and seatbelt use, indirectly benefiting cyclists. CDOT Distracted Driving
- Focus on Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs): CDOT emphasizes driver alertness for pedestrians and bicyclists. PPACG VRU
- Traffic Safety Summit: Colorado convenes law enforcement, engineers, and advocates for best practices. Transportation Safety Summit
- Bicycle Colorado’s “Breakaway Campaign”: Aims to raise funds and awareness for safer biking. Bicycle Colorado Gives
- E-bike Safety Campaign (“Go Safe, Go Far”): CDOT and Colorado Parks and Wildlife launched a campaign for safe e-bike practices. Colorado.gov e-bike news
- Law Enforcement and Education: Ongoing efforts to enforce traffic laws and educate drivers and cyclists on safe behaviors, addressing speeding, impaired, and distracted driving. CDOT Bicycling Safety Resources
- Infrastructure Improvements: Ongoing development of dedicated bike lanes, improved signage, and road maintenance contribute to safer cycling. Denver Bicycle Safety Infrastructure
- Increased Awareness Among Road Users: Campaigns highlighting traffic dangers may lead to more cautious behavior.
While any reduction is positive, pedestrian and bicyclist deaths in Colorado have trended upward over the last decade. Continuous efforts in education, enforcement, and infrastructure are essential.
Were You or Someone You Know Affected
2025 Colorado Bicyclist Death Statistics
Current Year Data (January 1 – April 30, 2025)
Source: Colorado Department of Transportation May 2025 Fatality Data
- Total bicycle deaths: 3 fatalities
- Pedestrian deaths: 32 fatalities
- Motorcycle deaths: 18
- Car/Truck: 92
- Overall traffic fatalities: 152 (down 15% from 179 in 2024)
- Impairment-related deaths: 49 (down 21% from 62 in 2024)
2024 Final Statistics
Source: Colorado Department of Transportation Annual Traffic Death Data
Category | 2024 Deaths | 2023 Deaths | Change |
Bicycle Deaths | 14 | 20 | -30% |
Pedestrian Deaths | 120 | 133 | -12% |
Combined VRU Deaths | 134 | 153 | -12% |
Total Traffic Deaths | 684 | 716 | -5% |
Despite improvements, vulnerable road users (VRUs) still accounted for 19.51% of all traffic deaths in 2024, down from 21.67% in 2023 but significantly higher than the 14.26% recorded in 2015, according to CDOT’s Traffic Fatalities Dashboard.
Recent Fatal Incidents Highlight Ongoing Crisis
A hit-and-run incident in May 2025 illustrated the deadly risks facing Colorado cyclists. On Sunday, May 18, 41-year-old John Wilkinson of Broomfield was fatally struck by a driver while cycling on 95th Street and Avocet Lane in Boulder County. The driver of a blue Toyota Highlander fled the scene, abandoning the damaged vehicle in Littleton before being arrested days later.
Dante Johnson, 23, of Denver, was subsequently arrested and charged with failing to remain at the scene after an accident involving death, a felony carrying 4 to 12 years in prison. This preventable tragedy prompted the Colorado State Patrol to issue urgent warnings about shared road responsibility, according to Denver7’s coverage of the arrest.
Peak Danger Times and Locations
High-Risk Hours The highest number of bicycle crashes occurred between 6 and 10 p.m., according to the 2023 Colorado Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment. Evening visibility challenges combined with rush-hour traffic create deadly conditions requiring heightened legal protections.
Intersection Dangers Bicyclist crashes more often than not happen at intersections, where complex traffic patterns and driver negligence converge, per CDOT’s vulnerability assessment. Colorado leads the nation in intersection pedestrian deaths, with 32% of pedestrian fatalities occurring at intersections compared to the national average of 17%.
Speed Kills The Mathematics of Bicycle Accidents
Speed dramatically escalates fatality risks for cyclists. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data reveals the stark reality:
Impact Speed | Death Risk |
23 mph | 10% |
32 mph | 25% |
42 mph | 50% |
50 mph | 75% |
58 mph | 90% |
These statistics demonstrate how even modest speed increases transform survivable crashes into fatal encounters.
Driver Negligence Leading Cause of Preventable Deaths
Failure to Yield Statistics According to Colorado State Patrol crash data:
- 25 crashes resulted from drivers failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- 3 collisions occurred at crosswalks with flashing lights
- 3 bicyclists were struck when drivers failed to yield in bike lanes
Vehicle Size Impact Colorado’s most registered vehicles in 2023 were the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado—massive trucks with high front ends that create deadlier impact scenarios. As cars have gotten bigger, longer, taller, and heavier, they’re hitting pedestrians and bicyclists with more force.
Colorado's Legal Framework for Cyclist Protection
Enhanced Traffic Violations Colorado created a new traffic offense for failing to yield to a bicyclist or other authorized user in a bicycle lane. The offense becomes careless driving if it causes bodily injury or is the proximate cause of a crash.
Three-Foot Passing Law Under Colorado state law, drivers may not pass a bicyclist in the same lane if there’s oncoming traffic, unless they provide:
- At least half the road to the oncoming vehicle
- At least three feet of space between the vehicle (including mirrors) and the bicyclist
Safety Stop Law The Safety Stop law allows cyclists 15 years or older to treat stop signs as yield signs and red traffic signals as stop signs, provided they yield right-of-way and travel no more than 10 mph through intersections.
2025 Safety Initiatives and Legal Changes
Hands-Free Driving Law Colorado’s new Hands-Free Law prohibits handheld phone use while driving, carrying minimum $75 fines. This legislation directly addresses distracted driving, a leading cause of cyclist fatalities.
Speed Safety Camera Program CDOT launched a Speed Safety Camera Program in construction zones, estimated to reduce fatalities and injuries by 20-37%. This technology provides crucial evidence for legal proceedings following bicycle accidents.
Absolutely — here’s your finalized “Colorado Laws for Riding a Bicycle” section with authoritative hyperlinks to statutes, government resources, and advocacy groups:
Colorado Laws for Riding a Bicycle
Whether you ride for fun, fitness, or transportation, it’s crucial to know your rights and responsibilities on the road. Here’s a quick-reference guide to Colorado’s bicycle laws, complete with links to reliable resources:
Your Rights & Responsibilities
- Bicycles Are Vehicles
Cyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers on public roads. - Ride With Traffic
Always ride in the same direction as motor vehicles unless in a designated contraflow bike lane. - Use the Right Side — But Stay Safe
Ride as far to the right as is safe and practical. You may leave the right side to avoid hazards, make left turns, or when riding on one-way streets. - Take the Lane When Needed Cyclists may use the full lane to increase visibility, discourage unsafe passing, or prepare for turns.
- Bike Lanes Are Your Space
When in a bike lane, you have the right of way—even through intersections.
Signaling Stops & Safety Rules
- Hand Signals Required
Use hand signals for turns and stops for at least 100 feet—unless you need both hands to maintain control. - The Colorado Safety Stop (Idaho Stop Law)
Cyclists aged 15+ may treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs—when safe to do so. - Always Yield to Pedestrians
On sidewalks, crosswalks, and trails, yield to walkers and announce yourself before passing. - Nighttime Visibility Gear
Required:- White front light (visible from 500 ft)
- Red rear reflector or light (visible from 600 ft)
Side reflectors for added visibility
Other Colorado Bicycle Rules
- No More Than Two Abreast
You may ride two abreast only if it doesn’t impede traffic. - One Person Per Seat
No passengers unless your bike is built for them. - No Clinging to Vehicles
Never hold onto or attach your bike to a moving car. - Helmets (see §42-4-1412 & §42-4-1412.5)
Not required by law for standard bicycles—but highly recommended.
E-Bike riders under 18 (Class 3) must wear helmets by law. - DUI Laws Apply
Riding a bike while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous. - 3-Feet Safe Passing Law
Motorists must give cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing. - Watch for Local Ordinances
Cities like Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins may have specific rules for sidewalks, trails, and downtown zones.can you
Economic Impact of Bicycle Deaths
Each cyclist death represents $10,495,944 in societal costs through medical expenses, lost wages, legal expenses, and lost quality of life, according to NHTSA’s economic impact analysis. The 1,166 bicyclist deaths nationwide in 2023 created $12.2 billion in societal costs, nearly equivalent to all federal funding spent on cycling infrastructure since 2010.
Legal Rights and Compensation for Victims
Immediate Legal Protection Colorado’s comparative negligence system allows bicycle accident victims to recover compensation even when partially at fault, provided they’re less than 50% responsible. Enhanced traffic violation penalties provide stronger foundations for injury claims.
Available Damages Victims can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term care needs
Take Legal Action If you’ve suffered injuries in a Colorado bicycle accident, evidence preservation and witness statements deteriorate rapidly. Contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney immediately to protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation.
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions
How many bicyclists died in Colorado in 2025?
Through April 30, 2025, 3 bicyclists have died on Colorado roads, part of 35 total pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
What's the most dangerous time for Colorado cyclists?
Evening hours between 6-10 p.m. present the highest crash risk due to reduced visibility and heavy traffic.
What's Colorado's three-foot passing law?
Drivers must provide at least three feet of space when passing cyclists and ensure adequate clearance for oncoming traffic.
What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident?
After a bicycle accident, prioritize safety and check for injuries. If you are hurt or there is significant damage, call 911. Gather information, including photos and contacts, and seek medical attention promptly, even for minor issues.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, Colorado’s comparative negligence law allows recovery if you’re less than 50% at fault, though compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Where do most bicycle fatalities occur in Colorado?
Most bicyclist crashes happen at intersections, particularly during evening hours on arterial roads with high-speed traffic.
Contact Ramos Law
If your child has been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact our skilled injury attorneys today for a free consultation and dedicated representation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Bicycle laws can vary by city or county and may change over time. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified attorney or refer to the most current version of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
I am happy to see Denver ranked as the 4th best cycling city in the U.S.! This recognition highlights our commitment to promoting biking as a healthy and eco-friendly transportation option. Let’s gear up for Bike to Work Day on June 25th!https://t.co/7c6uZe94zA pic.twitter.com/kWocobbO78
— Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) June 23, 2025