Coinciding with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Colorado has unveiled new data showing that motorcyclist deaths in the state have increased by 24 percent compared to last year.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) says that to May 7 this year there have been 26 motorcyclist fatalities in the state, five more than the same time last year.
In total during 2019, 103 motorcyclists were killed on Colorado roads, accounting for 17 percent of all roadway deaths, despite motorcycles only making up three percent of vehicles on the road.
“Safety on Colorado roadways needs to remain of utmost importance during these challenging times,” said CDOT executive director Shoshana Lew.
“Motorcyclists and motorists alike should be watching out for one another to keep our roadways safe.â€
With counties in Colorado transitioning to Safer-at-Home orders and the riding season getting underway more vehicles, including motorcycles, are starting to return to the roads.
During the safety month motorcyclists are being urged to take safety precautions including wearing protective gear, obeying the speed limit and never riding impaired.
Riders are also being asked to complete Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) before returning to the roads.
Additional information is available at COMotorcycleSafety.com.
