Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and victims of families involved in motorcycle crashes gathered at CDOT headquarters in Denver to call for more action on motorcycle safety in the state as part of May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness month.

CDOT and CSP are urging both motorcyclists and drivers of motor vehicles to put safety first.

According to CDOT, last year, 165 motorcyclists were killed, the highest number ever recorded in Colorado and motorcycle deaths have risen 57% since 2015.

CDOT will also launch a campaign to remind drivers to use caution around motorcycles, especially at intersections where they are most vulnerable.

“Motorcyclists can be hard to see due to their small size,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “This makes motorcycles especially vulnerable at intersections since drivers can inadvertently pull out in front of them. And for motorcyclists, that can be a life or death situation.”

To address the rising number of motorcycle deaths, last year the state legislature legalized lane filtering in Colorado. The law was passed in an effort to allow motorcyclists to safely navigate through stopped traffic. So far in 2025, motorcycle deaths are down 10% compared to the same time period in 2024.

CDOT has explained for motorcycle riders to lane filter correctly, they must follow these rules:

  • If a rider wants to pass, traffic must be at a complete stop.
  • The lane must be wide enough to fit the vehicle and motorcycle while passing.
  • The motorcycle must go 15 MPH or less.
  • The rider must pass safely and control the motorcycle.
  • The rider must pass on the left and not enter the oncoming traffic lane.