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CDOT's Motorcycle Safety Awareness Campaign
14 Jun 2020 15:40 #1
by MountainTownAlerts
CDOT's Motorcycle Safety Awareness Campaign was created by MountainTownAlerts
CDOT Urges Motorists to Watch for Motorcyclists During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May
May 7, 2020 - Statewide Traffic Safety - Motorcycle deaths up 24% despite lower traffic volume
As counties in Colorado transition to Safer-at-Home orders, more vehicles, including motorcycles, are starting to return to Colorado roads. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder for drivers to watch for motorcyclists as the riding season ramps up. Specifically, the Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to use caution when turning at intersections since motorcycles can be hard to see and use an abundance of caution when passing or following a motorcycle on the roadway.
“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.”
Motorcyclist deaths are up 24 percent compared to last year. As May 7, 2020, there have been 26 motorcyclist fatalities in Colorado, five more than the same time last year when 21 had occurred.
In 2019, 103 motorcyclists were killed on Colorado roads, which accounted for 17 percent of all roadway deaths for the year. Motorcycles comprise only 3 percent of vehicles on the road.
CDOT is reminding drivers to use extra caution and follow these recommendations to avoid colliding with a motorcycle:
CDOT also recommends riders complete Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) before returning to the roads. Several MOST schools reopen on May 11th with safety measures in place to ensure the health and safety of students and instructors. Class sizes will be limited to 10 students and motorcycles and helmets will be cleaned thoroughly after each class according to CDC recommendations.
CDOT also encourages motorcyclists to maintain social distancing when filling up at the gas station; use disinfecting wipes to wipe down the gas pump, screen and touchpad; and use a plastic bag when touching the pump. These precautions will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Motorcycle safety is part of CDOT’s Whole System - Whole Safety initiative. This project takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behavior, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving safety conditions for those traveling by all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission - to get everyone home safely.
Additional information is available at COMotorcycleSafety.com.
WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.
In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System - Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.
ABOUT CDOT
CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located at its Denver headquarters and in regional offices throughout Colorado and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.
Motorcycle Laws
Riding in Colorado: What You Need to Know
Motorcycle drivers must obey all the same traffic laws as other motor vehicles on the roadways. Because those laws vary from state to state, make sure you're aware of Colorado laws so you can ride safely and legally. The minimum safety standards for motorcycles in Colorado include the following:
Protective Gear
Helmets: Although helmets are proven to save lives, riders age 18 and over are not required to wear helmets in Colorado. However, if the motorcycle operator or passengers are under age 18, they must wear DOT-approved helmets.
In 2006, 65% of fatally injured motorcycle riders were not wearing a helmet in states without all-rider helmet laws, compared with only 13% in states with all-rider helmet laws. (NHTSA, 2007)
Eye Protection: In Colorado, some form of eye protection is legally required for all riders-drivers and passengers. The best eye protection comes from a visor on a helmet. Goggles or eyeglasses with lenses made from safety glass or plastic are also acceptable. Awindshield is not considered adequate eye protection.
Passengers
Footrests: Bikes must be equipped with footrests for passengers; passengers must utilize them.
Riding position: Passengers must ride on the seat behind the driver or to the side (i.e. side car), not in front of driver.
Traffic Laws
Passing or Overtaking: Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is Illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. However, motorcycles can share a lane or "co-ride" with one other motorcycle.
Clinging: As a rider, you cannot attach your motorcycle to another vehicle, i.e. grab onto another motorcycle or vehicle (i.e. towing).
For basic skills tips and Colorado motorcycle licensing information, click on this link to take you to the Colorado Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division's motorcycle handbook.
May 7, 2020 - Statewide Traffic Safety - Motorcycle deaths up 24% despite lower traffic volume
As counties in Colorado transition to Safer-at-Home orders, more vehicles, including motorcycles, are starting to return to Colorado roads. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which serves as a reminder for drivers to watch for motorcyclists as the riding season ramps up. Specifically, the Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to use caution when turning at intersections since motorcycles can be hard to see and use an abundance of caution when passing or following a motorcycle on the roadway.
“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.”
Motorcyclist deaths are up 24 percent compared to last year. As May 7, 2020, there have been 26 motorcyclist fatalities in Colorado, five more than the same time last year when 21 had occurred.
In 2019, 103 motorcyclists were killed on Colorado roads, which accounted for 17 percent of all roadway deaths for the year. Motorcycles comprise only 3 percent of vehicles on the road.
CDOT is reminding drivers to use extra caution and follow these recommendations to avoid colliding with a motorcycle:
- Allow extra space when following a motorcycle as they can stop and turn more quickly than other vehicles.
- Allow motorcycles the full width of a lane at all times.
- Motorcycles can be hard to see at a distance so use extra caution when turning left at an intersection.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
- Never drive distracted or impaired.
CDOT also recommends riders complete Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) before returning to the roads. Several MOST schools reopen on May 11th with safety measures in place to ensure the health and safety of students and instructors. Class sizes will be limited to 10 students and motorcycles and helmets will be cleaned thoroughly after each class according to CDC recommendations.
CDOT also encourages motorcyclists to maintain social distancing when filling up at the gas station; use disinfecting wipes to wipe down the gas pump, screen and touchpad; and use a plastic bag when touching the pump. These precautions will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Motorcycle safety is part of CDOT’s Whole System - Whole Safety initiative. This project takes a systematic statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behavior, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving safety conditions for those traveling by all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission - to get everyone home safely.
Additional information is available at COMotorcycleSafety.com.
WHOLE SYSTEM. WHOLE SAFETY.
In early 2019, CDOT announced its Whole System - Whole Safety initiative to heighten safety awareness. This initiative takes a systematic, statewide approach to safety combining the benefits of CDOT’s programs that address driving behaviors, our built environment and the organization's operations. The goal is to improve the safety of Colorado’s transportation network by reducing the rate and severity of crashes and improving the safety of all transportation modes. The program has one simple mission—to get everyone home safely.
ABOUT CDOT
CDOT has approximately 3,000 employees located at its Denver headquarters and in regional offices throughout Colorado and manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway and 3,429 bridges. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of other agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also administers Bustang, the state-owned and operated interregional express service. Governor Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.
Motorcycle Laws
Riding in Colorado: What You Need to Know
Motorcycle drivers must obey all the same traffic laws as other motor vehicles on the roadways. Because those laws vary from state to state, make sure you're aware of Colorado laws so you can ride safely and legally. The minimum safety standards for motorcycles in Colorado include the following:
Protective Gear
Helmets: Although helmets are proven to save lives, riders age 18 and over are not required to wear helmets in Colorado. However, if the motorcycle operator or passengers are under age 18, they must wear DOT-approved helmets.
In 2006, 65% of fatally injured motorcycle riders were not wearing a helmet in states without all-rider helmet laws, compared with only 13% in states with all-rider helmet laws. (NHTSA, 2007)
Eye Protection: In Colorado, some form of eye protection is legally required for all riders-drivers and passengers. The best eye protection comes from a visor on a helmet. Goggles or eyeglasses with lenses made from safety glass or plastic are also acceptable. Awindshield is not considered adequate eye protection.
Passengers
Footrests: Bikes must be equipped with footrests for passengers; passengers must utilize them.
Riding position: Passengers must ride on the seat behind the driver or to the side (i.e. side car), not in front of driver.
Traffic Laws
Passing or Overtaking: Passing or overtaking a vehicle in the same lane is Illegal in Colorado; no lane sharing or splitting with cars. However, motorcycles can share a lane or "co-ride" with one other motorcycle.
Clinging: As a rider, you cannot attach your motorcycle to another vehicle, i.e. grab onto another motorcycle or vehicle (i.e. towing).
For basic skills tips and Colorado motorcycle licensing information, click on this link to take you to the Colorado Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division's motorcycle handbook.
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