The world's largest motorcycle rally begins Friday in Sturgis, South Dakota. Many of the 500,000 motorcyclists expected to attend will be riding through Colorado, especially on I-25 and I-76. Therefore, the Colorado Department of Transportation is urging motorcyclists heading to the Sturgis Rally to protect themselves and #RideSmart2Sturgis by staying alert, riding sober and wearing a helmet. CDOT is also cautioning drivers of vehicles to watch for the additional motorcyclists on the road by carefully checking blind spots and always giving motorcyclists plenty of space.
Although motorcycles represent less than 3 percent of vehicles on the road, they account for 18 percent of all traffic fatalities in Colorado. CDOT is reminding riders to rally responsibly during their ride to and from the event. The Sturgis Rally DUI enforcement period starts today and continues through Aug. 13. More than 72 law enforcement agencies will be participating across the state.
Motorcyclists should also be aware of Colorado's new lane filtering law, which takes effect Aug. 7. The law allows riders to pass stopped vehicles, such as when traffic is backed up on a highway.
Helmets save lives
Last summer, motorcyclists were involved in 1,040 crashes. And of the 132 motorcyclists who died in a crash in Colorado last year, 67 - more than half - were not wearing a helmet. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants. Helmets are the best defense against serious injury or death, helping protect riders from the unpredictable actions of other drivers.
“Crashes can and do happen in an instant, especially on unfamiliar mountain roads and busy highways. Colliding with a vehicle or hitting the pavement can easily be fatal for motorcycle riders,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Protect yourself on the way to and from Sturgis by riding the posted limit - always wear a helmet and always ride sober. It could save your life.”
Never ride or drive impaired
Impairment from alcohol and other drugs is a large contributing factor in motorcycle crashes nationwide. Riding sober allows motorcyclists to react to changing road conditions and maintain control of their bike, reducing the chances of a crash. Last August, there were 16 fatal motorcycle crashes in Colorado, six of which involved suspected alcohol or drug impairment.
Starting today, CDOT will support the Colorado State Patrol local law enforcement agencies for The Heat Is On Sturgis Rally DUI enforcement period. During the 14-day enforcement period, Coloradans may see saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement officers on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers and motorcyclists. Last year, there were 378 reported DUI arrests during the Sturgis Rally DUI enforcement period.
The recent Fourth of July Weekend DUI enforcement period concluded with 243 arrests across 84 participating agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were Colorado Springs Police Department (22), Thornton Police Department (12) and Douglas County Sheriff's Office (11). CSP reported 58 arrests. Following Sturgis Rally, the next DUI enforcement period will be Labor Day Crackdown from Aug. 16 to Sept. 4.
New lane filtering law protects motorcyclists
On April 4, Senate Bill 24-079 on lane filtering was signed into law, permitting motorcycles to pass between vehicles stopped on the roadway. The law becomes effective on Aug. 7. Once in place, it will allow motorcyclists to pass other vehicles if:
The other vehicles are stopped, such as waiting at a traffic light.
They pass on the left.
The lane is wide enough to pass safely.
They do not exceed 15 miles per hour when passing.
A motorcycle rider may not pass:
On the right side of vehicles, including the shoulder.
In a lane of traffic moving in the opposite direction.
Lane filtering will likely be common at stop lights or in gridlocked traffic. It will allow motorcyclists to navigate toward the front of the line to avoid being hit from behind. Collisions from behind can cause serious injury or kill motorcycle riders. Lane splitting, in which a motorcyclist passes moving vehicles, remains illegal in Colorado.
“Creating safe roadways is a shared responsibility. Drivers should do their part by watching for motorcycles, putting down distractions and always driving sober,” said CDOT's Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Rear-end collisions are particularly dangerous and can be fatal for motorcycle riders. The new lane filtering law in Colorado could save lives by preventing motorcyclists from being stuck in a vulnerable position at traffic lights.”
Motorcycle training improves safety
Training and endorsements are additional ways to improve motorcycle safety, yet only about two-thirds of motorcyclists have an endorsement to ride on their license, according to a 2023 CDOT survey. The Colorado State Patrol's Motorcycle Operator Safety Training (MOST) is the best option for getting a motorcycle endorsement. Riders who pass a MOST class can simply take their completion card to a state driver's license office to get an endorsement with no further testing needed.