CDOT advises bikers to Gear Up & drivers to Wake Up
CDOT Press Release - Jun 8, 2010

The Colorado Department of Transportation announced the start of a public awareness campaign focused on getting more motorcyclists to wear proper safety gear, while also reminding motorists to stay focused and aware of bikers around them.

The campaign is a continuation of the Live to Ride motorcycle campaign, which began three years ago as a result of the increasing number of motorcycle fatalities, which now represent 19% of the state’s traffic deaths.

One major factor in the state’s motorcycle fatalities is the lack of helmets. In 2009, over two-thirds of the 88 riders killed in Colorado were not wearing a helmet or were wearing it improperly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries; meaning 22 Colorado riders in 2009 could have been saved if they had been wearing helmets. Colorado does not have an adult helmet law; however, riders and passengers under age 18 are required by law to wear one.

The new campaign features photos of real Colorado bikers, bringing to light the kinds of bad choices drivers make and the potential impact they have on motorcyclists. In turn, the local bikers featured in the ads serve as role models who wear helmets and leathers because it is the best way to protect themselves, not because someone told them to. The campaign is on billboards, print ads, gas pump toppers and gas station window clings along the Front Range where the majority of motorcycle fatalities occur.  It is paid for with a $100,000 federal grant from NHTSA.

“For the past two years, we have primarily focused our Live to Ride campaign on encouraging training and riding sober, but now we are addressing the importance of using proper safety gear, which not only includes helmets, but also eye protection, gloves, boots, long pants and jackets,” says Pamela Hutton, CDOT’s chief engineer and an avid motorcyclist. “As a rider myself, I understand the desire to feel the freedom of not wearing a helmet or leathers, but the risks are far too great without them.  We hope more bikers will be convinced that wearing proper gear is the best way to protect themselves from the unexpected.”

One of the riders featured on the billboards is Karl Long who is a longtime rider and instructor with ABATE of Colorado: “I wanted to be a part of this campaign because I want to help my fellow riders stay safe on the roads in any way possible.  Wearing safety gear is an important line of defense against distracted drivers that can save lives and prevent serious injuries.  But motorcycle training is also critical to help riders learn to control their bike and avoid things that are out of their control,” said Long.

Lack of training appears to be a consistent factor in Colorado’s motorcycle fatalities. Last year, 72% of fatal motorcycle crashes were blamed on the rider.  And more than one-third of riders killed in 2009 did not have a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license, which is required by law.

“We are by no means putting the entire blame on motorists because we know riders have a huge responsibility in this as well,” said Hutton.  “There are things that each and every one of us can do to save lives on Colorado roadways, and that’s our ultimate goal.”

CDOT’s Live to Ride campaign will continue throughout the summer addressing rider safety issues, including the use of proper gear, as well as the importance of riding sober and the need for rider training. CDOT oversees MOST (Motorcycle Operator Safety Training), a state-supported motorcycle training program that insures high-quality training at a reduced price for Colorado residents.

Click here for more information about CDOT’s Live to Ride campaign and the MOST program.