In a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges for pedestrian safety, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), along with Bicycle Colorado, has launched a campaign aimed at promoting awareness around the issue. According to CDOT, pedestrian deaths in Colorado have risen sharply by 88% since 2015, a statistic that casts a shadow over the state’s road safety record.
The timely initiative kicked off in Colorado Springs, where signs went up in Memorial Park spotlighting the grim reality. In 2024 alone, 120 pedestrians lost their lives, making it the deadliest year yet. October, which is right before Pedestrian Safety Month and marks the end of daylight saving time, often sees a spike in such fatalities. Last year, October claimed 17 lives, according to CDOT. The department’s move also underscores the urgency of safety measures as days shorten and pedestrians become more vulnerable.
An alarming uptick in El Paso County specifically has caught the attention of safety advocates and lawmakers alike, where pedestrian fatalities saw a 167% increase from 10 years prior. CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk stressed the importance of shared vigilance, “Simply put, the safety of pedestrians is the safety of all roadway users,” he said, as obtained by CDOT…