The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) have unveiled a new tactic to remind motorcyclists in the state to wear helmets and other protective gear.
A human cheese grater has been painted on the road at Performance Cycle, as well as other locations throughout the state, and aims to remind bikers that falling on asphalt at any speed can result in serious bodily injury or death.
“Year after year, we see approximately 75 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes are caused by the motorcycle rider,” said Major Tim Keeton, from the Colorado State Patrol. “This tells me if I make personal decisions to get the proper training, wear the proper protective gear, and most importantly make responsible decisions, I can do a lot to keep myself safe on a motorcycle!”
Proper gear includes boots that cover the ankles, riding pants and jacket, gloves, eye protection and a helmet.
In 2019 there were 103 motorcyclists killed on Colorado roads, accounting for 17 percent of all roadway deaths. Motorcycles comprise only three percent of vehicles on the road. So far this year 63 motorcyclists have been killed in traffic crashes, up 13 percent from this time last year.
