Colorado’s Most Dangerous Roads for Motorcycles
Motorcyclists, by nature, are generally more exposed than drivers in enclosed vehicles, making them much more vulnerable to accidents. This makes it important for motorcyclists in Colorado to have an idea of which roads may be more dangerous to travel than others.
According to our motorcycle accident lawyers in Denver, understanding where the risks are highest — whether due to high altitudes, challenging mountain driving, or dense urban traffic — is crucial for riding your bike safely.
Mounting Risks on Mountainous Roads
Many riders are drawn to Colorado for its legendary mountain routes. Roads like the US-550 that stretches between Ouray and Silverton offer breathtaking vistas; it’s called the “Million Dollar Highway” for a reason.
But in Colorado, dangerous roads are often scenic ones. This is because such roads also come with serious road dangers, like cliffs without guardrails, elevation changes, tight turns, and unpredictable weather.
The “Million Dollar Highway” isn’t the only potentially risky road to travel. You’ll also want to be careful on the I-70 mountain corridor, where you might hit fast-moving traffic, tricky curves enclosed by rock, and slick road surfaces from rain or runoff.
There’s also Highway 65, also known as the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway — a route that climbs to high altitudes, which, in addition to making it more scenic, can bring on some of the issues that come with thinner air, including physical weakness and impaired cognition for some, as well as dampened machine performance. You might also run into deer or elk crossing the road.
Finally, there’s Independence Pass, which is known for its narrow lanes and steep grades, all at a very high elevation.
What To Watch for in Urban Centers
You might think coming down from the mountains helps you stay safer, but that’s not quite the case. Interstates like I-25 and I-70 are often cited as high-risk zones for traffic accidents. I-25 was even the top location for motorcycle crashes in 2024, according to the Colorado State Patrol’s data analysis.
Within big cities like Denver, specific streets, like Federal Boulevard and Colfax Avenue, tend to host a disproportionate number of injuries and fatalities stemming from motorcycle crashes relative to the rest of the area.
That’s probably owing to factors like high traffic density with a lot of starting and stopping, complex intersections with multiple turn lanes, and more interaction with pedestrians and cyclists.
Additionally, busy intersections anywhere, but particularly in dense urban zones, are also hotspots for motorcycle accidents. This is often due to other drivers failing to yield or misjudging a motorcycle’s speed during left turns.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics You Need To Know
Before you hit the road, it’s essential to ensure you’re aware of some of the most common contributors to motorcycle accidents, including:
- Speeding: High speeds are dangerous for any vehicle, but they’re nationally linked to a higher percentage of motorcycle accidents vs. passenger vehicle accidents
- Alcohol: Intoxication is a huge driver of motorcycle accidents, affecting either the cyclist themselves or the other driver involved
- Lack of Helmet Use: In 2022, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported that half of the riders killed in Colorado weren’t wearing helmets
- Driver Inattention: Other motorists failing to see motorcycles or violating their right of way is a persistent threat
CDOT data also shows that counties with major urban centers, like El Paso, Jefferson, Adams, Denver, and Arapahoe, consistently report the highest numbers of motorcycle fatalities.
Safety Is Key To a Pleasant Ride in Colorado
Riding a motorcycle in Colorado can be exhilarating, especially with the stunning scenery the state is known for. However, motorcyclists may face an increased risk of injury compared to drivers of other vehicles, especially on certain roads.
To ensure your journey is a safe one, it’s important to stay mindful of relevant laws and take reasonable precautions if your route includes one of these potentially dangerous roads in Colorado.
Contact our Denver Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver. Call us at (720) 613 9706.
For more information, please contact the Denver motorcycle accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, proudly serving all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
About The Author
Kurt Zaner has earned national recognition for his innovative legal strategies, securing some of the largest verdicts in Colorado. He assists injured clients in Denver with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and more. Click here to view some of the fantastic case results that Zaner Law has successfully handled.
Location: Denver, CO
