Bicycle Accident Statistics in Denver: What Cyclists Should Know 

Bicycling is a fantastic way to enjoy the scenery, burn calories, and stay fit. Colorado is the sixth-most bicycle-friendly state in the U.S.; however, Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) roads in the Denver area (including Denver County and neighboring counties, such as Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Douglas, and Jefferson) average 142 bicycle accidents annually. 

Bicyclists injured in accidents may have grounds to seek compensation from the party responsible for their accident. Learning about bicycle accident hotspots and common bicycle crash causes can help you take steps to try to reduce your risk of an accident while cycling. Knowing what to do if you are injured in a bicycle accident can also help you protect your legal rights. 

How Common Are Bicycle Accidents In Denver? 

From July 2015 through June 2020, there were 2,222 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists on CDOT roads in the Denver area. Bicycle accidents accounted for 32% (711) of these accidents.

According to the Colorado Crash Data Dashboard, from January 2020 through April 28, 2025, there were 3,974 accidents involving bicyclists in Denver alone. This number represents a significant increase over the last five years, with the city of Denver averaging 62 bicycle accidents per month or 745 per year.

Where Do Most Bike Accidents Happen In The City?

Common locations where bicycle accidents occur in Denver include the following:

• 15th Street: The intersection of 15th Street and California Street is one of the most dangerous intersections for cyclists in Denver. 
• 16th Avenue: The intersections of 16th Ave. — Gaylord Street and Sherman Street are bicycle accident hotspots. 
• 17th Avenue: 17th Ave. and Esplanade is a Denver bicycle accident hotspot. 
• 19th Avenue: 19th Ave. and Grant Street is a dangerous intersection for cyclists.

Other bicycle accident hotspots in Denver include:

• 12th Street
• 19th Street 
• Broadway 
• Colorado Boulevard

The most common bicycle accident crash spots in the Denver area include these locations:

• Aurora
  • Colfax Avenue: The intersections of Colfax Avenue and Havana Street, Moline Street, and Chambers Road are among the most dangerous locations for bicyclists because of the frequency of bicycle and auto accidents. The section of Colfax Avenue from Moline Street to Peoria Street is also one of the most common bicycle accident hotspots in this part of the state.
• Glendale
  • Colorado Boulevard: The intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Mississippi Avenue is a bicycle accident hotspot. 

Bicycle accidents in communities near Denver are also common in the following locations:

• Aurora
  • 6th Avenue
• Glendale
  • Leetsdale Drive
• Lakewood
  • Colfax Avenue
  • Wadsworth Boulevard

What Causes Bicycle Accidents In Denver? 

Common causes of accidents in Denver, and the surrounding area, include the following:

• Breaking traffic laws
  • Distracted driving 
  • Drunk driving
  • Speeding
• Systemic factors
  • Roads with high speed limits
  • Roads with high traffic volume
  • Roads with high volumes of large vehicles
  • Roads with multiple lanes
  • Roads with narrow shoulders
  • Roads with poor visibility
  • Traffic congestion
• Weather

Common Injuries From Bicycle Crashes 

Bicyclists have a greater risk of severe injuries if they’re involved in an accident, particularly if it’s a bicycle vs. auto accident. Common bicycle crash injuries include the following:

• Broken bones
• Dental fractures
• Eye injuries
• Facial damage
• Internal bleeding
• Lacerations
• Organ damage
• Road rash
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs)
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)

Minor accidents may result in short-term injuries that heal within weeks. However, serious accidents can cause long-term injuries that require months to years of treatment. The most severe bicycle accidents cause permanent disabilities or even death. 

What To Do If You’re Hurt In A Bicycle Accident

Take the following steps if you’re hurt in a bicycle accident involving another cyclist or motorist:

• Move to a safe location: Staying on the road puts you at risk of additional injuries in a secondary accident.
• Check for injuries: Check yourself and others involved in the accident.
• Report your accident: Call 911. 
• Exchange information: Get contact information for the others involved in the accident. Get insurance and vehicle information from motorists. 
• Record pertinent details: Make notes about relevant factors that could indicate the reason for the accident. For example, note if a vehicle was speeding, swerving, or trying to pass on the shoulder. Take photos of the scene and record video footage.
• Get witness information: Record contact details of those who witnessed the crash.
• Seek medical care: You should see a doctor even if you don’t think you have severe injuries.
• Contact a lawyer: A bicycle accident attorney will explain what you should and should not do at the accident scene to ensure you protect your rights. 

Things you should not do include the following:

• Admit fault
• Leave the scene
• Talk to another party’s insurance company

Contact A Denver Bicycle Accident Lawyer For Help 

Bachus & Schanker’s bicycle accident lawyers understand the trauma of facing unexpected medical bills and physical impairments following an accident. We will use our resources to investigate your accident and gather the evidence needed to support your compensation claim.

We’ll handle the legal matters and negotiations with insurance companies while you recover. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not need to pay us anything until you receive your compensation.