Senate Passes Bill to Protect Bicyclists and Pedestrians

Legislation would fund infrastructure projects like bicycle lanes and improved sidewalks and lighting at dangerous intersections

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senate Assistant Majority Leader Faith Winter, D-Westminster, and Senator Lisa Cutter, D-Jefferson County that would fund safe infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians passed the Senate today. 

SB24-195 would establish a dedicated funding source for proven small infrastructure projects that improve safety for vulnerable road users, such as bicycle lanes, pedestrian refuge islands, and sidewalk and lighting improvements at dangerous intersections. It does this without raising fees by dedicating $7 million annually from the Colorado Department of Transportation Road Safety Fund for these projects, acknowledging the growing importance of this infrastructure in our transportation system. 

In addition, the bill directs CDOT to establish declining targets for vulnerable road user fatalities and to report progress to the legislature in its annual performance plan. 

“Protecting Coloradans by preventing avoidable deaths and serious injuries is a moral imperative in its own right,” Winter said. “Quality sidewalks and protected bike lanes give people safe, dignified, and low-cost alternatives to driving, which will reduce traffic, improve air quality, cut climate pollution, and make our streets more vibrant community places.”

“Bicyclist and pedestrian deaths have spiked to a frightening degree, and we must take action,” said Cutter. “Our bill will support safety projects that are proven to reduce traffic deaths. When our streets are safer and friendlier, people will feel more comfortable traveling outside of a car.”

Lastly, SB24-195 streamlines CDOT’s ability to use speed cameras to improve safety on dangerous stretches of state highways like construction zones by clarifying authority and coordination with local governments. Authority to use speed cameras was expanded by SB23-200 to help limit speeding, a major cause of avoidable traffic crashes. 

Deaths and serious injuries on Colorado’s roads are on the rise, felt most acutely by vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. Bicyclist and pedestrian deaths reached an all-time high in 2023 with 153 deaths, topping the previous high set just one year ago

SB24-195 will now move to the House. Track the bill’s progress HERE.