Safe People

Modes

Pedestrians

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines a pedestrian as any person on foot, walking, running, jogging, hiking, using a wheelchair, sitting or lying down (NHTSA, 2020). Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable of roadway users and are also highly overrepresented in fatal and serious injury crashes. Infrastructure changes such as protected crosswalks, leading pedestrian intervals at signals, grade-separated crossings and visibility enhancements such as bump-outs and pedestrian refuge islands, can help reduce conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles. Additional strategies include ensuring pedestrian infrastructure meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and formalizing desired paths, so that pedestrians aren’t traveling in harm’s way. Lastly, addressing driver behavior by eliminating impaired and distracted driving can significantly reduce pedestrian deaths due to errant or inattentive drivers.

Read the Vulnerable Road User Assessment

Bicyclists

Bicyclists and other cyclists are defined by NHTSA as riders of two-wheel, non-motorized vehicles, tricycles or unicycles powered solely by pedals (NHTSA, 2020). Often, other small motorized micromobility conveyances, such as e-bikes and scooters, are also considered bicyclists. Bicyclists are highly overrepresented, being involved in 150 fatal and serious injury crashes in Colorado in 2022. A primary strategy in reducing bicyclist crashes is creating infrastructure that separates bicyclists from motor vehicle traffic, such as bicycle-only lanes and detached bicycle paths. Other strategies include educating both bicyclists and drivers on best behaviors through programs such as Bicycle Colorado’s Shift Driving training course and advocating for state laws that protect bicyclists such as the Colorado Safety Stop. 

Read the Vulnerable Road User Assessment

Motorcyclists

While motorcyclists are not always considered vulnerable roadway users, motorcycles do not offer the same protections as a typical passenger vehicle yet operate at the same high speeds with little to no protection for the rider. Motorcyclists are at highest risk of roadway departure crashes and crashes where, due to their smaller size, they are not seen by drivers of other vehicles. Some infrastructure elements can reduce crashes, such as those that reduce roadway departures or left turn conflicts, but much of motorcyclists’ safety relies on the behavior of the motorcyclist and of other drivers. As such, strategies regarding motorcyclists’ safety are focused on laws, enforcement and education that encourage safe behaviors such as checking over your shoulder before changing lanes, wearing a helmet and high visibility apparel, avoiding lane splitting and receiving proper motorcycle training and license endorsement. 

Work Zones

NHTSA defines a work zone as an area where roadwork takes place and may involve lane closures, detours and moving equipment (NHTSA, 2020). The roadway can be a very dangerous environment for our local road workers. In 2021, 12 Colorado road workers were killed while on the job. Strategies to improve work zone safety include enhanced traffic control setup, requiring workers to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and driver education and enforcement in work zones such as obeying reduced work zone speed limits, following all traffic control instructions and increased awareness of workers present. 

First Responders

Anyone who arrives at the scene of a crash can be considered a first responder. This includes police officers, paramedics, firefighters, tow equipment operators and maintenance personnel making emergency repairs. Because most often crashes occur on an active roadway that still needs to carry traffic, it is essential that traffic incidents are well managed to protect the lives of those on scene. Up to 25% of crashes result in secondary crashes during traffic queueing. Strategies for first responders include Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training and the recent expansion of the Slow Down, Move Over law to include anyone stopped on the roadside. Additionally, it is essential that drivers pay attention to reduced speeds or changes in traffic patterns around the scene of a crash and follow officers' instructions.