Denver cyclists enjoy some of the most scenic bike routes in the country. Alas, they are also more likely to suffer fatal injuries here than in other states.

According to Denver Streets Partnership, a bicyclist is 6.5 times more likely to die in a crash compared to a person driving; a pedestrian is 30 times more likely to die in a crash. These rates are more than double the figures in Seattle, and more than triple those in Minneapolis.

The Partnership attributes this to unsafe streets, noting that less than one-third of Denver’s planned bicycle lanes have been built. Additionally, 40% of Denver’s streets have missing or substandard sidewalks and “poor street design encourages speeding and dangerous intersections, increasing the chances of fatalities.”

The group is asking Mayor Hancock and the Denver City Council to increase walking and biking infrastructure, requesting more than $22 million. The money would fund: new bike lanes to connect the city’s neighborhoods; new sidewalks;  safety improvements on Federal Boulevard, and more.

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