#RideSmart2Sturgis, CDOT begins DUI enforcement period

(COLORADO) — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reminds motorcyclists to be safe and drive sober as the Sturgis Rally begins Friday, Aug. 2 in Sturgis, South Dakota.

It is expected that 500,000 motorcyclists will attend and will be riding through Colorado, mostly through I-25 and I-76. Due to this, CDOT wants motorcyclists to #RideSmart2Sturgis by staying alert, riding sober, and wearing a helmet.

Motorcyclists and drivers should also note that while the Sturgis Rally enforcement period is active, the newest lane filtering law will go into effect on Wednesday, Aug. 7.

The newest law allows motorcycles to pass between vehicles stopped in the roadway if they pass on the left, the lane is wide enough to pass safely, and they do not exceed 15 miles per hour when passing.

CDOT also reminds drivers to be aware of additional motorcyclists on the road by carefully checking blind spots and giving them plenty of space.

The Sturgis Rally DUI enforcement starts Wednesday, July 31, and will continue through Tuesday, Aug. 13. Over 72 law enforcement agencies will be participating across the state.

Although motorcycles represent less than 3% of vehicles on the road, they account for 18% of all traffic fatalities in Colorado. In the 2023 summer months, motorcyclists were involved in 1,040 crashes; of 132 who died in a crash, 67 were not wearing a helmet.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 24 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger car occupants. Helmets are the best defense against serious injury or death.

“Crashes can and do happen in an instant, especially on unfamiliar mountain roads and busy highways. Colliding with a vehicle or hitting the pavement can easily be fatal for motorcycle riders,” said Chief of the Colorado State Patrol Col. Matthew C. Packard. “Protect yourself on the way to and from Sturgis by riding the posted limit — always wear a helmet and always ride sober. It could save your life.”

Starting July 31, motorists can expect heavier law enforcement activity for the Heat is On Sturgis Rally DUI enforcement period. troopers remind motorcyclists never to ride or drive impaired. Driving sober allows bikers to react to changing road conditions, maintain control of their bike, and reduce the chances of a crash.

The most recent DUI enforcement period during the 4th of July Weekend concluded with 243 arrests across 84 participating agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were the Colorado Springs Police Department with 22 arrests, Thornton Police with 12 arrests, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with 11 arrests. CSP reported 58 arrests.

The next DUI enforcement period will be the Labor Day Crackdown from Aug. 16 to Sept. 4.

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