CDOT Unveils Human Cheese Grater to Remind Motorcyclists to Wear Helmets and other gear

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) unveiled a new eye-catching tactic to remind motorcyclists to wear helmets and other protective gear. The “Human Cheese Grater” is located at Performance Cycle, as well as several other locations throughout the state, and aims to remind motorcyclists that falling on asphalt at any speed can result in serious bodily injury or death.

“CDOT continues to find unique and engaging ways to urge motorcyclists to always wear helmets and other gear when riding,” said CDOT Highway Safety Manager Glenn Davis. “Protective gear is imperative to protecting the rider from injury, preventing fatalities and getting everyone home safely.”

The “Human Cheese Grater” will serve as a safety reminder to hundreds of customers at motorcycle dealers across the state, including:

• Fay Myers Motorcycle World, 9700 E Arapahoe Rd, Greenwood Village CO, 80112
• Performance Cycle, 7375 S Fulton St, Centennial, CO 80112
• Rocky Mountain Harley-Davidson, 2885 W. County Line Road, Littleton, CO 80129
• Tri City Cycle and Full Throttle Motorcycle Training, 3675 Clydesdale Pkwy, Loveland, CO 80538

Proper gear includes boots that cover the ankles, riding pants and jacket, gloves, eye protection and a helmet. In addition to wearing proper gear, CDOT urges motorcyclists to: 

Receive professional training. 

All motorcyclists should receive professional training. Long time riders should go to training classes for a refresher every few years. 

Follow all traffic laws. 

All motorcyclists are required to follow the rules of the road. In Colorado, lane splitting is illegal. 

Ride sober. 

Even one drink can decrease reaction times, coordination, vision, judgement and concentration, all of which are crucial when operating a motorcycle. 

In 2019 there were 103 motorcyclists killed on Colorado roads, accounting for 17% of all roadway deaths. Motorcycles comprise only 3% of vehicles on the road.  Statewide in 2018, there were 2,206 crashes that involved a motorcycle. Of those, 522 crashes resulted in a serious injury and 97 resulted in a fatal injury. From 2011 to 2019, motorcyclist fatalities have increased by more than 32%.

In addition to the “Human Cheese Grater,” CDOT launched a social media campaign encouraging riders to wear proper gear. CDOT motorcycle safety efforts are part of CDOT’s Whole System – Whole Safety campaign which aims to reduce fatalities and injuries and “Bring everyone home safely.”