DENVER -- Cyclists and drivers don't always get a long -- even in bike-friendly Colorado.
A new study shows cyclists deaths are up, which have drivers and cyclists questioning what needs to be done for everyone to be safer on the roads.
The report by the Governor's Highway Safety Association states cyclist deaths have increased by 12.2 percent from last year. The study also shows the nation is seeing in increase of 55 deaths per year.
And according to the study, the main victims killed in collisions are men with an average age of 45 years.
This study doesn't surprise Jeff Robinson, a cyclist who is within the victim age range.
"I actually got hit by a car while biking," Robinson said. "Someone tried to get around me and hit me with their trailer. I got banged up pretty bad, a lot of skin damage, but I was alright. Those numbers don't surprise me because there are things on both sides that need to change in order for all of us to be safer."
Jaymeson Trumpe, a Colorado driver, said he wants other drivers to be like him when it comes to cyclists on the road.
"A lot of people don't look out for the cyclists," Trumpe said. "Some people get really pissed off about the cyclists on the road, but we need to treat them like motorcycles and share the road with them."
The Denver area is trying to add more bike lanes to be safer in the metro area. But while drivers and cyclists may have their differences on the road, the increase in cyclist deaths is a reminder to share the road.
"I think it's a balance between cars and cyclists learning to co-exist with each other," Robinson said. "Those numbers are really high, and only we can do something about bringing those numbers down."
The GHSA report does not suggest why men in their 40s are dying, but does report an increase of cyclists on the road.
