Posts tagged bicycle
Boulder renewed as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists
0October 19, 2012
Across the U.S., bicycling is on the rise – thanks in part to communities like Boulder taking steps to make riding easy, accessible and safe. Today, the League of American Bicyclists (LoAB) announced the latest round of Bicycle Friendly Communities (BFC) and renewed Boulder’s standing as a Platinum Bicycle Friendly Community. The Platinum award recognizes Boulder’s continued commitment to improving conditions for bicycling through investments in education, infrastructure, policies and promotion.
“We are excited that Boulder recognizes that simple steps to make biking safe and comfortable pay huge dividends in civic, community and economic development,” said League President Andy Clarke. “Bicycling is more than a practical, cost-effective solution to many community challenges – it’s a way to make Boulder a place where people don’t just live and work, but thrive.”
The BFC program is revolutionizing the way communities evaluate quality of life, sustainability and transportation networks by allowing them to measure their progress toward improving bicycle-friendliness. The free program provides a roadmap for building a Bicycle Friendly Community and the application process itself has become a rigorous educational tool.
In September, the league announced the “Diamond” level designation to raise the bar for communities like Boulder to move beyond Platinum. The LoAB will visit Boulder in December to conduct an audit and work with the local cycling community on creating clear goals to achieve Diamond status. The primary measure of Diamond designation is the number of people riding and community satisfaction. The five levels of the award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve.
“Boulder’s Platinum designation renewal recognizes many years of sustained effort by the community, city staff and local policy makers,” said Director of Public Works for Transportation Tracy Winfree. “It is a great accomplishment and celebrates the community’s commitment to bicycle friendliness. Given the City of Boulder’s ethic of ‘continuous improvement,’ we appreciate the league’s challenge for communities like Boulder to reach beyond Platinum to the new Diamond designation.”
Since the BFC program’s inception, more than 500 communities have applied and there are now 242 Bicycle Friendly Communities in 47 states across America. To learn more about the Bicycle Friendly Communities, visit www.bikeleague.org/community.
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Search is on for possibly suicidal man in Left Hand Cañon
0July 24, 2012
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
Boulder man may be armed; sheriff’s deputy sidelined during search with heat stroke
This morning, July 23, 2012 at approximately 9:50 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the area of Lefthand Canyon to look for a reported missing/suicidal person out of the City of Boulder. The 20 year-old male hadn’t been heard from since yesterday (July 22, 2012) afternoon, so family members contacted the Boulder Police to report him missing. They indicated recently he had been despondent and in his last message told them his vehicle was parked in Lefthand Canyon.
Initially, when deputies arrived in the area they located the missing person’s vehicle and observed somebody matching his description running from the vehicle. In checking the vehicle they found items that indicated he might be armed with a firearm and for this reason additional resources were requested, which included members of the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and Sheriff’s K-9 teams.
A search of the area was conducted and the missing person has not been found. The search for the missing person will continue as long as there is enough light to search safely. The sheriff’s office will reevaluate tomorrow whether to continue the search based on the information obtained from today’s search.
Also assisting the Sheriff’s office were members of Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Lefthand Fire Protection District, Boulder Mountain Fire Protection District, Boulder Emergency Squad, Ward Town Marshal’s Office and American Medical Response Ambulance Service.
Initially, as a precautionary measure Lefthand Canyon Drive was closed to traffic from the 900 block of Lefthand Canyon to James Canyon for approximately four hours. Lefthand Canyon drive has been reopened to normal vehicle and bicycle traffic, although teams remain in the area searching.
During the search, a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office was evacuated with assistance from members of the Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, after he suffered complications from the heat. He was transported to Boulder Community Hospital where he is currently being treated.
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Transportation Department hosting Fourmile Link welcoming event on Sunday
0July 12, 2012
Boulder County, Colo. – Following today’s grand opening of the Fourmile Link Trail at Betasso Preserve, the Boulder County Transportation Department is preparing for increased bicycle traffic on Fourmile Canyon Drive and will be hosting a welcoming event this Sunday.
What: The Boulder County Transportation Department will provide fruit, snacks, cool water and share-the-road materials for cyclists
When: Sunday, July 15 starting at 7:30 a.m.
Where: Near the end of the Boulder Creek Path close to the intersection of Boulder Canyon and Fourmile Canyon drives
Why:
- Additional bicycle traffic is expected on Fourmile Canyon Drive between the end of the Boulder Creek Path and the newly opened Fourmile Link Trail at Betasso preserve, especially on Sundays
- Fourmile Canyon Drive does not have bikeable shoulders and both automobiles and bicyclists are expected to share the road
- Bicyclists are encouraged to transition to single-file riding when cars are present and/or when riding around curves
- Motorists are encouraged to pass bicyclists with care, providing three feet of separation
- Motorists are encouraged slow down and wait for the next safe passing opportunity if there is oncoming traffic or a curve approaching
- Courtesy is contagious! Being patient and respectful ensures that both motorists and cyclists reach their destinations safely
Additional info:
- It is approximately 1.25 miles up Fourmile Canyon Drive from the end of the Boulder Creek Path to the start of the Fourmile Link Trail
- Betasso Preserve trails prohibit bicycles on Wednesdays and Saturdays
- The Fourmile Link Trail is 0.8 miles long and connects the Benjamin Loop with Fourmile Canyon Drive
For more information please contact Bicycle Planner Brian Graham at 720-564-2667 or bgraham@bouldercounty.org.
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Tree removals in early July to impact traffic along the Boulder Creek Path and West Pearl Street
0June 27, 2012
Tree removals in early July to impact traffic along the Boulder Creek Path and West Pearl Street
There will be minor and temporary traffic impacts as the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department’s Urban Forestry Section will have a contractor pruning and removing trees for safety reasons from Monday, July 2, through Tuesday, July 10 (dates are tentative, as work is weather dependent).
On Monday, July 2, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Tuesday, July 3, between 8 a.m. and noon, a large cottonwood with advanced decay will be removed at 646 Pearl St.—the historic Arnett-Fullen house. The eastbound lane of Pearl Street will be closed in the 600 block and flaggers will be used to channel traffic into the westbound lane of Pearl Street on an alternating basis. The property owners are aware of, and in support of, the tree removal for safety reasons. There is a large beehive in the trunk, and as per normal operations, a beekeeper has been contracted to attempt to relocate the beehive during tree removal. A replacement tree has already been planted near this tree’s location.
Tree removals along the Boulder Creek Path include:
● Thursday, July 5, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.: Two large willow trees will be removed south of Boulder High School, 1604 Arapahoe Ave. One tree is mostly dead and the other tree fell over earlier this year.
● Friday, July 6, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.: One large cottonwood tree will be removed on the west side of 6th Street, south of the Boulder County Justice Center, 1777 6th St. The tree has advanced decay. A replacement tree will planted nearby in spring of 2013.
● Monday, July 9 between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Tuesday, July 10, between 8 a.m. and noon: Two large willow trees will be removed west of Scott Carpenter Park, 1505 30th St. Both trees have advanced decay in their trunks.
There will be intermittent closures on the Boulder Creek Path, and flaggers will be used to direct bicycle and pedestrian traffic through work zones.
For more information, please contact the City of Boulder Park Operations and Urban Forestry: 303-441-4406.
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City of Boulder to get tough on crosswalk violations—finally
0April 6, 2012
Police to step up crosswalk safety enforcement
Residents should be aware of three new laws
Beginning on Monday, April 9, 2012, the Boulder Police Department will be performing proactive enforcement at city crosswalks. As priorities allow, officers will target Boulder’s busiest intersections to make sure drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians are following three new rules that went into effect in February.
The three amendments to the Boulder Revised code are:
- “Stop at crosswalk required” [7-4-77] stipulates that when one vehicle stops to yield for a person in a crosswalk, another vehicle cannot overtake and pass that vehicle.
- “8 mph speed limit for bicycles in a crosswalk” [7-5-5] establishes a speed limit of 8 mph for bicyclists during the immediate approach, entry and traversal of any crosswalk that spans a roadway.
- ”Pedestrian obedience to traffic signal required” [7-5-15(f)] targets the use of flashing crosswalks (those with flashing yellow crosswalk signs) by requiring a person crossing to enter the crosswalk with the warning device activated.
The rules are intended to address some of the most frequent problems highlighted in “Safe Streets Boulder,” the city’s recent traffic study analyzing data from motor vehicle collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians. The data compiled during a 40-month period indicated that overall, the city’s street safety record is good, considering the high number of pedestrian and bicycle trips in Boulder.
“Most people are using common sense and following the law, but there are still some problem areas in town. We’re stepping up enforcement to educate citizens about the new laws. Ultimately our goal is to save lives and prevent more accidents,” says Cmdr. Carey Weinheimer.
The report found that crosswalks at intersections are the most common location for collisions and identified 15 of the most accident-prone spots. Police will focus enforcement efforts at those locations. Four of the intersections are along Broadway, adjacent to the University of Colorado campus. The University of Colorado Police Department will also enforce the city’s pedestrian ordinances and focus on high traffic areas of campus.
Possible penalties for violating the new laws are listed below:
- Stop at Crosswalk Required [7-4-77]: possible $300 bond, $125 mail-in fine and 4 point violation
- Speeding bicycles in Crosswalks [7-5-5]: possible $100 mail-in fine and 0 points
- Pedestrian Obedience to Traffic Signals [7-5-15(f)]: possible $50 mail-in fine and 0 points
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Boulder says pedestrians and bikers are safe, statistically speaking
2February 7, 2012
City releases 40-month report on biking and walking in Boulder
Between January 2008 and April 2011, only 7.8 percent of all collisions in Boulder involved a bicycle or pedestrian, according to the recently released Safe Streets Boulder report.
The report analyzes more than 8,000 collisions in Boulder – involving motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians – over a 40-month period. The main take-away: walking and biking in Boulder is safe, and these modes represent only a small percentage of all collisions reported on city streets.
The report also identifies the top 15 locations with the most motor vehicle collisions (with bicycles and pedestrians), the most common types of crashes and what the city is doing to help decrease collision rates. It also outlines collision demographics and at what time of day most accidents occur.
“Among many things, the report speaks to the safety of Boulder’s transportation system – specifically for walking and biking,” said Director of Transportation for Public Works Tracy Winfree. “Reports like this are powerful because the numbers help to identify successes and areas for improvement, as well as dispel myths.”
For instance, the safety of flashing crosswalks has been an underlying community conversation, but the results show that collisions in these crosswalks account for less than 1 percent of all collisions.
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Boulder wavering on unpopular closure rules for public property?
0December 27, 2011
City to hold public hearing on proposed park closure rule Jan. 3
The City of Boulder will hold a public hearing on a proposed rule that would close parks, parkways, recreation areas and open spaces from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly. The hearing will occur during the already scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012. The meeting is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and will be held in Council Chambers, 1777 Broadway.
The public hearing will give community members an additional opportunity to express their views about the proposed rule. The hearing also will provide a forum for council members to ask questions of the city manager and city attorney and provide some direction in light of feedback they have received from their constituents.
The city manager proposed the nighttime closure rule on Dec. 16 because of increasing concerns about safety and health risks associated with encampments and other activities that occur in these locations after dark. The rule would not apply to individuals passing through the affected areas on foot or bicycle – or to events that have been approved through the city’s permitting process. Nor would it prohibit lawful activity, including constitutionally protected activity and political protests, during the remaining 18 hours of the day, between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Unlike most public hearings, council is not currently considering an ordinance related to park closures. The discussion that occurs, however, is likely to shape the city manager’s decision about how to proceed with the rule she has proposed under authority granted to her by Boulder Revised Code.
The decision to hold a public hearing was made today during a Council Agenda Committee meeting. The Council Agenda Committee includes city staff and three council members who look ahead to upcoming meeting agendas and determine how to make the sessions as efficient and productive as possible. Committee participants agreed that a public hearing would result in a more focused discussion, allowing for council questions to be informed by public comment and a staff presentation.
“We recognize that this is an important decision for our community, and the committee felt that this additional opportunity for public input would be valuable,” City Manager Jane S. Brautigam said. “I am looking forward to hearing the perspectives of community members and City Council as we work together to address important health and safety issues.”
In addition to the public hearing, the city has been collecting written comments as part of a 15-day public comment period. Written comments are being accepted by email at parksclosurerule@bouldercolorado.gov or by US mail at Parks Closure Rule, City of Boulder Box 791, Boulder, CO, 80306, until 5 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2012.
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Boulder proposes to close all outdoor public areas at night
0December 16, 2011
City manager proposes closing parks and recreation areas at night
Concerned about safety and health risks associated with encampments and other activities after nightfall, Boulder City Manager Jane S. Brautigam announced Friday that she is considering closing parks, parkways, recreation areas and open space between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The proposed rule, issued according to authority granted to her under city code, is subject to a 15-day period for public comment.
Members of the public may file written comments with the city beginning on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011, when notice will be published in the newspaper, and ending on Jan. 2, 2012. The city manager will consider all comments before deciding whether to impose the rule as written or make changes to it. The rule would take effect once she submits a final decision to the City Attorney’s Office.
The proposed rule would not apply to individuals passing through the affected areas on foot or bicycle or in cases where permitted events are being held. In addition, it would allow police to consider personal property left behind during these hours to be abandoned.
While the most visible use of these areas in recent days have been protestor encampments outside the Municipal Building, the rule is not intended to curb free or constitutionally protected speech. Individuals would remain welcome to congregate in city parks during daytime hours for these and any other lawful activities.
“The City of Boulder values the rights of all of our community members, including those who wish to use our public property,” Brautigam said. “We need to ensure that all people are able to do so safely and work hard to protect our public spaces for future generations to enjoy.”
“Closing our parks for a limited number of hours each night will help us address the important health and safety concerns while still providing for meaningful access during the day,” the city manager said. “I believe this is a balanced approach.”
Brautigam made the decision after consulting with City Attorney Tom Carr and Police Chief Mark Beckner and taking into account recent court decisions related to access to public property. Carr said the rule, which would impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions, is similar to provisions for closures in other cities.
Copies of the rule are available for public review at Central Records on the second floor of the Municipal Building at 1777 Broadway. Individuals who wish to comment on the rule may send their written remarks by U.S. mail to Parks Closure Rule, City of Boulder Box 791, Boulder, CO 80306, or e-mail them toparksclosurerule@bouldercolorado.gov before or on Jan. 2, 2012.
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And more nightmares on Boulder streets
0November 14, 2011
Construction on Broadway to begin Wednesday
Starting on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011, the Broadway (Euclid to 18th) Transportation Improvements Project will begin construction. The project, previously on hold for federal historic and environmental clearances, was put out for a competitive bid process and a contractor was chosen in late September. The construction along Broadway is expected to take approximately nine months to complete and will be finished by fall 2012.
In general, traffic impacts for fall/winter 2011 include:
- Daytime off-peak lane closures on Broadway, Euclid, and 16th Streets;
- Detours along the Broadway multi-use path near Euclid Avenue; and
- Closures of the northbound bus stop near Euclid Avenue.
- Opening a temporary southbound Broadway left lane at 18th Street
Beginning in late 2011/early 2012, full-time lane reductions on Broadway (from two thru lanes in each direction to one thru lane in each direction) and closure of the cross-streets (16th and Euclid) will be necessary to construct the underpass beneath Broadway. For weekly traffic updates, visitwww.boulderconezones.net.
For those traveling through the city, alternate routes are advised. For those traveling on Broadway, alternative modes like walking, biking and taking the bus are good options. Otherwise, please travel slowly and use caution in construction zones.
Remaining project improvements include:
- Construction of a pedestrian/bicycle underpass beneath Broadway at 16th/Euclid;
- Expansion of the northbound and southbound transit stops with additional transit amenities;
- Changing the existing Broadway/Euclid/16th four-way intersection into two “T” intersections;
- Broadway multi-use path improvements; and
- Functional art, urban design, landscaping/irrigation lighting improvements.
Improvements to the Broadway and 18th Street intersection were completed in summer 2011. The newly configured intersection is currently open to traffic, and provides the main vehicular access point from this part of campus to southbound Broadway.
The local match for this project was composed of funding from five agencies: City of Boulder, Boulder County, RTD, CU – including land donation and funding from University of Colorado Student Union and Vice Chancellor for Administration.
For more project information, visit www.bouldertransportation.net>Projects>Broadway (Euclid to 18th) Improvements Project or contact Noreen Walsh at 303-441-3266
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Boulder bus and bike friendly
0September 26, 2011
‘Bus then Bike’ shelters open for regional commuters
Boulder County, Colo. – To make it easier for people to use the bus and their bikes, Boulder County is initiating the “Bus then Bike” program for commuters along the Diagonal Highway (119).
The county has installed a covered, secure bike shelter in both Longmont and Boulder for commuters along the Diagonal corridor who wish to use a bike to get to their final destination. The shelters, funded through a federal grant and county transportation funds, provide long-term, secure bicycle storage for commuters making connections to and from regional transit.
Bicycles and accessories can be safely stored overnight close to the bus stop, allowing commuters to avoid lugging their bike on the bus each day.
“Many people already take their bike on the bus along this corridor, which can be an inconvenience, and we want to make it easier for people to take the bus more often,” Boulder County Transportation Director George Gerstle said. “We know not everyone can take the bus all the time, but this is another example of how we are working to give more people a real choice in how they travel.”
Scott McCarey, Alternative Transportation Coordinator for Boulder County said that the program eliminates significant barriers to taking the bus. “For many people, the distance between the bus stop and their final destination is too far to walk, so this provides a convenient way to travel that final mile,” McCarey said. “And, users of the shelters never have to worry about being turned away by a bus because its bike racks or storage bins are full.”
Nataly Erving, Service Planner for RTD, said the program should reduce delays on the BOLT route. “The ability for people to park their bikes should reduce the delays caused by the loading and unloading of bikes,” she said. “Each bike that has to be loaded in the undercarriage bins takes between one and two minutes because the driver has to park the vehicle, climb out and open the bins.”
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Sketch Boulder armed Robber Man Hunt On
0August 18, 2011
Sketch of armed robbery suspect released by Boulder police Police continue to investigate three armed robberies which have taken place in Boulder since last Thursday. The first armed robbery took place on the CU campus on August 11. The second robbery occurred on the Boulder Creek Bike path at about 4:00 p.m. Monday, when the suspect ordered three women into the creek and then stole their purses. The third armed robbery happened in a parking garage at an apartment complex at 23rd and Pearl, as the victim was removing items from her car.
None of the victims was hurt. The suspect brandished a handgun in each of the robberies, and has become increasingly brazen. In last night’s armed robbery at the parking garage, the suspect lifted the hem of the woman’s dress so he could see her underwear, and forced her to touch his groin.
Victims have given similar descriptions of the suspect in each of the robberies, and the Boulder Police Department and the University of Colorado Police Department believe the robberies are related.A sketch of the suspect from the parking garage robbery and the Boulder Creek Bike Path robbery is attached.
The suspect is described as:
- · Hispanic male in his 20s
- · Round face
- · 5’6” – 5’8” tall
- · Stocky build, about 160 pounds
- · Short dark hair, possibly “spiky”
- · Riding either a silver or red bicycle
Police are conducting a focused investigation and are increasing patrols in response to the robberies. Citizens will notice a higher police presence in the areas of the bike path, downtown, and the University Hill.
Investigators remind residents that the suspect is dangerous, and that they should call
9-1-1 if they see anyone resembling the suspect or who may be acting suspicious. Do not approach the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boulder Police Department’s Tip Line at 303-441-1974. Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
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Boulder police investigate third armed robbery
0August 17, 2011
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
A woman returning home a little after 11 p.m. last night told police that she had been robbed at gunpoint as she was gathering items out of her car in a parking garage at 2301 Pearl Street.
This is the third armed robbery involving a similar suspect description in Boulder since Aug. 11, and police are reminding residents to be alert to their surroundings. Police are also asking people to call 9-1-1 if they see anything suspicious. Extra patrols will be on duty over the next several days, especially in the Boulder Creek Bike Path area.
Last night’s armed robbery occurred in the parking garage of the apartment complex at 2301 Pearl. When the 40-year-old victim arrived at the garage, she noticed a Hispanic male riding a bike through the parking garage. As she was collecting her purse and other items from her trunk, she saw him circle back around.
As she continued up the stairs, the suspect pointed a handgun at her. He asked her what she was carrying, and she asked him not to hurt her. She gave the suspect her purse and most of her packages. The victim told police the suspect lifted the hem of her dress to view her underwear, and that he grabbed her wrist and placed her hand on his groin. At that time, she says someone else in the garage made a noise which startled the suspect, and he fled on foot. She was not hurt.
The victim notified a friend, who called police.
The victim described the suspect as:
· Hispanic male with a round face
· In his 20s
· About 5’6” tall
· Short, “spiky” hair
· Wearing blue jeans
· Riding a red beach-cruiser style bicycle
Police are investigating a similar armed robbery that took place around 4 p.m. Monday in the 500 block of Canyon, along the Boulder Creek Bike Path. Three women were robbed of their purses at gunpoint by a Hispanic male, who fled eastbound on the path on a silver bike.
Detectives are also working in cooperation with the University of Colorado Police Department. On Aug. 11, a Hispanic suspect armed with a handgun robbed a female student on campus. The victim was not injured.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boulder Police Department’s Tip Line at 303-441-1974. Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
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Boulder Armed robbery suspect still at large
0August 16, 2011
Boulder police continue to search for an armed robbery suspect who threatened three women with a gun and then stole their purses.
Extra police patrols are monitoring the Boulder Creek area and will continue to do so.
On Monday afternoon, just before 4:00 p.m., a Hispanic male approached three women who were enjoying Boulder Creek near the area of 5th and Canyon. He displayed a gun and told the three to walk into the water so he could separate them from their purses, which they had placed on the bank. The women complied and the suspect fled on a bicycle with all three purses. No one was hurt.
The victims, plus several witnesses, heard a sound that they believed was a shot fired from a gun as the suspect rode away on his bike. Detectives recovered a projectile from a handgun in the area of the robbery. The suspect was last seen heading east on the Boulder Creek path, near the Criminal Justice Center.
Detectives are working on obtaining a sketch. The suspect is described as a:
Hispanic male
Early-to-mid twenties
5’8” – 5’10” tall
160 pounds with a stocky build
Wearing a grayish-blue polo shirt & jeans
Carrying a black backpack
Short dark hair
Boulder police are working with investigators from the University of Colorado Police Department, because Monday’s armed robbery is similar to a separate armed robbery that occurred on the campus on August 11.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Brian Scott at 303-441-3381. Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.
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Weekday closures of Cherryvale Road in effect
0August 2, 2011
by Ron Baird, news editor
in News
Boulder County, Colo. – Cherryvale Road is closed to all vehicles, including bicycles, between Arapahoe and Baseline roads on weekdays only (Monday-Friday) from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Aug. 12.
The closures include Old Tale Road at Arapahoe and McSorley Lane and Dimmit Drive between Gapter Road and Cherryvale. Pedestrians and bicycles are allowed on Dimmit.
Detours on 55th and 75th streets are in effect and marked with signage. Accommodations have been made to allow passage of emergency vehicles and school buses along with local traffic and delivery vehicles to homes within the work zone.
The closures are to allow for the timely completion of the Cherryvale Road reconstruction project.
“Cherryvale is a busy road,” Boulder County Transportation Planner Tim Swope said. “We’ve been getting much of the construction done with traffic, but we need two weeks of no daytime traffic in order to finish the remaining tasks. Our goal is to have most of the major construction done by the time school starts in mid-August.”
Boulder County anticipates completing final asphalt paving and road and shoulder striping during the closure. Final support shoulders, roadside grading, construction of a six-foot pedestrian path between Cherryvale and Reserve Drive, and landscaping will likely be completed once the road has reopened to traffic.
All construction is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 1, barring weather delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Once completed, the project will result in a new roadway, improved drainage, five-foot bicycle shoulders and a new soft-surface pedestrian path alongside the Cherryvale Road between Reserve Drive and Arapahoe Road.
Schedules are subject to change. Message boards are located in the area to alert residents of any construction schedule changes. Visit www.BoulderCounty.org/Transportation or contact Tim Swope at 720-564-2658 or tswope@bouldercounty.org for additional information and updates.
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One-of-a-kind, natural surface bike park to open June 11 in Boulder
0June 6, 2011
Media interview opportunities available in advance of Valmont Bike Park grand opening
What do you call 40 acres of twisting trails, mild to wild dirt, structural jumps, strategically-placed sand pits, logs, boulders and staircases? While off-road cyclists may soon call it, “Shangri La,” we call it, “Valmont Bike Park.”
Opening for the first time at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 11, the City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department’s latest park development has already been hailed as an outstanding bike park by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA).
“Cyclists from around the nation will be totally floored by what they see,” said IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel. “Based on its many options for riding natural-surface trails, the diversity of both technical and non-technical features and the outstanding quality of the build, Valmont will be among the top venues in the country for this style of biking.”
The City of Boulder’s Parks and Recreation Department will open the newly-developed park with a grand opening event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. The event will feature an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. with comments from council members, including Deputy Mayor Ken Wilson and Parks and Recreation Director Kirk Kincannon. Food and bicycle gear vendors, a cycling demonstration (on the park’s slopestyle features) and public riding in the park will round out the day’s activities. The event is free and open to the community.
The park contains a pump track, dual slalom and slopestyle riding loop as well as elements for a competition cyclo-cross course. The park also includes training and skill building trails, a toddler playground, event plaza, restrooms, parking and outstanding city and Flatiron views. Developed with the support and partnership of the local cycling community, Boulder Mountainbike Alliance (BMA) and organizations such as the PLAY Boulder Parks Foundation and Great Outdoors Colorado, the 40-acre Valmont Bike Park encompasses natural-surface amenities for multiple riding styles and skill levels.
“We are very excited to open this flagship park,” Kincannon said. “We invested in a collaborative partnership with BMA and the off-road cycling community to design and build this portion of Valmont City Park. The result is a park worthy of our internationally-recognized athletic community—one that will be a daily asset to local kids, families, riders and businesses and also attract events and riders from all over the country and the world.”
Note to Media: Media interviews with Parks and Recreation Department Director Kirk W. Kincannon will be available on a scheduled basis on June 7 and 8. The media is encouraged to attend the grand opening event on June 11. Please contact Shelly Ruspakka by June 7 at RuspakkaS@BoulderColorado.gov or 303-413-7214 to set up a media interview or to discuss plans for the opening event.
The bike park is currently closed due to allow completion of construction. The park will open to cycling on June 11. No footage of park use or demonstrations will be available until June 11.
