Posts tagged streets
Here comes the snow City of Boulder warning
Oct 24th
City prepares for snowfall and reminds people to remove snow from sidewalks
Current weather forecasts indicate that an incoming storm may produce accumulated snow in Boulder beginning the night of Wednesday, Oct. 24, and continuing through Thursday, Oct. 25. The City of Boulder is preparing snow response crews in advance. Community members are asked to be mindful of the conditions, to prepare their vehicles as appropriate and to plan for extended commute times.
Snow Removal on City Streets
The city’s Public Works Department has snow crews on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to changing weather conditions. During snowstorms, 16 plow trucks are active on Boulder’s streets. Six of the trucks distribute a liquid deicer, four spreader trucks distribute traction materials, and six trucks can distribute either material. Fifteen of the plow trucks drive predetermined routes while one “floater” truck responds to problem areas.
During the snowstorm, the city may spot-treat bridges and overpasses as needed to help reduce the buildup of ice and snow. Depending on the weather conditions, a liquid deicer may also be applied to streets and multi-use paths to continue melting the snowpack throughout the snowstorm. Spreader trucks will dispense a crystallized deicer for traction, where appropriate.
consistent with other Front Range communities, the city does not plow all residential streets since Boulder’s sunny climate typically melts most snow within a day or two and because residential plowing would increase costs by an estimated 200 percent. Plowing residential streets would also block driveways and cars parked on the streets. However, problem areas like particularly icy slopes, blocked storm drains or impassable sidewalks can be reported to the city for response. To report roadway or path problems, call the Street and Bikeway Maintenance Hotline at 303-413-7177.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
The Boulder Police Department is responsible for enforcing the city’s sidewalk snow removal ordinance. Property owners, tenants and landlords must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours after snow stops falling. Official snowfall reports are available on the National Weather Service website. Failure to remove snow from sidewalks before the 24-hour deadline may result in a summons and/or an abatement process. Abatement includes the use of a private snow removal contractor to clear the sidewalk. The property owner will be charged a $50 administrative fee, along with the contractor’s fee for removing the snow. To report a sidewalk snow violation, call Code Enforcement at 303-441-3333. Snow should be shoveled onto landscaping, not into the streets. Pushing snow into the streets creates hazards for bike commuters and pedestrians, and gutters clogged with snow may cause ice to form on the sidewalks.
The ICEBUSTERS program pairs residents who are physically unable to clear snow from their sidewalks with someone who can do the work for them. Seasonal and substitute volunteers are needed for this community program. To volunteer or learn more, please call 303-443-1933.
For more information about the city’s snow removal or for winter driving tips, visit www.bouldercolorado.gov/publicworksand click on “Winter Tips” on the left menu.
For code enforcement information, call 303-441-3333 or visit the Boulder Police Department’s website at www.boulder-police.com.
Bike race rakes in big bucks for Colorado
Oct 19th
Attendance Numbers Surpass 1 Million for the Second Annual USA Pro Challenge Professional Cycling Race
Race Brings an Estimated $99.6 Million in Economic Impact to the State of Colorado
Denver (Oct. 18, 2012) – The 2012 USA Pro Challenge, the toughest professional cycling race in the U.S., reached attendance numbers of more than 1 million over the course of seven days, Aug. 20-26, as fans turned out to watch the action-packed, heart-pounding racing. After traveling to 12 towns for the official stage starts and finishes, and passing through many other notable cities along the way, the estimated economic impact of the race to the State of Colorado is $99.6 million, according to a study done by IFM North America, a global sports research firm.
With a lead change nearly every day, one of the closest professional races in U.S. history came down to the final moments of the Individual Time Trial in Denver, with American Christian Vande Velde of Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda taking home the overall win. The race received unprecedented coverage highlighting the beautiful terrain of the state that totaled 31 hours on NBC and NBC Sports Network in the U.S. and was broadcast internationally to 175 countries and territories around the world.
“The crowds at the 2012 USA Pro Challenge were unlike anything I’ve ever seen outside of the big races in Europe,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the Pro Challenge. “Driving the course every day and seeing the enthusiasm and passion from the fans lining the streets really gave a sense of the growing support for the sport of cycling in the U.S. This race showcases Colorado and provides an incredible economic impact that will hopefully be here for years to come.”
Direct spending by traveling spectators brought a significant portion of the economic impact. Both those fans from outside the state and Coloradans traveling 50 miles or more to take in an event stage contributed $81.5 million on lodging, food, transportation and entertainment. The remaining economic impact comes in the form of team, staff, sponsor and vendor spending, employment created by the event, and the resulting tax effects of the race.
The 2012 race attracted spectators from at least 25 states across the country, with the top five after Colorado being Texas, Florida, New Mexico, Arizona and California. It also proved an exceptional following among Colorado residents, one of the significant contributing factors to the level of enthusiasm displayed by spectators along the entire 683-mile course.
“The enthusiasm we saw from the fans at this year’s USA Pro Challenge was unprecedented,” said Steve Johnson, president and CEO of USA Cycling, the national governing body for bicycle racing in the United States. “One of our main goals is to grow competitive cycling in America and the USA Pro Challenge is doing just that. From the level of competition, to the huge crowds of fans lining the streets, to the overall organization, this race is exactly what we need in professional cycling.”
A draw for Colorado travel, 53 percent of spectators claimed they would not have traveled to Colorado at this time if it were not for the race. And with that, 75.8 percent stated they were very likely or likely to return to watch the race next year.
“The USA Pro Challenge is a huge community event that just continues to grow,” said Major Mark Savage of the Colorado State Patrol. “We are out there on the street with the fans ensuring a safe and fun event, and the respectful enthusiasm that continues to be displayed is amazing.”
Additional interesting analysis points include:
• Spectators traveled in groups, with the average party consisting of three people.
• While the median household income of Colorado residents is $56,456, race spectators averaged a household income of $110,000.
• Spectators were satisfied with almost all parts of the race and the experience, with more than 86 percent saying they were very satisfied or satisfied with the race.
• More than half of spectators in attendance reported they ride a bike for fitness, while roughly 21.9 percent responded they ride a bike occasionally or not at all.
• This was an audience that appreciates the world class level of competition at the USA Pro Challenge and watches major cycling events on television, with 93.4 percent stating they watch part of the Tour de France.
• The race drew spectators for various reasons with 64 percent wanting to witness the elite level of competition, 45 percent interested in the destination cities and 46 percent wanting to experience the start/finish festivals.
• Spectators’ experiences with the USA Pro Challenge positively influenced their view of the State of Colorado, with 75 percent of out-of-state visitors stating they are more likely or much more likely to visit Colorado again based on their experience at the USA Pro Challenge.
About the research study:
The USA Pro Challenge commissioned IFM North America, a global sports research firm with more than 20 years of experience working with events around the world, to conduct a quantitative research study to measure the attendance and overall economic impact of the race.
“We conduct these types of studies on events around the world throughout the year,” said David Porthouse, vice president of IFM North America. “Working with our local partners and stakeholders, we implement best practices as we develop the data and models used to accurately and fairly evaluate the success of their events.”
IFM designed the study from the outset to address many of the contentious issues surrounding economic impact assessments. Key areas addressed included:
• Substitution effects – Since local fans will often spend similar amounts on local sports and other entertainment, IFM did not include the local fan spend in the economic impact report.
• Time shifting – Colorado is an attractive destination for travel, so IFM deliberately filtered respondents to ensure they were not capturing data from spectators already in Colorado, independent of the Pro Challenge, and also used elimination questions to remove those fans who intended to come to Colorado in the near future independent of the race
• Sample sizes – Large samples were taken at all stages, distributed across the race locations.
About the USA Pro Challenge
For seven consecutive days, the world’s top athletes raced through the majestic Colorado Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure as they ascended over three mountain passes, each exceeding 12,000 ft. in elevation. After attracting more than 1 million spectators in 2011, making it one of the largest cycling events in U.S. history, the USA Pro Challenge returned for a second year in 2012. Featuring a challenging, 683-mile course with more than 42,000 ft. of vertical climbing, the race highlighted the best of the best in professional cycling and some of America’s most beautiful scenery.
Referred to as “America’s Race,” the USA Pro Challenge took place August 20-26, 2012, a week proclaimed by Governor John Hickenlooper as “Colorado Cycling Holiday,” and traveled through 12 host cities from Durango to Denver. More information can be found online at www.ProChallenge.comand on Twitter at @USAProChallenge.
About IFM North America
IFMNA is an international research consultancy that focuses on the value of sports properties and assets, and the economic activity surrounding sporting events, leagues and their communities. IFMNA is headquartered in St. Louis, MO. Its clients have included Major League Baseball, International Cycling Union, WTA, ATP, INDYCAR. IFMNA has a strong background in professional cycling, having experience with tracking cycling audiences and sponsorship valuations and impacts around the globe and performing similar economic impact work for more 10 stage races, including the Tour of Missouri and USA Pro Challenge. In addition, IFMNA has the privilege of working with many top cycling teams – BMC Racing Team, Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda, Team Type 1-Sanofi and, previously, Team Highroad.
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Bike race madness invades Boulder County Saturday
Aug 20th
Race will prompt road closures and create limited parking in areas; spectators advised to prepare for changing weather and possible hazards
Boulder County, Colo. – Stage 6 of the USA Pro Challenge cycling race begins Saturday morning in Golden and, after traveling through the city of Boulder, towns of Nederland and Lyons, and the mountain communities of western Boulder County, finishes atop Flagstaff Mountain on Saturday afternoon.
Road Closures
The race will impact state highways, county roads and city streets. Safety patrols will be facilitating rolling closures as the race moves through Boulder County. Major roadways to be impacted include U.S. 36 and state highways 7, 72, 93 and 119. Visit www.COTrip.org for up-to-date road closure information.
Parking and Transportation
Paid on-street parking is available as well as paid event parking in city garages and parking lots and at the University of Colorado campus. Residents are encouraged to use alternate transportation on race day, as large crowds are expected. Increased bus service is available to and within Boulder. Visitwww.USAProBoulder.com for details on parking, bus and bike routes, and bike corrals.
Use Caution
Spectators, especially those watching the race in the mountain areas of western Boulder County, are advised to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and the potential risk of lightning and flooding. Check weather forecasts prior to heading outdoors and bring warm and rain-proof clothing in addition to sun protection and drinking water. Wildfires also remain a risk in the foothills and mountain areas, so stay alert to any emergency notifications during the race.
For more on the race, including an interactive stage map, schedule of events and information about the finish on Flagstaff Mountain, visitwww.USAProBoulder.com.