Bike lanes will be added on 6th Street between Kohl and Daphne to reduce speeding.

6th Street is an excellent alternative to the busier Midway Blvd. for people on bikes. Speeding has been a concern in the neighborhood for a while, so the city plans to narrow the vehicle lanes, take the little bit of on-street parking that exists, and put it all on one side to make room for bike lanes in both directions, which is fantastic. This proposed project is a good incremental improvement considering the constraints and limitations.

Questions you might have:

Why not remove parking on both sides and physically protect the bike lane? Until the City of Broomfield has the ability to (equipment purchase and staff) clean and plow narrower separated facilities, it is impracticable to maintain physically protected bike lanes.

Why not create a separate bike lane with a parking-protected bike lane? In addition to the answer to the above question, there is not enough road width to provide a buffer zone between the cars and the bike lane. 8-11' is the ideal width for a parking-protected bike lane. 5' is available, but that would make the bike lane incredibly narrow, and there is a real danger of someone opening their door and a cyclist getting hurt and a lack of maneuvering room to avoid obstacles and debris in the bike lane.

Will this project actually slow traffic down? It will likely slow down passive speeding drivers the most, but it should also affect aggressively speeding drivers by increasing their perception of risk by optically narrowing the road.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/narrower-city-streets-could-actually-be-safer-study

https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2023/9/15/how-to-use-optical-narrowing-to-make-a-street-safer

Will this project affect my home values? It will likely raise them, as bike and walkability are desirable neighborhood features.

https://www.planetizen.com/node/93761/study-bike-lanes-raise-property-values-brooklyn

https://streets.mn/2013/06/10/do-bike-lanes-impact-housing-values/

Personally, I have observed a powerful truth: Affluent neighborhoods often feature safer, more tranquil streets, while poorer areas frequently have more aggressive road designs. Changing perspectives in these situations is challenging; it requires transforming the public perception of value. Together, we can foster a dialogue that leads to a more equitable and thoughtful approach to suburban design.

Broomfield Transportation Safety Action Plan Study Session Tonight

The Safety Action Plan Update below outlines initial safety goals and measures of effectiveness for the Broomfield Safe Streets Initiative. The primary objectives are crash reduction, increased community awareness, and enhanced communication strategies. Key strategies to achieve these goals include integrating technology and data analysis, ensuring project and program prioritization, fostering collaboration and partnerships, and improving public engagement.

Hopefully, City Council will discuss adopting Vision Zero Tonight.

Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. First implemented in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero has proved successful across Europe — and now it’s gaining momentum in major American cities.

Illuminando La Noche/Light up the Night Bicycle Safety Light Giveaway November 4th-8th

2013 Santa Barbara Illuminando La Noche

Ride Broomfield is rallying our community for our 1st annual Light up the Night bicycle light giveaway, a collective effort to brighten bicyclists' commutes. As the clocks' fall' back, marking the end of daylight saving time and ushering in earlier darkness, our community will be there, with Illuminando La Noche/Light up the Night volunteers welcoming bicycle commuters at community parks and partner organizations.

Ride Broomfield decided the week of Daylight Savings Time would be the perfect time to begin the outreach. As daylight saving time sets in, residents who commute to work or school will find themselves in darkness on their way home.

'Light up the Night' is our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of our community members who use bicycles. These lights are not just for visibility; they are a safety beacon. We aim to provide a better sense of security and peace of mind as they ride, knowing they are well-equipped with the necessary lights to make them more visible to other road users.

Quality rechargeable, free bicycle lights will be shared with riders in NEED who come to designated giveaway spots. To receive your free lights, show up at the specified locations and times. 

This light giveaway is an honor-based needs system, which means we trust that those who genuinely need the lights will come forward. If you can afford to purchase lights, head over to TREK Broomfield. This year, we will have approximately 50 front/rear light sets and 15 wheel lights to give away daily. 

When driving in the evening hours, be alert for pedestrians at intersections and attentive to bicyclists in the roadway. Do not use the cell phone for texting or phone calls, and eliminate other distractions to be focused on the road. Using a cell phone while driving, whether it's handheld or hands-free, delays a driver's reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent (Source: NHTSA). Using your phones while driving will also be illegal on January 1st, so get used to it now. Keeping windshields and mirrors clean increases your ability to see traffic and more vulnerable road users, such as people walking and bicycling at sunset and evening hours. Always yield to bicyclists at crosswalks, and give enough space when passing them.

• Monday, 5-7 pm: Bronco Park, 3100 Westlake Dr, Broomfield, CO 80020

• Tuesday, 9 am - 2 pm: A Precious Child, 7051 W 118th Ave, Broomfield, CO 80020

• Wednesday, 2-4 pm: Broomfield FISH, 6 Garden Center, Broomfield, CO 80020

• Thursday, 5-7 pm: Arista Pl, Broomfield, CO, United States (TENETIVE, check back to confirm this date and location are confirmed)

• Friday, 5-7 pm: iPIE, 45 Nickel St, Broomfield, CO 80020

*The City and County of Broomfield traffic engineer will attend the first hour on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday to take any input and answer questions.

Thank you to our Sponsors and Hosts!

RTD Bike-n-Ride Shelter Grand Opening and Demo

One of the most common reasons that people cite for not riding their bike somewhere is the lack of convenient and secure bicycle parking. When you have already taken the additional time and effort to pedal to your destination, the last thing you want to have is to walk further than you would have if you had driven and parked or to have to park your bike somewhere out of the way where it is more likely to get stolen.

The Regional Transportation District (RTD), City and County of Broomfield, and Commuting Solutions celebrated the grand opening of three new Bike-n-Ride shelters at RTD stations in Broomfield yesterday. These Bike-n-Ride shelters, strategically located and designed to protect your bike from the elements and theft, provide a secure and protected environment for your bicycle, giving you peace of mind during your commute.

Remember, safer, not safe.

Just as parking a car in a garage is safer than leaving it outside, using a Bike-n-Ride shelter for your bike is a step towards safety, not a guarantee. Always remember, it's safer, not safe. So, lock your bike as demonstrated in the video and use a high-quality lock or two, just as you would if your bike was parked outside for an extended period. You can even use the second lock to lock your bike to a different part of the rack.

Here's a valuable way to think about a lock-it's like a timer. The better and more expensive the lock or locks, the longer you have before a potential thief can break it. A Bike-n-Ride Shelter gives you more time. Also, remember that the more valuable your bike is, the more likely it is to be targeted by a thief. That's why I didn't bring my expensive bike to demonstrate how to lock it up in a Bike-n-Ride Shelter, because I wouldn't use that bike in such a situation. If you often leave your bike for an entire work day, I recommend getting a less expensive commute bike and ensuring your bicycle is insured against theft; also, consider a GPS tracker for your bike.

You can apply online to receive a card to access the bike shelters. Applicants will receive their access cards within two weeks of applying.

Colorado E-Bike Rebate Program

Don't miss out on Colorado's new e-bike rebate program, designed to make electric bicycles more accessible to low- and moderate-income residents. If you earn 100% of the area median income (AMI) or below, you may be eligible for a rebate to offset the cost of purchasing an e-bike and cycling equipment, such as a helmet and lock. The rebates range from $500 to $1500. The final round of applications is currently open and will close at 4 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. Apply now to take advantage of this great opportunity!

Our first bike giveaway was a huge success!

Last week, Ride Broomfield, hosted by Broomfield FISH, matched 20 people who needed bicycles with bikes collected and donated from the community. The restoration process took a bit of time, but it's a testament to our community's spirit that we managed to match the riders with their new bikes in just two days.

The bike giveaway program is a long-term free-lease program designed to provide sustainable transportation and recreation to those in need. If the recipients of the bikes are not using them, outgrow them, or don’t want them anymore, they are asked to return them to the program so the bike can be given to someone else who needs them.

The bikes are also registered in our database and then with https://bikeindex.org to ensure their safety. In the unfortunate event of theft, the Broomfield Police Department can swiftly return them if located, providing an added layer of security for our recipients.

The owners of Main Street Pedicabs also came out to check out Fish and the bike giveaway.

Consider donating below so we can continue to get bikes to people who need them. We have many more bikes to repair and more coming in every week, but we need parts, rubber, and tools. We are also looking for a space to store and work on bikes before winter hits; if you have some space or know someone who does, please get in touch.

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Let's rally together to help Broomfield bring our tax dollars back to our community to help improve transportation safety in Broomfield.

The City and County of Broomfield is developing the Broomfield Transportation Safety Action Plan to identify strategic safety improvements in Broomfield's transportation network. This plan, which will adhere to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe System approach and its six guiding principles, is a crucial step towards significantly reducing crashes and severe injuries in our community. The Safety Action Plan, with your engagement, will make our community a safer place to live, recreate, and commute. The Safety Action Plan is also required for Broomfield to apply for Safer Streets and Roads for All grants to improve our community's transportation safety. Your participation is vital in this urgent mission to enhance our safety.

What can you do to help Broomfield get our tax dollars back?

Broomfield is seeking input from the community through a survey, map, and various engagement opportunities. Your insights are crucial in shaping the Safety Action Plan and improving safety for all users. Please provide your feedback before the deadline on Oct. 1, 2024. Your timely response is crucial to the success of the Safety Action Plan.

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The MHP Community Challenge

The MHP Community Challenge 2023 aims to raise $60,000 for suicide education and opioid overdose prevention in Boulder and Broomfield counties. The event includes a Bike Challenge (which Ride Broomfield will be doing), a Couch Challenge, and a grueling 19+ mile Boulder Skyline Traverse (which Carson will be doing). The funds raised will support harm reduction efforts and provide the community with suicide and overdose prevention resources. The event is sponsored by local businesses and organizations and supported by volunteers. For more information on how to get involved, visit the event website.

Bicycling in Broomfield Open House, Followup, and, The Why?

by: Carson Blume

Ride Broomfield, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit community partner with the City and County of Broomfield (CCOB), proposed the idea of an enlightening open house on Bicycling in Broomfield for a simple reason. When listening to the community in person and watching social media posts about bicycle-related issues from individuals and organized groups, I observed a growing need for a better understanding of CCOB's efforts; this is entirely understandable for the average resident busy with daily life and getting informed on everything CCOB is doing to improve to your bicycling riding experience might be daunting, but this is where advocacy is supposed to come in but has failed to do so until now. Unfortunately, this lack of effective advocacy and spreading of uninformed information has led to misplaced frustration towards CCOB by some, and, as a by-product, those residents may begin to feel disenfranchised. I proposed this idea to offer the opportunity for these frustrated residents to get informed and ask their questions directly to the CCOB staff present on the specific concerns I have heard from them.

A sincere thank you to the City & County of Broomfield for considering Ride Broomfield’s request and hosting this first-ever event for bicyclists! Ride Broomfield appreciates our new partnership. Many thanks to the many staff members who were in attendance to answer questions, including Open Space & Trails, Parks, Traffic & Transportation, and Capital Projects!

Thanks to all the attendees for your active participation, last week’s event was a resounding success and overwhelmingly positive. With over 100 of you joining us, your presence created a vibrant atmosphere for dialogue and feedback. Your input and enthusiasm for bicycling were not just noticed but were absolutely crucial to the success of the event.

Image courtesy of Broomfield Lifestyle Magazine

At the Ride Broomfield table, many of you thanked us for convincing CCOB to put this event on, said that you learned a lot, and were impressed with the City & County’s projects and progress to improve and expand on bicycling in Broomfield. The completion of so many projects that were important to the community since the completion of the Broomfield Bicycle & Pedestrian Assessment, with more currently underway. Some of you had great ideas for future improvements, as well as, questions, comments, and some concerns. For instance, some of you were interested in more bike lanes, others were concerned about bike safety, and a few had questions about the maintenance of existing bike paths and how to get from point A to B safely and had connectivity concerns. These are all valid and important points, and Ride Broomfield is committed to addressing them with the City and County of Broomfield and the public. We are glad that so many attendees were able to connect directly with staff.

We have a long way to go, but we are committed to doing the work with you. Let's get informed, discuss the information, discover the root reasons why progress isn't faster, and develop ways to propel cycling culture in Broomfield forward. Your active participation and feedback are not just crucial; they are the driving force behind the future of bicycling in our community. Ride Broomfield sincerely appreciates the community showing up and your valuable contributions and want to assure you that Ride Broomfield is dedicated to addressing your concerns and improving the bicycling experience in Broomfield.

Unveiled at the Open House was the bikes@broomfield.org email that Ride Broomfield convinced CCOB to create. This email is designed to simplify contacting Broomfield about bike-related issues, making it easier for you to voice your concerns and suggestions. It's a direct line to CCOB, ensuring your feedback is heard and any immediate issues or concerns you have.

More detailed information to come in later posts. Subscribe to Ride Broomfield below to stay up to date!

A very special thanks to TREK Broomfield for providing the Bike Valet Parking!

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bikes@broomfield.org - A Simple Solution to a Complex Problem

Ride Broomfield endeavored to solve a complex problem with a simple solution. The issue involved determining which department to contact and whom to email when Broomfield residents wished to share their questions, comments, and concerns about biking in the area. Through our conversations with the community, it became clear that for the average resident, the first step to engaging with the City and County of Broomfield could be daunting. Residents often didn't follow through, and understandably so; with busy lives, figuring this out could be a significant time drain.

Ride Broomfield is thrilled to announce the launch of a new City and County of Broomfield email address, bikes@broomfield.org. This address is designed to streamline your bike-related inquiries to the city, making your communication process more efficient. You no longer need to email multiple departments individually. It's your starting point for all bike-related matters, offering a centralized point of contact for Parks, Open Space and Trails, Public Works, Planning, Transportation, and more. We want you to feel informed and connected.

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There will be Bicycle Valet Parking at the Bicycling in Broomfield Open House.

Thanks to the City of Broomfield and TREK Broomfield, there will be a Bike Valet at the Bicycling in Broomfield Open House, so if you ride your bike, there will be a safe place to park it!

Give your input on the Statewide Active Transportation Plan

CDOT is currently updating its Statewide Active Transportation Plan to significantly enhance biking and walking throughout Colorado.

The corridors this survey will have influence over in Broomfield include:

• Highway 36

• 120th Ave/CO-128/C0-287

• Highway 287

• Wadsworth Parkway/CO-121

• E Baseline Rd/CO-7

• I-25

This plan aims to bolster safety, equity, mobility, connectivity, and sustainability across the transportation system. The concept of active transportation encompasses all human-powered modes of transportation, such as walking, biking, and using scooters or wheelchairs. Since 2012, CDOT has achieved substantial progress in advancing active transportation goals and supporting local investment in related projects. Investing in active transportation can play a pivotal role in reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries, achieving greenhouse gas emissions reductions, driving economic activity, and addressing health and safety inequities. CDOT is actively seeking public input through an initial survey to ensure that the updated Active Transportation Plan aligns with the priorities of the communities it serves.

Broomfield Transit Study

Especially in suburban communities like Broomfield, Bikes and public transportation complement each other perfectly, providing an efficient way to travel to and from transit without needing a car.

Join the City and County of Broomfield in their efforts to improve transit for all! The transit study aims to identify ways to enhance transit access for residents, commuters, and visitors of all ages, abilities, and incomes. Your input will help shape recommendations for more convenient and available transit options. Engage in the project's phases, including various methods such as a transit survey, summer event engagements, a virtual open house, and focus groups. Your feedback will shape the plan, ensuring the community's needs are met.

Bike and Roll to School Day is May 8th! Please be sure to register.

Registration for the 13th annual National Bike and Roll to School Day, scheduled for May 8th, 2024, is now open. You can register your events for the day, regardless of whether they will occur on that day. These events can inspire lasting change by addressing the need to make routes to school safer for active trips or encouraging children and teens to be more active. So, please register your events and support kids and their safe routes to school on walkbiketoschool.org

Want to start a bike bus for your school? Read the article below.

Reject long school drop-off lines; embrace the Ride Broomfield Bike Bus!

If you would like us to help form bike buses for your school, please contact us or join our Slack Team.

About Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a program administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation that aims to make walking and biking to school safer for children. By administering this program, Colorado is helping to build healthier and more active communities. SRTS programs provide opportunities for kids to get outside and exercise while also reducing congestion and pollution around schools. With the help of community partnerships, SRTS programs can create safer environments for everyone. By emphasizing safety and using resources to build programs, we can make walking and biking to school accessible for all children, including those with disabilities. Together, we can build a future where more kids are active, healthy, and happy.

More News

Reject long school drop-off lines; embrace the Ride Broomfield Bike Bus!

What is a Bike Bus? Basically, it is strength in numbers.

Bike buses, also referred to as cycling buses or bike trains, are a fantastic way to commute to work or school in an organized and safe manner. With a designated leader setting the pace and ensuring everyone stays together, riders can feel more visible on the road and promote a sense of community among fellow cyclists. By choosing to ride together, bike buses help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Let's join hands and make a positive impact on our environment while enjoying the benefits of cycling through bike buses. For more information, check out https://bikebus.world/

If you would like to help form bike buses for your school or workplace and would like some help, please contact us and or join our Slack Team.