Safer Connections Downtown: Attend Open House on New South Cascade Bike Lanes
Join the conversation!
The City of Colorado Springs is hosting a public open house to discuss ongoing improvements planned for South Cascade Avenue, focusing on enhancing bicyclist safety and connectivity.
Meeting details:
- Date: Wednesday, July 31st
- Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
- Location: Penrose Library, Columbine Room (1st floor) (20 N. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903)
- Parking: Available in upper and lower lots (credit card or coin payment required)
South Cascade Bike Lane meeting is free and open to the public.
What’s Happening?
This open house is your chance to learn about the project and share your thoughts on the planned improvements to South Cascade Avenue.
Project Details:
- Restriping of South Cascade Avenue between Colorado Avenue and West Fountain Boulevard.
- Extension of existing bicycle lanes to create a continuous route for bicyclists, improving connections to local community trails and attractions.
- No changes to current parking capacity.
- Funded through the bicycle tax and City General Funds.
- Construction anticipated to begin this fall (September/October 2024) and will be performed by City crews.
The project includes the following:
- adding 6-foot-wide on-street buffered bike lanes on both sides of Cascade Avenue (from Colorado Avenue south to Fountain Boulevard),
- restriping to accommodate parallel parking spaces on both sides of Cascade Avenue,
- maintaining the existing raised center median and sidewalks on both sides of Cascade Avenue,
- adding an all-way stop at Cascade Avenue and Moreno Avenue with a marked crosswalk,
- providing bicycle guidance at conflict points and intersections.
Why is this important?
Bike Colorado Springs is excited to see this safer bicycle connection to the south downtown area progress! This extension will be a valuable addition for bicyclists traveling through the area, making it easier and safer to get around.
This improved connection goes beyond just convenience for cyclists. It will:
- Benefit downtown residents: A safer and more connected bike network makes cycling a more viable transportation option, reducing traffic congestion and offering residents a healthy and sustainable way to travel.
- Boost local businesses: Easier access by bike will encourage residents and visitors to explore the thriving businesses and restaurants lining South Tejon Street and around Weidner Field. This can lead to increased economic activity and support for local establishments.
Room for Improvement?
While we are encouraged by this development, Bike Colorado Springs recognizes that protected infrastructure, such as separated bike lanes or cycle tracks, is the current best practice design for urban infrastructure like this. This would create a safer and more comfortable environment for bicyclists of all ages and abilities, making cycling a viable transportation option for even more people. We envision a future iteration of this connection that incorporates protected infrastructure, similar to what you see in the picture below, to bring Colorado Springs to the level of safety and design of other modern cities.
Stay informed:
For more information about the project, visit the City’s website at
https://coloradosprings.gov/CascadeBikeLanes
Let your voice be heard!
We look forward to seeing you at the open house and hearing your thoughts on this important project! I you want to help us advocate for better bike connections be sure to sign up here.
