Title
A Resolution designating the Month of June to be Bike Month in the City of Colorado Springs
Presenter:
Kate Brady, Senior Bicycle Planner
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs enjoys a strong culture of cycling. From recreational cyclists enjoying our urban and back-country trails to committed bicycle commuters riding to work and school, we are blessed with an active population that takes advantage of the many biking opportunities in our city.
Cycling in Colorado Springs benefits more than our citizens' wellbeing; it also benefits the region's economy. A recent Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments study found that the local cycling industry employs more than 370 residents annually; that 80,000 cyclists visit and stay overnight in our region each year; and that the direct economic impact of cycling in our region is $27,850,000 per year. Anecdotal evidence suggests that more and more primary employers and the well-paid, highly educated workforce those employers need, seek bicycle-friendly communities when choosing to expand or change locations.
The City will apply this summer to renew its "Bicycle Friendly Community" designation at the Silver Level, by which the League of American Bicyclists has recognized the City's strong cycling culture and expanding bicycle infrastructure network. Our city now has over 150 miles of off-street bike paths, 200 miles of mountain bike trails, and 120 miles of on-street bike lanes. Additionally, Colorado Springs is the official training site for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic track cyclists, home to several nationally renowned cycling companies and is the chosen city for many world-class cyclists.
Building upon our culture of cycling, the City has initiated an update of the Bicycle Master Plan that will support further development and improvement of cycling infrastructure across Colorado Springs. This plan will augment the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments' Regional Non-Motorized Transportation Plan ...
Click here for full text