Category: Transportation Stories

To PaCMan is to pedestrian and cycle Manitou Springs. This month PaCMan caught up with Crystal Park Road resident Greg Smith who regularly chooses to ride a bike to work year-round. Greg is a Licensed Massage Therapist and the Director of Operations for a Public Charity.

How long have you been a resident and why did you choose to live in Manitou?

Three and a half years. My wife and I moved here because of the natural beauty of the area, the amazing trails, and the friendly community. 

Why do you choose to walk or bike as a transportation? 

I seldom walk as transportation. However, I often ride a bicycle as transportation. I choose this form of transportation because it reduces impact on the environment, provides personal health and wellness benefits, and it provides opportunities to say hello to neighbors and others out in the community.

What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your walking or bicycling experience in Manitou Springs?

The majority of Manitou Springs offers a safe and inviting pedestrian infrastructure that is accessible and serves people of all ages and abilities. There are a few areas, like a short portion of the lower section of Crystal Park Road, that could be improved because pedestrians and motorists must share the same roadway. 

What advice would you give someone who would like to give walking or biking as transportation a try but does not have much time?

Try to slowly integrate walking or rolling into your schedule. Ask others to join you and use the time as an opportunity to get to know and enjoy your community. 

What do you think would increase more walking and rolling of visitors and residents alike in Manitou Springs? 

Awareness and intentional lifestyle improvements. Maybe some are not accustomed to walking and rolling in their community. Maybe they do not know that our community is blessed with a world class trail system, exceptional walking/biking path network, and 300 days of annual sunshine.  

What other form of transportation do you use other than a car (i.e. bus, carpooling)? What has that experience been like?

I bike commute approximately 100 days per year. I use trails to avoid traffic congestion and traffic lights. My commute times are only 15-20 minutes longer than driving. This is a remarkably safe and enjoyable way to get to and from the office.

To PaCMan is to pedestrian and cycle Manitou Springs. This month PaCMan caught up with Chi Ito before departing for Japan with her daughter, Aiyume Potillo. Although Aiyume’s responses are not included below, it is noteworthy that she voluntarily started her own walking school bus with five other friends who opted to walk versus riding a bus or asking parents for a lift. Chi asserts they trekked in all types of weather and were never late.

How long have you been a resident and why did you choose to live in Manitou?

Almost 10 years. After living in Old Colorado City (OCC) 3 years, I was drawn to the intimate and friendly vibe in Manitou. Particularly, library events such as story times, playing in the parks, and making new friends came easily. DT Manitou’s walkability and the friendliness of familiar faces added to the experience.

What are the pros/cons of being a carless resident?

Pros include becoming familiar with and attuned with time, distance, weather, people, animals, nature, and surroundings in this area. Cons include limited food, healthcare, and employment access/opportunities. Limited public transportation offered in/out of town and service location and schedule can change.

What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your walking experience?

Recent trail, sidewalk, and streetlight improvements, including Rockey’s plaque, and the eagle statue in the WAAP area are great enhancements. However, sections near CO Ski Furniture and uphill to Manitou Springs HS deserve attention in the winter when shady areas become icy, making walking difficult. Or consider broken glass and other trash that requires cleanup along our sidewalks and roadways which would enhance the walking experience.

What advice would you give someone who would like to give walking as transportation a try but does not have much time?

I was fortunate to work in town. However, give it a try and see what happens. Perhaps go without using your car for a period of time or chose to go carless for a day. Figure out your walking speed, how much time you need, pack light, and leave home prepared for weather.

What do you think would increase more walking and rolling of visitors and residents?

We can spread the fun vibe you feel in DT Manitou to other parts of town. Manitou is full of interesting history and stories. Walking to historical landmarks, plaques, mineral springs, statues, concrete couch structures and gardens allow you to discover new things. Perhaps scavenger hunt activities. Walking/running/bicycling events and parades are also great ways. Also, walking school buses are used where I come from. Manitou Springs Elementary does this. Parents, teachers, and communities work together to set up safe routes and supervisions along the way. Since children walk, people pay more attention to details, creating and achieving a safer climate. 

What other form of transportation do you use and what has that experience been like?

I am grateful that I had many, many friends in town offer me rides. However, I also used MMT to OCC, DT CO Springs and to library locations elsewhere. MMT two-hour free transfer tickets are great, as is Manitou’s free shuttle. I did ride a bike for a stint until it went missing in OCC. Finally, I used both Greyhound and Bustang, and found Bustang to be a clean and relaxing experience.

To PaCMan is to Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou. Perhaps no one in our community does just that—walking that is—more than Craig Burbank. A prior local, Craig returned to Manitou in 2017 after having lived here previously for 8 years, drawn to the close proximity of trails.

Now retired, Craig chose to live carless back in 1993. Why? Craig decided it was an economical decision more than anything. Not to mention, he has always been a minimalist, often putting off buying new technology until it is tried and true. Craig asserts the independence offers him more freedom to move about. Freedom to do what he wants, to take shortcuts, and perhaps linger just long enough to admire the blue sky and landscape around him.

Focused the last three years on ultra-walking, Craig has become an expert at logging and calculating the most efficient routes to faraway places such as Pikes Peak, Woodland Park and beyond. Closer to home, Craig regularly visits grocery stores and Costco on foot and frequently uses mass transit to complete the final leg or many times, hikes several pounds worth of groceries home.

Craig admits walking errands does take some planning and extra time to complete. However, he asserts that the health benefits include improved immunity, sweating unwanted toxins, feeling fit at 66, and having a healthy way to cope with the difficulties of getting through a pandemic. He also feels good about the benefits of living greener and reducing one’s carbon footprint.

Craig encourages others to give walking as transportation a try. His advice? Start out small, be prepared for weather changes, and anticipate what drivers may do cautioning to look both ways before crossing at intersections and to walk against traffic. He realizes not everyone feels comfortable walking around vehicular traffic. However, asserts that done often enough, one can gain confidence over time. Craig challenges himself to never stop learning and challenges you to do the same, by trying something new. If you happen to see Craig during one of your outings or perhaps getting a bite to eat at one of his favorite cafes, such as The Mate Factor or The Loop where you can find his favorite salsa, please give him a friendly shout-out or hello!