Greetings! This month, we’d like to introduce you to Jared Thompson who is the #artist behind Manitou Creative, loves to #run, and #walks as #transportation. You may find his pop-up art tent and display at the corner of Navajo and Manitou Ave in the heart of DT #manitousprings on select weekends through the busier and warmer months. Stop by and say hi sometime! Read entire story on FB PaCMan: Ped and Cycle, Manitou Springs.
How long have you been living in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?
I have lived in Manitou Springs for 11 years. Our family chose to live here because of the small community, the easy access to hiking trails and nature, and living in the mountains.
What are the pros/cons of walking to work and to get around in Manitou?
We walk a lot as a family to do things in Manitou Springs, I think it is wonderful how most things to do and places to go in Manitou are an easy walk from our house. It’s been an amazing experience walking our son Asher to and from school every day, it’s a healthy routine that gives us some special time together. I think the biggest con about walking in Manitou is the presence of ice or gravel on the ground depending on the time of year. We have taken a few falls in the last 11 years walking around the steep streets of Manitou. Another con is people do not do a very good job of trimming their bushes and trees and many sidewalks are not passable due to branches sticking right out into the sidewalk (I’ve noticed this all over town). We find ourselves walking in the street quite a bit around town because of this.
If you walk as transportation, run, or use public transit in Manitou, please tell us how it has changed your life?
I started running about 8 years ago and it has changed my life and my health. I was 40 pounds heavier about 9 years ago. Being out on the trails hiking and running became a routine part of my life shortly after moving here (which I had never really done before) and has grown into a healthy regular part of my life. My family uses the MMT #3 bus at times to visit downtown Colorado Springs and OCC. It has been great to use the bus and not worry about driving and parking. It is a blessing that Manitou–as a small town–has a bus that goes right into downtown Colorado Springs.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your cycling/walking/rolling/transit experiences in Manitou?
Along Manitou Ave there is no bike lane. The section between Memorial Park and the Chamber of Commerce was just repaved and for whatever reason they decided to keep those curb islands along the sidewalk that force cyclists out into the lane of traffic (unless you just decide to ride on the sidewalk). When the repaving project started I was sure they would get rid of those curb islands and create a bike lane there, but that is not the case. I don’t understand the reason for those things.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try?
I always advise people to try the #3 bus and I certainly advise anyone to spend time on our trails and explore the great outdoors right here in town, we have so many great trails: Intemann trail, Barr Trail, Williams Canyon, Ute Pass, Rattlesnake Gulch, and more.
What do you think would increase more bicycling/walking/rolling/public transit use in Manitou?
I think improvement over time to sidewalks and creating sidewalks where they don’t exist now would be great.
Greetings! We kickoff the new year with a #walking as #activetransporation story from #manitousprings visitor Kelly King! Kelly has frequent meetups in Manitou to stroll with friends and strut with client’s pets. Her outdoor excursions often incorporate a #coffeeshop or other stop. If you see Kelly out walking sometime, please say hello! We hope her mobility perspectives inspire you to walk an errand or two and replace car trips this year. Read entire article on PaCMan: Pedestrian and Cycle, Manitou Springs.
How often do you visit Manitou Springs using which active transportation modality predominately?
I visit Manitou monthly to dog/cat sit for many Manitou families. I often meet a friend who lives in Manitou on the weekends as well to walk and try out all the fabulous coffee places!
Why do you walk/carpool/take MMT bus/shuttles in Manitou and how has it improved your experiences in Manitou?
90% of the time I am walking due to the proximity of everything in town and the fact that I walk dogs who I steward, through the parks and such for exercise.
What are the pros/cons of walking and taking the MMT bus/shuttles in Manitou?
I find that I notice my environment much more while walking. I can take it all in and enjoy the view! It is also easier to be friendly when you come up to people individually versus being in a car. A smile from someone is always nice to put in my back pocket. I also find that motorists in Manitou Springs are lovely when it comes to sharing the road/crosswalks/etc. with pedestrians. I guess the weather would be the only con of walking if a snowstorm or rainstorm came in!
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your walking/transit/shuttle experiences in Manitou?
I love walking trails and enjoying nature and art throughout. No cars, only bikes and people!
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try but does not have much time?
I would suggest researching each mode of transport to see if any can be accommodating to your tight schedule.
What other form(s) of transportation do you use and what has that experience been like?
I am mostly a walker, but I do ride my bicycle through the trails and on the road sometimes as well. I find the people of Manitou respect bicycle riders at the same friendly level they do walkers.
Is there anything else you think we should know about you that would help inspire others to try active transportation such as the benefits and how it elevates the human experience/connecting with nature/environment outside of cars please?
I quit drinking 3 years ago and now I seem to look at walking / cycling as a hobby that I can be present for versus looking at it as a task to go from Point A to Point B.
Greetings! Christina is a PaCMan member, has volunteered to write our MACH grant requests and reports, helped staff the volunteer Manitou Springs Elementary School Wichita Lot Crossing Guard Program (2022-2024), has been an amazing member on the Manitou Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PARAB), successfully applied for a Manitou Springs Garden Club grant and implemented a garden beautification project near her home that benefits the entire neighborhood, passersby, and #pollinators—and the list goes on! Christina truly epitomizes helping community and #spreadspositivity wherever she goes.
Did you know that she also #cycles, walks, and takes #publictransportation as transportation? We hope that you are inspired by her story and will help us replace car trips once a week by walking, cycling, PikeRide #ebikeshare, shuttles, and/or public transportation.
How long have you been living in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?
Love brought me to Manitou Springs in 2002 from Madison, WI. My boyfriend, now partner of 25 years, had recently moved to Manitou from Madison to live with his dad. Six months later, I moved too. We both fell in love with Manitou and have built a life here. We still live in the same house just off of Lover’s Lane. Now we have a 13-year-old son, and we all live in grandpa’s big old house (he’s still here too). I remember the first time I saw Manitou Springs. It was nighttime when we arrived. We turned off of Hwy 24 onto Sunshine Trail and then onto Washington where there is a great view of the town. All I could see were twinkling lights on the hillsides and the enchanting little town down below. I couldn’t believe it, it seemed like a dream.
What are the pros/cons of bicycling/walking/rolling/taking shuttles/public transit to get around in Manitou?
The ability to get around Manitou without hopping in the car has greatly enhanced my whole family’s quality of life. My family members and I can walk or bike everywhere we want to go in Manitou-out to dinner, the post office, out to enjoy music, the library or an art opening. My son gets to school independently by walking to the elementary school and taking a school bus to the SILC building. At 13 years old, he has complete agency of how he gets around. This is great for his growth, development and self-confidence as a young person and great for his social life! How many kids in the United States have this amount of freedom and agency? It also means my husband and I don’t have to drive him here or there as much which frees up our time to work or rest or recreate. There are so many pros that are really immeasurable. There are health benefits, environmental impacts, connection to community and so much more!
Please tell us about your e-Bike experience. Were you able to apply for and utilize an e-Bike voucher to make an e-Bike purchase? If so, which e-Bike voucher program did you qualify for: Manitou’s e-Bike voucher program or the Colorado State e-Bike rebate?
I bought an e-bike in September, and I’ve been riding about 6 miles to work and back in Colorado Springs almost every day that I work. I work 3 days a week. I purchased my e-bike at a retailer in Colorado Springs. They applied the $450 e-bike voucher that is currently available through the State of Colorado right at the register. It was really easy. I didn’t really have to do anything. The voucher instantly subtracted $450 off of the price of the bike. The retailer then will get reimbursed by the state when they claim it on their taxes. This program has since permanently closed.
How has having an e-Bike changed your life/affected your life in a positive way?
I love riding my bike to work. It’s fun, engaging, I can breathe the fresh air and experience the local environment. I have a somewhat stressful job as a healthcare provider so biking to and from work helps me maintain good mental health as well as physical health. It’s likely that I arrive to work and at home in a better mood and if I ride my bike to work even twice per week, I have no problem hitting the recommended 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise! If you haven’t noticed, we live in a beautiful place, biking through Garden of the Gods and seeing the ever-changing view of the Peak makes for unbeatable scenery. I recognize that I am very privileged to live in Manitou, afford an e-bike and to have the ability and health to ride a bike to work. Since I am afforded all of these privileges, I feel the responsibility to take one car off the road and give Mother Nature some love.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your cycling/walking/rolling/transit experiences in Manitou?
I would love a dedicated and protected bike lane that goes both directions all the way down Manitou Ave and through Old Colorado City. Currently I ride on El Paso Blvd from Manitou Springs to Colorado Springs which is lovely during the day but rather dark at night. I’m not a huge fan of adding more streetlights as this has a negative impact on wildlife. Since Manitou Ave is already a major thoroughfare with streetlights, it makes to have a bike lane there especially if we want to encourage folks to commute by bike. I would also like to see more bike racks at businesses and destinations throughout the city so that bike parking is safe and convenient. This will encourage more people to ride their bikes.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try?
Manitou is full of special places, hidden surprises and magic. By choosing to get around by walking or rolling, you will be rewarded in more ways than you imagined. You will encounter wildlife, see artwork, hear live music, see birds flying overhead and have a chance to put your feet in the creek. If you want to experience what makes Manitou special, give it a try!
What do you think would increase more bicycling/walking/rolling/public transit use in Manitou?
It needs to feel safe, easy and enjoyable to get around without a car. Continuing to create infrastructure that promotes safety for pedestrians and people outside of cars is key. We need to prioritize our youngest schoolchildren. If they can walk, bike, scoot or take a bus to school independently, then we have done our job to promote safe mobility in our community.
What other form(s) of transportation do you use and what has that experience been like?
Depending on where I’m going, I use different modalities. I do quite a lot of walking around the downtown area. If I’m going someplace outside the downtown area, like the pool, Field’s Park or the Buffalo Lodge, I typically ride my bike. I don’t often use the free shuttle, but I recommend it frequently to out-of-town visitors that want to ride the cog or do the incline and avoid trying to find a parking spot. My family used to use the free shuttle a lot when my son was younger because he thought it was fun. The shuttle is really helpful for parents with little kids that get tired out as well as older people and visitors that aren’t used to the altitude.
Is there anything else you think we should know about you that would help inspire others to use active transportation?
For me a big motivator is seeing other people doing it. I hope that when others see me biking to work, they feel encouraged to try it themselves. I’m not a super athlete or an absolutist in any way. However, I do know that if I can bike to work even part of the time, it will make a difference for my health, my community and the planet.
This month we’d like to introduce you to volunteer extraordinaire, Marion Ceruzzi. Did you know that she regularly #walks as transportation and for her health (and goes for dog walks too)? 😄 We’d also like to take a moment to call out just a few of the many activities Marion does in the community. She is a @humanesocietypikespeak volunteer, alternate member of the Manitou Open Space Advisory Committee (#osac), volunteers with the Manitou Springs Garden Club as a master gardener and oversees the care of the Mansions Park garden plots, works at the Manitou #foodpantry, to name a few. We thank Marion for her volunteer efforts and for sharing her mobility perspectives with our followers on FB and IG.
How long have you been living in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?
I moved here from New Jersey in May 2019. It is a long story how I found out about Manitou Springs. I was adopting from Paraguay, the landlocked kidney-shaped country in the middle of South America. While there, I met a woman who had to stay there 3 years! I told her as soon as she was home, I would visit her and continued to visit for many years. I loved the area of the US where she lived, and she convinced us to move out near where she lived—right near Manitou Springs in Colorado.
Why do you walk/take bus/shuttles in Manitou and how has it improved your quality of life?
I walk the most, I live about 1.5 miles from Soda Springs Park. I love the Creek Walk trail, it is so beautiful. I frequently meet folks I know along the way and love catching up. I find it much more pleasant to walk to various meetings, friends’ houses, to get a haircut, to go to the library or shops in Manitou than take a car. I even walk a friend’s dog. I think walking is important for one’s health and for the environment. I remember walking to town in the middle of a snowstorm, it was about 12 degrees, a guy in a car told me to turn back, but I was fine. I walk all over my neighborhood and in the garden. It is like walking in a pretty postcard. I log at least 3 miles a day.
What are the pros/cons of walking and taking the bus/shuttles in Manitou?
The cons of walking is certain areas do not have sidewalks and cars will pass quickly, often exceeding the speed limit. I will take the bus if I am in a hurry, but that does not happen very often. I know sometimes folks do not want to wait around for public transportation. The pros as I listed above are the opportunity to get exercise, meet folks along the way and have the opportunity to view the nature all around.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your walking/transit/shuttle experiences in Manitou?
In some instances sidewalks may help especially around Crystal Park Road but I know that is a point of contention. The speed bumps along Crystal Park Road did help a bit, but many cars simply speed up after they pass them. I am glad some of the street areas have clear painted areas for pedestrians, which is great as cars will usually stop if I am staring to the street. If it is dark, I will look to catch a shuttle.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try but does not have much time?
Try the shuttles, buses or bike if you have one. They are convenient.
What other form(s) of transportation do you use and what has that experience been like?
If one drives a car, parking can be challenging. I do drive to the post office which has a 15 minute parking limit if I am mailing large packages which I simply cannot carry. If I know I have to come home very late at night, I will occasionally drive.
Walking is one of the best exercises, given it a try. You never know who you may meet along the way.
Thanks to Helene Gallaway for being our #activetransporation interviewee this month (Oct 2025)! Maybe you’ve seen Helene rolling up her sleeves as a volunteer in the #manitousprings community–and elsewhere–for many great causes. Perhaps you’ve seen her in town picking up trash with the Kiwanis Club of Manitou Springs bucket brigade or see her FB posts on the CAWG – Climate Action Working Group of Manitou Springs, including staffing their events. No matter where Helene may be seen helping others, she does it with a smile and most likely arrived via her preferred way of getting around–an #ebike. We hope that you find Helene’s interview inspiring and will consider replacing one car trip via #walking #rolling or #publictransit. And if you are utilizing active transportation to arrive or get around Manitou as a visitor, employee, or call Manitou home, please DM us! We’d like to share your story as well. 😄
How long have you been living in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?
My husband Larry and I officially moved here in May of 2024. Our son lives in Colorado Springs and every time we came to visit him over the years we ended up spending most of our time in Manitou Springs. We fell in love with so many aspects of Manitou: the arts culture, the beautiful setting, and most of all the people. In a short time, we’ve made friends who feel like we’ve known them for years.
What are the pros/cons of bicycling/walking/rolling/taking shuttles/public transit to work and to get around in Manitou? (Please speak to whichever modality you utilize most. You will have an opportunity to talk about the other modalities you use in another question below.)
The pros of using my e-bike to get around Manitou are numerous. Of course, there’s the aspect of not having to worry about parking but, for me, nothing beats being able to see the gorgeous landscape surrounding us. I also love stopping to talk to neighbors that I happen to pass on my ride. Getting extra fresh air, exercise, and knowing that I’m not contributing to traffic congestion and air pollution are all pros as well.
As for cons, I occasionally have difficulty finding a bike rack with space to accommodate my e-bike. And then there is always the “helmet hair” that I sport when I arrive at my destination! Riding home in the dark can feel daunting so I’ve added extra lights and reflective strips on my bike and wear a bright reflective utility vest for better visibility. Adjusting my clothing to the weather and visibility are easy enough though so I don’t really consider that to be a con.
Please tell us about your e-Bike experience. Were you able to apply for and utilize an e-Bike voucher to make an e-Bike purchase? If so, which e-Bike voucher program did you qualify for: Manitou’s e-Bike voucher program or the Colorado State e-Bike rebate?
We purchased our e-bikes from a bike shop right here in Manitou and utilized the Colorado State rebate. The shop took care of filing everything, making the process extremely easy. We were able to test ride multiple models of bike to see which fit best, making sure we both felt comfortable and confident on our bikes.
How has having an e-Bike changed your life/affected your life in a positive way?
Where to start with this question? I have severe arthritis in my hip, so the e-bike has made cycling accessible for me, especially on the many hills around here. Running local errands without having to use my car is liberating and riding on a beautiful day is great for my state of mind. I started riding last spring and have just under 500 miles on my bike, all from using it for short 2-3 mile trips (replacing about 150 car trips!).
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your cycling/walking/rolling/transit experiences in Manitou?
While I find Manitou to generally be pretty bike friendly along my usual routes, I would love to see an adjustment made to the parking at the corner of El Paso and Manitou Ave by the locomotive. The first few back-in parking spaces at the corner block visibility when trying to turn onto Manitou Ave when coming from the Memorial and Mansions Park areas. This isn’t a problem for only cyclists; drivers of cars often have to pull out across the crosswalk to see oncoming traffic, making it difficult for walkers or cyclists to cross.
I do want to commend the city for lowering the speed limit to 20mph. Traffic calming and slowing makes it safer for cyclists and pedestrians alike. I also appreciate the fresh painting of the bike lane symbols along El Paso Blvd. The larger, brighter symbols are much more visible.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try?
Go for it! Rent an e-bike for an hour to see how you like it. Take the shuttle bus to an event in town. Download the Mountain Metro Transit App and become familiar with the local routes. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing – replace one or two trips with a different mode of transportation and enjoy not worrying about parking or traffic. If you do decide to purchase an e-bike, go try a number of different models to see which fits you best and try to buy local. I appreciate being able to easily get my bike in for routine maintenance without having to load it in my car.
What do you think would increase more bicycling/walking/rolling/public transit use in Manitou?
This may sound silly but seeing more people using alternative forms of transportation is a strong motivator. Beyond that I would like to see some sort of incentive for those who use other forms of transportation. This could be something along the lines of a coupon or tokens for shuttle riders or a small discount if you ride your bike for a coffee.
What other form(s) of transportation do you use and what has that experience been like?
We use the #33 bus from Fields Park on a regular basis. We’ve had to make some adjustments with the recent change in routes, but it has generally been easy to learn the new times and stops. The drivers are always courteous and the buses are clean. It is also fun to strike up conversations with other riders (who are usually very jealous when they find out we actually LIVE here).
Is there anything else you think we should know about you that would help inspire others to use active transportation?
I appreciate everything that PaCMan does to advocate for alternative modes of transportation here and across the region. Having knowledge of safe biking principles, sharing tips and routes, and setting such positive examples of how cycling can be fun and effective, have all given me the confidence and enthusiasm to ride more and more each week. Thank you!
