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Category: Transportation Stories

  • Marion Ceruzzi – Active transportation Q&A

    Marion Ceruzzi – Active transportation Q&A

    Marion Ceruzzi walking in Manitou Springs

    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.

  • Helene Gallaway – Active transportation Q&A

    Helene Gallaway – Active transportation Q&A

    Helene Gallaway poses with her electric bicycle

    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!

  • Nathan Nassif – Active transportation Q&A

    Nathan Nassif – Active transportation Q&A

    Nathan Nassif takes a break from an ebike ride to fill up at the Navajo Mineral Spring in Manitou Springs

    This month please meet City of Manitou Springs Government City Council member Nathan Nassif (Ward 1), Manitou Housing Board Council liaison, Manitou Mobility and Parking Council liaison, and PaCMan member who is not a stranger to rolling up his sleeves to contribute to many great causes in the community. He and his partner, Vanessa, recently applied for the #coloradoebiketaxcredit and were able to add two #electric bikes to their transportation options which helps them cut down on car trips! Find out more about the Colorado E-bike credit .

    How long have you lived in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?

    My wife Vanessa and I are grateful that Manitou “found us” after 25 years in the Northeast. We knew very quickly what a special community this is. It reminds me a lot of the neighborly culture in Pittsburgh, PA where I grew up in the 70s and 80s.  Since arriving here over a year or so ago, we have not taken a single day for granted and have been very engaged with civic and volunteer activities within the community.

    Can you also tell us how you get around Manitou using active transportation and how often?

    I estimate 70% of my transportation is by bike, walking, or public transportation. My goal over the next year is 85% or more. I think this is reachable.

    If you have ever received a state ebike voucher or other assistance purchasing an ebike can you tell us a little about how that has benefited your quality of life in Colorado?

    Colorado’s e-bike voucher can provide a significant savings and it is very efficiently processed at point-of-sale. Vanessa and I were both fortunate to qualify for the Colorado e-bike voucher. We each received a $450 dollar discount applied to our purchase of two moderately priced Class 2 e-assist bikes. Given that over 65% of Manitou’s land area is at a 30 percent or greater slope, the e-assist bike has been a game changer for us; allowing us to use our bikes as a means of transport (versus solely recreation).

    What are the pros/cons of cycling to get around Manitou?

    I know there is a lot of energy and work behind the scenes in trying to make Manitou a model community for the best in mobility and multi-modal transportation (PaCMan, MAP Board, new Mobility & Parking Director). Currently, I think cycling, walking, and shuttling to and from Manitou as a destination is “relatively” safe and accessible for individuals of all abilities. As a cyclist, it helps to know some of the roads and paths off the busier streets like Manitou Ave. The free shuttle program is outstanding though wait times can sometimes run long and the user experience sitting in a confined shuttle leaves a lot to be desired.

    What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your cycling and taking shuttles experiences in Manitou?

    Over the short-term, I would love to see the existing bike/walk sharrows colored and more visible. And over the medium-term, more “protected” bike lanes with the use of bollards as is currently done on the upper portion of Ruxton Avenue. Certain streets are of course constrained by their width. 

    I would also love to see a fun and user-friendly tram system come back online that would showcase and encourage residents/tourists to more fully take advantage of our stunning downtown and natural surroundings that is more difficult to do when confined in shuttles and buses. 

    What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation to and around Manitou a try but does not have much time?

    Shadow a friend or family member who has embraced the active transport lifestyle for a single day or week or month! Having a lived day-in-the-life experience can make a valuable difference. 

    What do you think would increase more active transportation/shuttle/transit use in Manitou?

    The three main things that come to mind include raising awareness, an openness to practice, and, if possible, experiencing a city that ranks highly on the mobility index

  • Nancy Briley – Active transportation Q&A

    Nancy Briley – Active transportation Q&A

    Nancy Briley walking in Manitou Springs

    Greetings! PaCMan would like to introduce you to long-time #manitousprings resident, volunteer community gardener–who kept the Manitou St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church grounds looking beautiful for years, and regularly provides assistance at the local food pantry. Meet Nancy Briley who is an adventurer at heart, loves to help the community, and prefers to get around on foot. We caught up with Nancy earlier in the year and hope that her active transportation story inspires you to slow down and connect with your surroundings and green spaces via walking, rolling, or bus.

    How long have you lived in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?

    I have lived in Manitou Springs for more than 20 years.  I love the beauty of the town, and I especially love that I can walk out my door and go hiking for as long as I want, without having to drive at all.

    What are the pros and cons of walking in Manitou?

    The best thing about walking in Manitou is the beautiful environment.  I like to drop down onto the creek walk and enjoy the stream and the trees and the wildlife as I go.

    The biggest negative to walking in Manitou is the traffic and the related noise.  I remember how quiet and peaceful it was during the shutdown, although I know that it was a real hardship for many.

    What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your walking/rolling/taking shuttles/bus experiences in Manitou? 

    I would love to have private automobiles eliminated from the downtown area and to make downtown accessible only by shuttle.  The shuttle schedule would need to be increased, and a parking structure would need to be built, but it would go a long way toward decreasing noise and pollution and improving the downtown experience.

    What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try but does not have much time?

    For someone wanting to try more active transportation, I would encourage them to try shuttle buses or an e-bike.  There are alternatives to Manitou Avenue that make bicycling a pretty good experience.

    What do you think would increase more active transportation use in Manitou? 

    Again, I think elimination of automobile traffic downtown and increasing shuttles would encourage more walking and cycling and less noisy auto traffic.

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

    I am, sadly, still dependent on my internal combustion engine (ICE) car for long distance transportation, in order to access the mountains for my outdoor play addiction.  I do have a sweet, little all-electric car that I use for short distances and did use for commuting to work until I retired.  I am hoping to replace it with an e-bike and to minimize my dependence on the ICE car in the near future.  I am exploring the use of city buses and even the Bustang for longer distances now that I am retired and should have more time. 

  • Ben Rasmusen – On walk and bike commutes in Manitou

    Ben Rasmusen – On walk and bike commutes in Manitou

    Ben Rasmusen astride his ebike

    Greetings from Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou (PaCMan)! This month, we would like to introduce you to 2025 Manitou Springs Citizens Academy graduate and Manitou resident, Ben Rasmusen. Ben works in DT Manitou and has kids attending the Manitou school district. Ben uses walking and cycling to get to/from work and he and his wife chose to walk into Manitou to recreate. Ben states that walking can become part of anyone’s daily routine—and not a separate activity–with benefits such as enjoying nature, getting fresh air, and having chance opportunities to meet a neighbor or friend along the way. Ben also mentions that in the Crystal Hills neighborhood where he lives, it can be unnerving to have motorists pass close where there are few sidewalks and slim shoulders along the roadway. While you are out and about driving in Manitou this summer, please remember to look for road users of all shapes, sizes, speeds, and abilities. Please slow down, be patient and yield along blind corners, and give plenty of space when passing peds and cyclists so that we may all get home safely and enjoy our beautiful town! For more information about road safety and the laws please visit Bicycle Colorado’s Rules of the Road and Trail webpage.

    How long have you been living in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?

    We moved to Manitou Springs about 6 years ago after living a year in Pleasant Valley and spending a lot of time in Manitou Springs. The Manitou Springs School District was a huge draw for us; it has been a great fit for our kids. We also love the proximity to trails and the small-town feel.

    What are the pros/cons of walking to work and around Manitou?

    I enjoy when exercise can be part of my daily routine as opposed to a separate activity. Walking to work gives me a chance to get that exercise while getting some fresh air, enjoying nature, and our lovely town. Running into a neighbor or friend on the walk is always a nice bonus. My wife and I have also walked into town on the weekends to have some lunch, which has been great.

    While Manitou Springs does a better job than most of maintaining pedestrian infrastructure, there are still gaps, which can lead to some portions of the walk feeling unsafe. Particularly in the Crystal Hills neighborhood where there are few sidewalks to be found and pedestrians are relegated to a slim shoulder. A car passing within arm’s reach, even going 20mph (and often faster) is quite unnerving.

    What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your walking to work and rolling experiences in Manitou?

    Continuing to improve the pedestrian/cycling infrastructure is always welcome. The designated crossing points along Manitou Avenue are appreciated. Some of the sidewalks need some maintenance and repair.

    This isn’t unique to Manitou Springs, but non-motorist infrastructure always feels like an afterthought and then crammed into what was already optimized for motorists. It would be amazing to see a multi-modal first approach to any infrastructure changes around town. I look for any opportunity to put as much distance between me and the noise, exhaust, and danger of cars when I’m walking. The trails that parallel Manitou Avenue allow pedestrians to do that, but they are a bit disjointed, and some are in need of maintenance.

    What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try but does not have much time?

    It can be helpful to explore using multiple methods of transportation so that one can focus on the goal of having a pleasant experience with active transportation. This might mean driving a short distance nearer to a trail, riding a bike halfway into town and then walking, or taking a short bus ride closer to town. These can all be ways of getting to your destination more efficiently but leaving some distance for a pleasant walk.

    What do you think would increase more active transportation (walking, rolling, and using buses/transit) use in Manitou?

    Making those activities feel safe would be my number one priority. This would mean more than just bike gutters and narrow shoulders for cyclists and keeping pedestrians protected and separate from motorists. Continuing to improve and extend the trails that aren’t immediately adjacent to roads and adding sidewalks where possible is a great start.

    What other form(s) of transportation do you use and what has that experience been like? Please tell us about your eBike experiences and if you were able to utilize an eBike voucher to make your eBike purchase?

    We recently acquired some e-bikes which we are hoping to use a lot this summer. Once the tourist season kicks off in earnest it becomes increasingly difficult to drive into town, which we’d prefer not to do anyway. So having an efficient way to get into town that doesn’t involve a car is exciting. Unfortunately, we were not aware of the Colorado State voucher when we purchased our bikes.