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Category: Transportation Stories

  • 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.

  • Karyna Aguirre – transportation is a family activity

    Karyna Aguirre – transportation is a family activity

    Karyna Aquirre and her her children Damian and Sophia pause during a walk in Manitou Springs

    Greetings from Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou (PaCMan)! This month, we’d like to introduce you to Manitou Springs resident Karyna Aguirre. Karyna and her family use active transportation daily to walk to/from school and to complete errands in town. Speaking of walking to school, PaCMan supports safe routes to school and activities that encourage more families to try walking/rolling as transportation. This includes national walk/roll/bike to school events each spring and fall. These types of experiences also encourage year-round bike and walking buses for kids which is a growing movement across the world. A bike/walk bus involves a leader, i.e. the bike/walk “driver,” following a planned route with other participants joining along the route. The group continues together to its destination.  Bike and walking buses are a type of shared transportation that not only makes the school run more sustainably but also helps to decrease vehicular emissions and traffic congestion, and creates a community of young riders. Evan Johnson at Manitou Middle School thinks more students will walk and bike to school when they know more about the benefits. “Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good and releases chemicals in the brain that make focusing and learning easier.  Walking or biking with one or two friends is a great way to start and end your school day. Once you get into this routine and notice how good you feel, you’ll find yourself choosing active transportation more often.”  If you are interested in starting a biking or walking bus in Manitou, please email pacmanitou@yahoo.com.

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

    My family and I have been living in Manitou Springs since 2015. I like this small town for its location and walkability to many amenities such as the library, school, a post office, parks, trails, public transit, etc.

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

    Pros: Not only me and my family can enjoy the beauty of nature surrounding us, but we also get our daily amount of fresh air, vitamin D (sunlight) and exercise by walking to/from school every day. In addition, with the proximity of things I can complete most errands without having a car.

    Cons: Sometimes there is no choice but to walk on a road. That puts us–pedestrians, at a high risk of being hit by a motorist.

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

    Having more raised sidewalks and bike lanes would make me feel much safer while walking with my children to/from school.

    What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try?

    Think of how much good we can do to our health and the environment by prioritizing walking and/or biking over driving. Just give it a try!

    What do you think would increase more walking, rolling, and public transit use in Manitou?

    I think creating safer routes for walking and biking in Manitou Springs would make a difference.

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

    Growing up in Eastern Europe public transportation was a part of my daily life. Sometimes when I feel nostalgic for it, I use a bus. I think it’s great. Also, because of many steep hills, I had not been too keen on bicycling in Manitou Springs. Receiving a Colorado State e-Bike voucher made it possible for me to have more enjoyable rides. Plus, I can pull one of my children in a trailer behind me with ease.

  • Sara Branham – Living the e-bike life

    Sara Branham – Living the e-bike life

    Sara Branham with her e-bike in front of the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Adventure Resort

    Greetings from Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou (PaCMan)! Have you ever been to the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort just a hop, skip, and a jump east of Manitou Springs? Perhaps you’ve attended one of their many events, glamped overnight, or joined in for one of their many outdoor activities? Chances are the event was organized by Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort General Manager, Sara Branham. Sara is an avid active transportation user and recently shared how e-Bikes have become her family’s primary mode of transportation! With a contagious smile and a friendly hello, Sara is one of those people who always leaves a positive impression on all who walk through the Lodge’s door. Stop by to say hello, stay a while, or join in for one of the many no-drop group bicycle rides that the Buffalo Lodge Bike Tribe offers. You won’t be disappointed!

    How long have you been using active transportation and how did it all start for you?

    I work at the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort so bicycles are very much a part of my life. Torie Giffin, owner of Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, took me on my first e-Bike ride in Aug 2023. I was scared to go, but after just a few hours on the e-Bike, I didn’t want to stop! That ride completely changed how I viewed cycling.

    I’ve ridden bicycles my whole life but having children had taken a lot of the joy out of cycling for me. When my kids were younger, we had one in a seat on the front of my bicycle and another on a tag-a-long on the back, which made even short rides a lot of hard work. In November 2023, we purchased our first e-Bike with the help of a Colorado State e-Bike voucher and since then my e-Bike has become my primary mode of transportation. I use it to take my kids to and from school, haul books to the library, and carry cases of eggs and soda for the Lodge. Working at a place so connected to cycling, I love pulling up in the morning to see both traditional bikes and e-Bikes parked in front, many of which are used by staff to commute.

    Did you purchase your e-Bike using a Colorado State e-Bike voucher or another incentive program?
    Our family qualified for two Colorado State Cargo e-Bike Vouchers. Since we still have young kids at home, we bought bikes with seats for the kids on the back and a basket on the front for errands.

    What are the pros/cons of cycling to get around Manitou Springs?
    I love riding my e-Bike in Manitou Springs. Parking is much easier, and I’m always in a better mood when I arrive at my destination. Getting a little exercise and avoiding most of the traffic is a real mood booster. The only downside is the occasional challenge of finding appropriate bike parking—many bike racks don’t accommodate my e-Bike’s wider tires, so I often have to lock it to the side or behind a rack, or even to a bench if no racks are available.

    What infrastructure or aesthetic improvements would enhance your active transportation experience in Manitou Springs?
    I prefer riding on quieter roads, like El Paso or Pikes Peak Avenue, over busier ones like Manitou or Colorado Avenues. Even though the main roads have bike lanes on them, I feel more comfortable with cars going at a slower speed around me. I’ve also really appreciated the bike valets provided during large events in Manitou—these make it so much easier to park securely.

    What advice would you give to someone interested in trying active transportation in Manitou Springs but short on time?
    Give e-Bikes a try—they truly revolutionized cycling for me. You can cover more distance in less time and with much less effort, making it a practical and enjoyable option for busy schedules.

    What do you think would encourage more active transportation use in and around Manitou Springs?
    Improved bike parking and expanded quiet road routes. I also think more people need to understand how easy it is to get around on an e-Bike so community classes (or come visit us at the Lodge) also inspire more people to make the switch.

    What other forms of transportation do you use, and what has that experience been like?
    We also have an SUV, which is great for long road trips. However, I do not enjoy driving it around the westside and avoid driving it whenever possible. I’ve also taught my kids to use public transportation, including our city buses and metros/subways in larger cities. Since getting e-Bikes, they’ve become our main family transportation method, and we love it.

    Is there anything else we should know about your active transportation experience to inspire others?
    I don’t consider myself a traditional cyclist. You’ll often see me riding in a dress and stompy boots, with wool ear warmers and a scarf wrapped around my neck. If you’re hitting the trails or zooming around on a road bike, I totally get the need for spandex, but I prefer to wear my everyday clothes and ride everywhere, and I have so much fun!