Meet Geri from Georgia who regularly visits her daughter in Centennial, drives her RV to Manitou Springs where she parks, and then uses her eBike to get around. She asserts her bike allows her to explore towns and shop much easier while leaving the RV parked. Love these stories from folks who Visit Manitou Springs using multi-mobility to get around!
Greetings from Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou (PaCMan)! We recently interviewed a local fourth-grader who chooses to walk to Manitou Springs Elementary School each day. Here is their perspective (they want to be anonymous) as well as a few words of encouragement asking other students to do the same.
And if you drive, please remember the following 2022 national dates: Wednesday, May 4, is Bike to School Day and Wednesday, Oct. 5, is Walk to School Day. We ask that you look for road users of all sizes, types and shapes every day to yield when pedestrians are using crosswalks.
Please remember that sometimes school children can be harder to notice, and we ask that you slow down and drive with awareness.
As the Colorado Department of Transportation asks in its Left Behind campaign, which aims to decrease the number of pedestrian crashes in Colorado, “Please drive safe and watch for pedestrians” so that we may all get home safely.
Thank you.
How long have you been a resident and why did your family choose to live in Manitou?
I’ve lived here my whole life. My family wanted to live near the mountains.
What are the pros/cons of walking to school in Manitou?
Pros: I live close to the school so it’s the easiest way to get there. I’ve actually only been driven to school twice, so I don’t really know any other way. A friend in my class who lives in my neighborhood has recently started walking home with me. It’s fun to have a friend to talk with on the way home. Sometimes I walk with other parents and kids, too. It’s a good way to get to know people in my community.
Cons: There is a lot of traffic and it’s normally very cold in the mornings.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your walking to school experience?
One of my parents walks me across Manitou Avenue in the morning to make sure that I get across safely. If there was a crossing guard at the intersection of Manitou Avenue and Pawnee, I could walk to school by myself. Something that would be really cool would be a tube that transports kids up the hill to the school (Pawnee) and a giant slide on the library lawn to get back down to Manitou Avenue.
What advice would you give someone who would like to try walking to MSES but doesn’t know where to start or have much time?
If you live in downtown Manitou Springs, it might even take less time to walk than it does to drive to the school. Try meeting up with other kids or families in your neighborhood and walk together. I would walk with other kids who have never done it before, so they know what to do. Talk to your parents and neighbors and make a plan.
What do you think would increase the number of kids walking to MSES?
“If you see her, you can be her” mentality. Being inspired by other kids who walk to school would inspire others to do it, too.
What other form(s) of transportation do you use and what has that experience been like?
I also ride a bike and a scooter. Using these modes of transportation is fun and good exercise. I also use the Manitou shuttle sometimes and ride in cars when my family goes on long trips and when we go places outside of Manitou.
PaCMan caught up with Manitou Springs resident Adam Krych this week to get his perspective on bicycling to school.
How often do you bike to school?
Four days per week from Crystal Park Road to Manitou’s middle school.
Why do you bike to school?
I enjoy the outdoor time which allows me to get some exercise and fresh air before I have to sit down for school activities.
What do you think would encourage more students to bike or walk to school?
More sidewalks or even a small, dedicated bike lane would help entice others to walk or cycle more. Enforcing the speed limit would also help because motorists often drive too fast.
What advice would you give other students wanting to give bicycling to school a try?
I suggest doing it often because it allows you to learn your surroundings, and it provides an opportunity for you to become more comfortable with what you are doing so you don’t get so stressed out about it. You have to be cautious and alert, but I recommend walking or biking because it means the more people who do this equals less cars on the road.
Interested in sharing your walking or rolling as transportation story with us? Reach out below with a comment and we would be happy to hear about your experience.
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.