Greetings from Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou (PaCMan). We are excited to introduce Manitou resident Cory Sutela. Of the many hats Cory wears, these include Carnivale King 2024 (and wife Andrea as Carnivale Queen 2024), Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates Executive Director, Manitou Springs Mobility and Parking Board Chair, Bike Colorado Springs Executive Committee Member, and PaCMan founding member. Cory is someone who leads by example while encouraging others to discover the joy of active transportation and cycling. Cory often can be seen arriving by bicycle for meetings or rolling along Manitou Avenue on his way to work. We hope that you find his perspective about safer bicycling infrastructure and expanded mobility options inspirational. Finally in case you did not know, Cory is from Canada and took steps to become an American citizen last year. We congratulate him on this important achievement, wish him success in everything he does, and thank him for serving the Manitou community.
How long have you been living in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?
I moved to the region in 2004 and initially lived in the downtown CS area. In 2009 I moved to Manitou. I chose this area to make my home primarily because of the easy access to multi-use trails and naturally beautiful areas. I chose Manitou specifically because of the community feeling here, a small town in the mountains. I have always particularly appreciated community events like Emma Crawford and Carnivale, which bring locals and visitors together in celebration, with a gorgeous mountain backdrop!
What are the pros/cons of walking/rolling/taking shuttles or bus in Manitou (please select and talk to whichever mode you predominately use)?
While I do also use a car for transportation, my primary mode of transportation is biking. Biking provides me with mental and physical health benefits, and it is often a quicker and more convenient way to get where I need to go. It connects me with the environment and neighbors in a way that I can’t experience when I am ‘trapped in my car’.
The hills in Manitou can be daunting for a cyclist, and the weather is a frequent consideration. In order to ride year-round, planning and proper equipment are a must. Once you’re used to riding them regularly, the hills provide a manageable and energizing challenge.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your walking/rolling/taking shuttles or bus experiences in Manitou?
The biggest potential improvements would be the completion of a safe bike route into and throughout the city, and maintenance of our existing bike network. While, the network is great in some places, it isn’t consistent enough throughout the city to make it safe and convenient for all users and all destinations.
During inclement weather, I wish more attention could be paid to keeping the bike lanes we do have clear and usable. More often than not they are compromised by snow stacked in them, or debris that forces riders into vehicle lanes.
I believe that expansion of a shuttle service throughout Manitou will reduce congestion and make Manitou more enjoyable for residents and visitors. Any new shuttle system should include consideration of carrying bikes and other mobility devices, especially as new electric conveyances become more popular.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try but does not have much time?
Start by planning an event around it – for example, reserve time on a weekend to explore Manitou (maybe a tour of the mineral springs?) using active transportation, without a specific destination or a deadline. The Pike Ride system, or one of our e-bike rental shops, provide a convenient and low-barrier way to get a taste for biking around Manitou if you are concerned about hills. Check out local bike shops to learn about the latest active wear that can help you manage any weather. Always carry an extra set of warm gloves!
What do you think would increase more active transportation use in Manitou?
A more complete transit and shuttle system that allows users to bring their bikes with them, and a clearly defined SAFE bike route to and from Colorado Springs.
What other form(s) of transportation do you use and what has that experience been like?
I enjoy taking public transportation while on vacation in places where there is a reliable network. I use it less while at home because I usually have other options that are faster, and I’m often in a hurry. While the Bustang system is overall very good and I use it whenever I can to visit Denver, I dream of a future with Front Range Passenger Rail that will make visiting other Colorado cities easier and safer.