Thanks to the Pikes Peak Bulletin newspaper for sharing this #activetransportation story from Manitou Springs residents Dominic and Heather Van Eimeren.
Greetings from PaCMan! We are pleased to introduce another active transportation story. This time from local husband and wife duo, Dominic and Heather Van Eimeren, who have chosen to replace car trips with their electric bikes. Please enjoy their cycling perspective about getting around Manitou Springs and beyond for both transportation and recreation. If you walk or roll as transportation and would like to share your story, please reach out to PaCMan via Facebook or Instagram.
How long have you been a resident and why did you choose to live in Manitou Springs?
We were drawn to Manitou Springs in 2016 when my employer offered a position in Colorado Springs. We were living in Grand Junction. I had never heard of Manitou Springs, but when we drove east on Highway 24 with the town in our view, we knew it would be our new home. I remember telling Heather that living in Manitou Springs would be like being on vacation every day, and it feels that way still.
What are the pros/cons of cycling/running/taking transit not only to work but to get around in Manitou (could you also talk about how you chose to purchase eBikes and how that has helped to replace car trips please)?
I’ve always preferred cycling to my destination. It gets blood flowing. The scenery comes into view, and we feel more connected to our surroundings. The air, foliage, rolling terrain, and sounds; birds, cars, rustling leaves – all of it – heighten the senses. Heather and I purchased our ebikes to offset the challenging terrain and allow for a fun experience in our immediate area. We can ride into town to grab a beer at Manitou Brewing Company or through Garden of the Gods and other parks, get groceries, and visit friends. Parking is a breeze on a bike, and so is maneuvering through our popular west-side attractions. Oh, and it’s just plain good for you, I’m told.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your cycling/walking/running/taking transit experiences in Manitou?
More dedicated bike routes connecting Manitou to Old Colorado City would be nice. Also, the bike trails along the river are great, and while I don’t take issue with homeless people, the garbage left along the trails is disappointing to see. Manitou is a small, older town, and if it can stay a small town, then sidewalks aren’t as important as they would be if we were to grow.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation a try in Manitou but does not have much time?
E-bikes make up time on hills and inclines and are as quick or faster to shorter destinations as a car. Public transport can allow for more time with work or personal tasks than wasted time behind the wheel. Not having time tends to be more of an excuse than an impossible obstacle to overcome.
What do you think would increase more active transportation in Manitou?
Like everything else, it requires awareness—articles like this one, and supportive events like bike or walking tours or town races. Also, a bike lane in downtown Manitou Springs (or bike route) could be helpful.
What other form of transportation do you use and what has that experience been like?
Before we purchased e-bikes we purchased an electric car. That has been an excellent experience for us. Not pulling into the gas station every week is liberating, truly. The environmental impact is still hotly debated, but the financial savings is undeniable. We love our electric car, and we love our e-bikes more.