Greetings from Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou (PaCMan)! We’d like to introduce you to Manitou Springs resident artist, sustainability farmer, and Colorado E-Bike voucher recipient, Paige Talerico. You may know her as one of the quartet of artists who created the colorful, recently unveiled murals at 441 Manitou Avenue. No matter where Paige decides to go or who she interacts with, she lives her life by example. One such action is to tread kindly on the earth by her transportation choices. We hope that you find inspiration from her active transportation story.
How long have you lived and worked in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?
I have lived in Manitou Springs for over three years. I chose to live here to be near to Flying Pig Farm and I love the community I have found in Manitou. I have taught, farmed, and worked as an artist in Manitou Springs for three years. I teach at Flying Pig Farm and Manitou Elementary, and work as a farmer at Smokebrush Farm.
What is your primary mode of transportation to get to work in Manitou?
I mostly walk or bike to work.
Can you tell us a little about your Colorado State E-Bike voucher experience? Would you have been able to afford an electric bicycle without the state rebate?
I’m grateful to have received a Colorado State E-Bike voucher, as I wouldn’t have chosen to purchase an e-bike without it.
What are the pros/cons of walking/rolling in Manitou?
I enjoy walking around Manitou, especially along Fountain Creek, where the slower pace allows me to observe my surroundings.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your active transportation experiences in Manitou?
When I need to get somewhere quickly, I prefer to bike rather than drive, especially to avoid the congestion of tourists downtown and the limited free parking. I would love to see more bike lanes around Manitou.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try but does not have much time?
I think the E-bike voucher program is an excellent way to make active transportation more accessible throughout Manitou and suggest that the City of Manitou Springs offer another E-Bike voucher program to residents in the future.