Pikes Peak Bulletin – January 11, 2018

Dear Manitou Springs City Council members,

I would like for you all to take a brief moment to think of how you would suggest someone navigate their bicycle into Manitou Springs today.  Hey the sun was out and it got over freezing today!

You might be inclined to start with suggesting US Hwy 24, but then remembering how dirty the shoulders and how un-bike friendly you quickly abandon the thought.  Riding Manitou Avenue once it is re-done with bike lanes to the US 24 overpass would be great, but trying to ride through a construction zone with disgruntled motorists and new pot holes and other dangerous obstacles appearing daily so you decide to leave this option to the dreamers.  Hey, how about taking the official bike route via Pikes Peak/El Paso?  Opps, sorry that is a Colorado Springs Utilities disaster with rough roads that make Pikes Peak forest roads look like a pleasure parkway.  Oh yea, I should recommend that they take the Midland Trail!  Dang, that’s right it is closed at Columbia by the Garden of the Gods trailer park and who knows what you will encounter behind the Manitou Swimming pool.  Maybe closed, maybe a hike a bike, maybe you can get through.

In my opinion with all of the traffic congestion and parking issues we are faces with in Manitou we should be making every effort to offer folks alternatives other than jumping in the old jalopy.  Not trying to suggest any one mobility option should be forced on folks, but striving to level the playing field such that those who are so inclined can choose their preferred option, which hopefully is not always to drive.  🙂

I fully understand “it” will all be beautiful when the dust clears.  Thanks for your service and all that you do for the community!

Karl Stang