Greetings from Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou (PaCMan)! We are excited to introduce someone you may have met before, seen cycling along Colorado and Manitou Avenues, or perhaps toiled side-by-side as volunteers for other nonprofits. Meet Bob Purvine a long-time Pikes Peak Marathon Inc. employee and volunteer who supports so many awesome events in our communities. We think Bob is nothing short of amazing and feel honored to share his active transportation experiences with you in hopes that others will be inspired to do the same.
How long have you worked in Manitou Springs?
5 years employed and nearly 5 years as a volunteer. So in total, about 10 years.
What are the pros/cons of cycling as transportation to work in Manitou?
Always an interesting ride.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your cycling experiences in Manitou?
In the winter, encourage the City to plow often in order to clear roads closer to the curbs to open the cycling lane please.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give cycling as transportation around and to Manitou a try but does not have much time?
Give it a try. You see interesting things and people along the way.
What do you think would increase more Manitou employees, residents, and visitors using active transportation?
I suggest that for an enjoyable ride to Manitou use the less traffic route from Old Colorado City by way of the Midland Trail and W. Cucharras to Ridge Road. From there, you can choose to continue your ride up the bike lanes along Manitou Ave. or cross Manitou Ave. to El Paso St. where you can take the less traveled road all the way to Lovers Lane and other back roads right to the heart of Manitou.
What other forms of transportation do you use and what have those experiences been like?
None other than occasionally driving.
Can you tell us a little bit about the other organizations you serve here in Manitou and elsewhere?
I work with the Chamber. Our organizations share items for events. I also help them with the Coffin Races and Manitou Christmas Parade. Starlight Spectacular is another event I support, just to name a few.