More trails, better connections, and more opportunities for riders of all abilities at Boulder Valley Ranch!

We've got some great news! The newly improved Hidden Valley and Degge trails at Boulder Valley Ranch are officially open to bikes!

After a decade planning, trail construction, and collaboration with the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP), these formerly bike-restricted trails are now part of Boulder's growing network of bike-friendly singletrack.

And we got to celebrate the opening with some very special guests: adaptive mountain bikers who came out to enjoy the new trails!

Better Trails for More Riders

Back in 2024, we shared the plans for major improvements at Boulder Valley Ranch. The project was designed to improve trail conditions, expand bike access, protect sensitive natural areas, and make the trail system more welcoming to adaptive riders.

Hidden Valley and Degge are an exciting part of that vision becoming reality. The improvements include rerouting and redesigning trails to follow the natural contours of the landscape, creating a more enjoyable riding experience while reducing erosion and impacts to nearby wetlands and grasslands.

BMA's own Mike Rutter helped bring the project to life, building a new sections of Hidden Valley singletrack in 2025 and 2026.

The result? Better trails, new connections, and more places to explore on two (or three or four) wheels.

Celebrating Adaptive Access

One of the best parts of the opening was seeing adaptive mountain bikers out enjoying the trails.

Improving access isn't just about adding miles to a trail map. It's about designing trails that work for more people, including riders using adaptive mountain bikes that need additional width, appropriate turning radii, and thoughtfully designed terrain.

Seeing adaptive riders out on Hidden Valley and Degge was a great reminder of why this kind of trail planning matters. More people riding. More people exploring. More people getting to enjoy the places we all love.

A Big Thank You!

Projects like this don't happen overnight. We're grateful to City of Boulder OSMP staff, trail builders, volunteers, and everyone who helped turn these plans into actual dirt.

We're especially proud of the work BMA contributed to this project and our ongoing partnership with OSMP to create well-designed, long-lasting trails that serve a variety of users while protecting the landscape.

And thank you to the adaptive riders who came out to celebrate the opening with us. What better way to break in a new trail?

And if you like seeing projects like this become reality, join or support BMA. Your support helps us keep building, improving, and advocating for great trails across Boulder County.

Sign on the Cardinal Mill property

Boulder County has designated a trail open to mountain bikes through the Tucker Complex west of Nederland while closing much of the surrounding property to recreation for most of the year.

For mountain bikers who have been riding these trails for decades, it's a big change. And while we're glad the county decided against a complete closure, we have serious concerns about whether the new route will actually accomplish their stated goals while meeting the needs of trail users.

What is the Tucker Complex?

The Tucker Complex is a 667-acre open space parcel west of Nederland owned and managed by Boulder County. It has been a popular recreation site for hikers and mountain bikers for decades.

Boulder County began assembling the Tucker Complex more than 20 years ago, purchasing several properties west of Hicks Gulch between 2000 and 2005. In October 2020, the county purchased the 324-acre Tucker property, nearly doubling the size of the open space.

Today, the Tucker Complex includes nine properties: Tucker, Elk Draw, Hendricks, Blakely, Beach, Griffith, Cardinal Mill Site, Mariposa Passage, and Revenue Lode.

The Tucker Complex is located west of Nederland. 

Boulder County acquired the area west of Hicks Gulch between 2000 - 2005

People have been traveling through this area for a long time. The historic Switzerland Trail, Hicks Gulch Road, and five Hicks Gulch spur roads appear on older maps, like this one from 1900. Over the years, hikers and mountain bikers have also used and developed singletrack trails connecting the Nederland area with Caribou Townsite and surrounding National Forest lands.

1900 map

While these trails have been used for decades, Boulder County never formally designated them for bicycles. And under county regulations, bikes are only allowed on designated trails.

Why is Boulder County Closing Trails?

In an August 2026 staff report, Boulder County Parks & Open Space identified approximately nine miles of what it calls unauthorized trails across Tucker, though many of the trails have been in use by hikers and bikers for decades.

Map from the 8/18 commissioner work session

The county describes these trails as unpermitted, unplanned, and unmaintained. Staff documented unauthorized downhill mountain bike features, tree cutting, soil excavation, vegetation removal, and trails widening or splitting into multiple routes.

The county also has wildlife concerns. Tucker provides important elk calving, migration, and fall concentration habitat, along with moose habitat, wetlands, fens, and willow communities. In June, the county temporarily closed part of the Cardinal Mill property to protect an active Northern Goshawk nest.

BMA does not condone unauthorized trail building, but we also do not condone the ongoing lack of coordinated regional trail planning that has exacerbated unauthorized trail building.

For years, recreation has crossed back and forth between Boulder County and National Forest lands without a coordinated plan for where people should ride or hike. The demand for trails hasn't gone away, and neither has the need to protect wildlife habitat. Leaving the area without a planned trail system has contributed to the very problems land managers are now trying to solve.

We believe it's long past time for Boulder County and the Forest Service to work together with the recreation community on a trail system that addresses both — especially as Boulder County continues to buy additional land and designate new conservation easements for open space every year.

Inside Boulder County's Decision

​Over the past year, Boulder County has been taking a closer look at recreation at Tucker, including trail conditions, wildlife habitat, and how people travel between county and National Forest lands.

Rangers increased patrols, and mountain bikers began receiving warnings for riding trails that had never been officially designated for bicycles. That's been confusing for riders who have used some of these same trails for years, long before the county purchased the Tucker property.

Ranger issuing a warning on 9/14/2025

In July, the County Commissioners requested a discussion about what to do at Tucker while the county prepares for its larger Peak to Peak District planning process.

At an August work session (staff memo, supplemental graphics and photos), Parks and Open Space staff presented several possibilities, including closing the property entirely or designating a limited trail corridor.

Staff recommended the corridor approach. Their reasoning was that concentrating recreation on one route would be easier to manage and enforce, while allowing the county to begin restoring other trails. The commissioners ultimately agreed.

8/18 commissioner work session

Following the August 18 work session, BMA encouraged the county to work with local riders to evaluate the proposed alignment, identify improvements, and help restore trails that needed to be closed. We even suggested getting people out on the ground with staff to find a route that would protect resources while giving mountain bikers a trail they'd actually want to ride, which could prevent more unsanctioned trail building nearby.

On September 15, the commissioners approved the interim trail designation. Then, on October 16 and 17, Boulder County held two invitation-only community meetings in Nederland to announce the designated corridor: a route which largely follows an old forest road. Unfortunately, those meetings came a month after the decision had already been made.

While BMA and other stakeholders made real efforts to be involved in the trail corridor process at Tucker, the community was instead invited to hear about a decision it had no meaningful opportunity to help shape.

10/17/2026 community meeting at Tucker

What's Changing at Tucker?

The interim plan designates a route for hiking, biking and equestrians through Tucker using existing trails and an old road bed. From March 1 through November 1, the rest of the Tucker Complex will be closed to the public, with all visitors permitted only on designated trails.

The lower Tucker Meadow Trail, which makes up approximately one-third of the new designated trail, will also close from April 1 through June 30 to protect elk calving habitat. The historic Switzerland Trail is not affected by the resolution.

The county has made clear that this is an interim decision, not a permanent trail plan. Long-term trail designations will be considered during the upcoming Peak to Peak District planning process.

Commissioner approved designated trail, including seasonal closures and gates.

What's the Deal With Hicks Gulch Road?

We've spent quite a bit of time digging into the history of Hicks Gulch Road (Forest Service 493.1), which is part of the new designated route at Tucker, and its five spurs (493.1A through 493.1E).

These are historic roads that appear on older Forest Service maps but are no longer shown as routes open to public motor vehicles on the Motor Vehicle Use Map. The Forest Service has identified the main road as an administrative road closed to the public. 

But these roads have a history that goes back long before mountain bikes, Boulder County Open Space, or modern Forest Service travel management.

The Switzerland Trail follows the route of a historic railroad, and Hicks Gulch Road and its spurs are part of a network of old roads that once provided access through this mining and logging landscape. Over the decades, those routes became part of the area's informal recreation network.

Some of these routes may no longer be maintained as roads, but that doesn't erase their history or the role they've played in connecting people to this landscape. We're interested in understanding that history, including when these routes were established, how they've been used, and what public access rights may still exist.

US Forest Service map

BMA’s Perspective: Will the Changes at Tucker Work?

We appreciate that Boulder County chose to designate a trail rather than close the entire property. And we share the county's interest in protecting wildlife and restoring habitat.

But we have some real concerns about how this will play out, including whether the designated route actually provides the legal connections the county intends.

Will Anyone Want to Ride the New Designated Route?

The county wants mountain bikers to stop using the existing trails and move onto one designated route, but the new route largely follows an abandoned road. It's not much fun going up. It's not much fun coming down.

The existing trails have the twists, turns, terrain, jumps, drops and character that make riding in the Nederland area so enjoyable. The designated route doesn't offer much of that experience.

We had hoped that county staff would work with the mountain bike community to identify a new alignment that kept the flavor of those trails while moving riders away from the most sensitive wildlife habitat. If the county wants to get people off unauthorized trails, it needs to give them a trail they actually want to ride. Otherwise, how successful will this approach be?

We're also concerned about what happens outside the county's property boundaries. Closing the existing mountain bike routes in the western Tucker complex doesn't eliminate the demand for riding in this area. Riders aren't simply going to disappear. With no appealing alternative, we think there's a very real risk that new unauthorized trails will be built on adjacent National Forest land. 

The county's own staff report acknowledges that the Forest Service has limited resources to manage recreation in this area. Closing trails on county land without coordinating a better regional alternative could leave the Forest Service dealing with even more unauthorized trail construction.

To be clear, we don't support building trails without permission. We spend a lot of time working through the proper planning and approval processes to build legal trails. But we also recognize what happens when recreation demand continues to grow and land managers don't provide reasonable opportunities to accommodate it.

What Does This Mean for District Planning?

Mountain bikers were shut out of this planning process, which doesn’t build trust that Boulder County will meaningfully involve us in the future. Some of these trails have been ridden for decades. They're part of the local mountain bike community's history, even if they were never officially designated.

Now the county is at least temporarily closing or restricting access to much of that network before the Peak to Peak District planning process has even started — while inviting the mountain bike community to participate in that planning process.

Why would riders spend their evenings attending meetings, reviewing maps, and submitting comments when the trails they've enjoyed for years have already been closed?

We understand why county staff want to address resource impacts now instead of waiting for district planning. But these decisions have consequences beyond what's happening on the ground.

If the county wants participation from mountain bikers, it needs to demonstrate that the upcoming planning process is genuinely open to different trail alignments and outcomes. That includes taking another look at existing trails, considering alternatives in less sensitive habitat, and giving the community a real opportunity to help develop solutions.

The Forest Service needs to be part of that discussion, too. The trails, wildlife, and people using this area don't stop at the county property line. Our planning shouldn't either.

What's Next?

The Tucker decision is temporary, at least on paper. The upcoming Peak to Peak District planning process is supposed to take a broader look at recreation, wildlife, and trail connections throughout the area.

We would like to be part of that conversation. We've spent decades building trails, working with land managers, and helping create riding opportunities that respect the places we love.

But we don't want to spend the next several years watching trails get closed with no genuine opportunity to contribute to a process that will optimize both access to nature – on bike​ and on foot – together with wildlife habitat protection.

We know there are sensitive areas in Tucker that need protection. We also know there are some pretty great trails out there. We think there's room to find a solution that respects both.

What Can Mountain Bikers Do to Keep Trails Open at Tucker?

Advocacy organizations like BMA and the Greater Nederland Area Riders (GNAR) are working to give mountain bikers a meaningful voice in the upcoming Peak-to-Peak district planning process, and we need support from riders.

While there's currently no public process underway for Tucker, and the commissioners have already approved the interim trail designation, that doesn't mean the conversation should be over.

BMA and the GNAR hope county staff will be willing to work with us to improve the designated route, create a better riding experience, protect wildlife habitat, and give people a trail they'll actually want to use. 

Your support makes this work possible! BMA spends a lot of time advocating for better trails and working with land managers to find solutions that balance recreation and conservation. Join BMA or renew your membership, or donate to the cause, and make sure you're signed up for our newsletter so you'll know when there are opportunities to get involved.

We're not giving up on Tucker. We think there's a better way forward, and we want to help make it happen.

Tucker Meadow trail

Last night, the City of Boulder's Open Space Board of Trustees heard the latest 7c Multimodal Assessment update, including the proposed bike connection between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw.

As expected, there was plenty of public comment on both sides. About 25 people spoke in opposition, many repeating concerns about wildlife, trail conflicts, parking and the loss of hiker-only experiences. Around 15 people spoke in support, including youth riders and parents, and South Boulder residents who want a safe way to reach the Doudy Draw trail system without riding on busy roads.

And then there was Shira. Shira lives in Shanahan Ridge, right across from Fairview High School. She came to the meeting with a handwritten statement and asked the Board to support a mountain bike trail connecting her neighborhood to the trails south of town.

Her message was pretty simple: she loves riding her bike, she is learning to mountain bike, and she wants a trail connection from her neighborhood that is fun like a roller coaster. Sometimes kids are very good at cutting through 15 years of planning documents.

What BMA asked before the meeting

Before the meeting on Wednesday, October 14 meeting, we sent OSBT and staff an email asking for more information before the Board is eventually asked to make a recommendation. BMA has not proposed a specific trail alignment. Our request has consistently been for one safe, natural-surface connection between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw.

Staff has advanced a route using Greenbriar Connector, Thomas Lane, South Boulder Creek West and a portion of Mesa Trail. Because that alignment is now driving many of the concerns about parking, ecology and user conflict, we asked staff to show more of the data behind those predictions and explain how this route was selected.

We also asked OSMP to look at what we can learn from existing multi-use trails, especially North Sky. Questions like: Has neighborhood parking increased? Has the trail widened? Have weeds spread? Have seasonal protections for ground-nesting birds worked? Have there been significant bike-pedestrian conflicts or maintenance problems?

The point is not that there will be zero impacts. No trail project could meet that standard. The point is to separate what we know from data, what we can reasonably infer from similar trails, and what is still speculation.

One big question came out of the meeting

Staff told OSBT that 11 different possible alignments had been examined through an evaluation matrix before staff selected its preferred route. But the Board and the public have not seen those 11 alternatives or the full analysis showing how they were compared. Any matrix like this includes both data and values. Cost, feasibility and habitat impacts can be measured. But other questions involve management choices: How much hiker-only trail should remain? How much shared trail is acceptable? How much new trail is acceptable if it reduces user conflict? Which impacts can be mitigated, and which should be considered unacceptable?

One thing we were encouraged to hear was OSBT asking whether the route could be reconsidered to reduce the amount of trail hikers would need to share with bikes. That opens up a much better conversation than simply asking whether bikes should be added to the existing trail system.

Could there be another way?

BMA sketched out an idea, not trail proposal or engineered alignment. It is simply an example showing that there may be options between “put bikes on the existing trails” and “do not build a connection.” The concept includes a possible new trail through the Shanahan Ranch property, a different Lower Big Bluestem alignment farther from the riparian area, and a short bike-only downhill section near Mesa Trail to reduce bike-pedestrian interaction on the steepest portion.

Staff may have already evaluated similar ideas and rejected them for good reasons. We just do not know, because that analysis has not been shared.

What happens next?

OSMP plans to move into a third public engagement window in November. Staff has said it intends to continue evaluating the Greenbriar/Thomas Lane/South Boulder Creek West/Mesa route as the preferred option. Before that happens, we asked staff to see the 11 alternatives, the evaluation matrix, the criteria used to compare them, and the reasoning behind the preferred route. We also hope staff will follow up on OSBT’s request to look for ways to reduce shared trail mileage while still creating a safe connection.

Our goal has not changed:

A safe, continuous trail connection from Shanahan Ridge to Doudy Draw that allows bicycle access, minimizes environmental impacts, and preserves meaningful hiker-only trail opportunities. We think those goals can coexist. And we’ll let you know when the next public engagement window opens and when your voice will be most useful.

Boulder Mountainbike Alliance and Coalition 4 Cyclists asked candidates for Boulder Mayor and City Council to respond to eight Yes/No questions about bicycling, plus several optional open-ended questions. 

Click a candidate’s name to jump directly to their responses.

Aaron Brockett | Aquiles La Grave | Benita Duran | Dave Martus | Fred Smith | Jameson 'Jamo' Goldstein | Jamillah Richmond | Jill Adler Grano | Lee Gilbert | Lisa Ann Jacobs | Lynn Segal | Rachel Rose Isaacson | Ryan Jamieson | Ryan Schuchard | Sam Fuqua | Scott Rendleman | Taishya Adams | Tara Winer | Tina Marquis

For the scorecard below, we shortened the wording of the eight Yes/No questions so the chart is easier to read. The shortened labels are only for display and do not change the intent of the questions. Candidates answered the full questions shown here:

1. Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?
2. Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?
3. Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?
4. Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?
5. Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?
6. Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?
7. Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?
8. Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Scorecard key

• Green, Yes: Candidate answered Yes.
• Light green, Other, affirmative: Candidate selected Other but explicitly stated support in their written response.
• Yellow, Other: Candidate gave a qualified, conditional or nonbinary response.
• Red, No: Candidate answered No.

The scorecard is meant to be a quick comparison, not the whole story. Every candidate’s full response to all 13 questions is included below, so you can read their answers in their own words.

Aaron Brockett

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

It's important for the city to continue educating people about where e-motos can and can't be used in town, and especially the regulations for minors because of the significant safety concerns for youth. We should do this in partnership with BVSD and CU.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

City Council has an important role to play in continuing to support these plans, improve on them, and secure funding and get the plans implemented.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

With careful effort, these values don't need to be in conflict. I voted in favor of the North Sky Trail in my first year on city council. It took a while to build it, but the city made good use of that time to obtain trail easements so that the trail when it was built had a minimal ecological impact while also being sustainable as well as fun!

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

I'll be working to land grant funding so that we can implement the next CAN plans, specifically along Iris, Folsom and 30th.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

We need to continue our work on cracking down on bike thefts in Boulder. While the number of thefts has decreased in recent years, there are still far too many and we need to keep reducing those numbers.

Aquiles La Grave

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

F#CK YES. This is a life safety issue

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

F#CK YES. Mountain biking should not be a discrimative mode of recreation or access to our open space.

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

I had my Yeti SB5 stolen in town. I loved that bike more than my car. We need more safety and stronger follow through I do not think we view bike theft with the degree of seriousness it warrants.

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

I've got a very basic idea. I don't want more kids getting injured before we realize that there is a problem. I'm both a CX Biker and parent of 13 year old looking for an electric bike as an xmas present. The warning signs are everywhere, E-bikes went from making up 4% of all bicycle-related crash reports in Boulder in 2021 to 25% by 2024. Boulder Community Health has reported that the number of children aged 17 and under who were injured as a result of riding e-bikes increased by 100% in just one year. Also any of us dropping our kids off at school knows and appreciates the reality of comunting via e-bike.

While I agree with the use of e-bikes, an electric motorcycle capable of reaching speeds of 40-50 MPH cannot be classified as an e-bike simply due to the addition of pedals, that's common sense. We need to do several things, enforce existing ordinances regarding the use of e-bikes near schools and on multi-use trails; ensure that parents are aware of the differences between an e-bike and an e-moto; and work closely with the state to establish reasonable age limits, classifications, and safety standards for the increasingly high-powered e-bikes being produced today. We have sufficient data to take action prior to a tragic event providing additional data.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

We should stop arguing about it and stop passing budgets that don't fund longstanding priorities, we should just generally stop passing initiatives that don't have a budget, clear funding source, delivery date, owner, or risk-benefit analysis. This is why I believe the Mayor has a larger role than we've been led to believe and that as the chair of the COuncil Agenda Committee the Mayor has an apolitical responsibility to set basic standards for staff to meet before moving things to the whole council for consideration. Prior mayor have done precisely that since the mid 80's and we are where we are because we've stopped

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

Bicycles are an access and recreation tool that promote the conservation of our open spaces. While I am sensitive to using open space responsibly and mitigating damage to our preserved natural habitats, the benefits of access to nature and recreation within it must lead as a priority for the investments we make in these spaces. I would be a strong ally to increased recreational and access oportunities and investment.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

I would actively support and promote creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Yes Mountain biking in boulder could be a significant financial engine, similar towns have found a way to become destinations for mountain biking generating tens of millions. Boulder enjoys unfair advantages we are not seizing upon.

Benita Duran

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes, I support with use of grant, philanthropy and other non-general fund support, and would encourage the CAN to consider factoring in emergency evacuation routes and signage for cyclists and pedestrians, along with motorists.

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes, and to add the Library district installed such units at the NOBO library.

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

I took the time a week ago to meet with police department and transportation department to understand more about e-motos in particular and what outreach and education is in place to date. I hear of concerns on the campaign trail and wanted to be more informed. I suggest a more focused effort to engage with the high schools to reach students and also to partner with BVSD through their portal to share some information about e-motos and safety, I would personally participate in getting this information out to local audiences. The city should be aligned with state in providing safety information and in line with penalties for violations.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

Council should be aware and engaged in endorsing the implementation of the plans. Budget is a part of this process and funding should be aligned with the priorities established. Council has a direct role in understanding the program, its priorities and costs as a part of the budget process. Schedule is the other major component and keeping costs aligned with timeframe. I would expect that council would receive regular updates on progress.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

It requires genuine alignment around conditions, access, usage, and safety, to name some variables that come to mind. If this question relates to city staff (as City), then any review or considerations need to be a process that involves key boards, like OSBT and may involve other boards in their advisory capacity. It should be a collaborative process of engagement with all parties and all of the stakeholders need to be engaged for it to be successful.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

It’s a safety concern related to use of Broadway by cyclists during certain hours and I would suggest improved signage that directs bicyclists to the paths during certain hours of the day (rush hour, after school pick up).

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

My issue is emergency evacuation for all of Boulder but particularly for west of Broadway, and having planned exit routes for everyone and some landing areas for bicyclists who may need to be transported by car or truck, with bike. I believe it’d be wise for us to be mapping out a plan and course for emergency situations.

Dave Martus

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

yes, if a suitable route can be found that protects sensitive habitat and respects other trail users, such as a bike-only trail.

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

For Level II e-bikes, and especially Level III e-bikes (along with those modified to exceed Level III performance), the speed differential compared to human-powered bikes & Level I e-bikes can be substantial and create dangerous interactions.

Boulder’s multi-use paths have a 15-mph speed limit (8 mph in crosswalks), while Level III bikes can reach 28 mph with no pedal assist.

I think it is prudent to consider banning Level III bikes from multi-use paths.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

City Council sets priorities and approves budgets. The City should continue cost-effective efforts to increase bicycle safety and connectivity. As part of that, the City should improve basic maintenance functions such as vegetation management along the edges of multi-use paths and improved sweeping for on-street bike lanes.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

This is certainly an area where passions run very high, as will be evident when the Greenbriar Connector is discussed at the next OSMP Board of Trustees meeting. Like in many areas, in-person dialogue, listening, and understanding various viewpoints lead to the best results. Starting with the first principle of increasing recreational opportunities for various users, I think almost everybody agrees with that. Let’s start with that common ground and have everybody move forward together.

I am an avid cyclist and hiker and understand the perspectives and passion in this debate. In parts of the city, multi-use paths are split between biking and walking sections to improve safety & the user experience. This solution may be appropriate in some areas, while in others, a deeper dialogue will be needed to improve bicycle access while maintaining the user experience for existing users.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

While it sounds boring, one thing that would improve bicycling is taking care of the basics. Multi-use paths should be maintained (trimming weeds, etc.) so the full width of the path is available, visibility and sight lines at key intersections improve, and sweeping/maintenance of our on-street bike lanes improves. We need to take care of the great resources we have.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Safety continues to be the number 1 item; nobody should be killed riding their bike, period, full stop. We are making steady infrastructure improvements to improve that, and we need to keep the effort up.

Fred Smith

No response

Jameson 'Jamo' Goldstein

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes should remain welcome on Boulder paths. The City should explain the difference between those bikes and high-powered e-motos, enforce existing path speed and safety rules against dangerous behavior, and treat electric motorcycles as motor vehicles rather than ordinary e-bikes. Boulder can coordinate its education and enforcement with state classifications while avoiding a blanket e-bike ban.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

Council should follow through on the Core Arterial Network, close gaps where a protected route abruptly ends, and maintain safe connections for bikes, pedestrians, buses and drivers. I would ask for clear public reporting on each project's cost, urgency and progress so residents can see what is being delivered.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

Complete a missing connection in the Core Arterial Network so people can cross Boulder without a safe route suddenly disappearing. Publish the project's cost and status as it proceeds.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Bike theft. More secure parking Downtown, on University Hill and near major transit stops, together with attention to repeat theft, would make cycling a more dependable way to get around.

Jamillah Richmond

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

The most important thing is to continue to invest in infrastructure that provides safe bike lanes that are separated from traffic and to continue investing in traffic calming measures across the city. We need to reduce conflicts and crashes involving cars and bikes, and to do that, we need to reduce interactions when possible and reduce speed everywhere else. Boulder is doing great work on this front and must be able to continue. Additionally, I believe that educating ebike riders about their responsibilities is essential, and I hope that the city and BVSD can partner on an initiative to help riders learn how to operate their bikes safely. I also support the City creating a collaborative study on e-bike/e-moto crashes with Boulder youth to help foster student-led education initiatives around transportation, safety, and what students need to commute safely.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

City Council members should support staff work on this topic, and should also be working to ensure these efforts remain a budgetary priority in 2027 and beyond. At the same time, city councilors have a role to play in helping Boulderites understand that investment in bicycle infrastructure benefits all Boulderites, including drivers.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

Conservation, recreation, and access are all compatible goals. I would work with land managers and the community to understand where we have areas that may be especially ecologically sensitive and where we have requests for additional recreation access, and look to see how we can achieve all of these goals.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

Ensure that investing in safe bike infrastructure remains a staff and budgetary priority.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

The top safety issue impacting cyclists is excessive speeding by drivers in cars, along with drivers who use their phones while operating motor vehicles, and other dangerous driving. It is essential that Boulder continue to fund and pursue traffic calming measures and increase enforcement of traffic violations. The proposed 2027 budget is slated to remove funding for our photo van enforcement, and I hope and expect that the police department will make good on their word to ensure that ending that program does not lead to a reduction in traffic enforcement.

Jill Adler Grano

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

I need to talk to both sides of this debate and understand more before I give an informed response I am likely to stick to. My son is in 7th grade at Centennial, and many of his friends have motorcycle-like e-bikes that they pop wheelies on, ride in packs on, and ride three kids at a time on. It is madness and terrifies me. Someone is going to get hurt (knocking on wood now). That said, I do not know how to regulate it without also reducing proper e-bike usage. If I had my way, everyone in Boulder would ride an e-bike (or some alternative to a car). Also, the kids ride many other types of electric vehicles. My son rides an electric unicycle, dropping stair sets and jumps along the way, and his buddies ride electric scooters and one-wheels, doing the same thing. Are they all part of potential future regulation? I just need to learn more. All ears on this one.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

Council should help turn these plans into funded priorities, with regular public check-ins. I would prioritize CAN, plus dangerous intersections and gaps in our bike network, especially routes connecting homes to schools, jobs, and transit. Council should also ensure residents and businesses are involved early, track costs and results, and make adjustments when necessary.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

As someone who hikes and mountain bikes, I value both access to open space and protecting what makes it special. I support thoughtful bike connections where the land can sustain them. The City should involve different trail users early, address safety and trail etiquette, and monitor impacts so we can adjust when needed. Aside from the Shan to maintain the trails we already have and account for long-term maintenance before adding more.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

In addition to seeing CAN through, I think we could do a better job closing gaps in bike access along school routes. Every middle school in Boulder should have safe and clear routes leading to it from surrounding neighborhoods. This is when kids are given independence and are biking to school the most. This helps them fall in love with cycling.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

I wrote a Substack piece called Big Money and the Fight Against Transit. https://jilladlergrano.substack.com/p/big-money-and-the-fight-against-transit This is the overarching threat for cyclists. There is a coordinated national campaign to kill bike lanes (and other forms of transit) that I have seen trickle into the conversation here in Boulder. We can overcome it with facts, community engagement, and getting kids more involved in cycling. Our young people are the future here.

Lee Gilbert

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

No

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

No

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

The city council and transportation department are NOT COMPETENT to improve bicycle safety with CAN. The Baseline Project has actually made cycling less safe as I discuss in detail on my campaign website Lee4Boulder.com

Baseline accidents overwhelming occur at 30th and west toward campus. The residential intersections between 32nd and Mohawk were all changed to protected intersections even though only 2 bicycle accidents occurred there over 7 years of data. Only 1 of those had possible injury. The serious accidents happened elsewhere. And in implementing the design changes, wide side street intersections were changed to narrow ones, greatly increasing the likelihood of vehicles exiting Baseline hitting a cyclist. And the protected design works by specifically throwing up obstacles in the typical direct path through intersections increasing the risk of cyclists hitting curbs or concrete islands. All this is discussed in the full detailed document on the website.

I know all about Baseline, frequently biking and walking along it from 35th to Mohawk over more than 50 years.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

Stop CAN. Make roads and bike lanes clear and intuitive with modest buffer space between traffic and wide bike lanes. Concrete barriers, such as on Baseline, prevent cyclists from doing left turns by moving from bike lane to left turn lane, thus preventing exiting Baseline in two steps which is easier and often safer than having to cross both lanes of traffic at once.

Bicyclists should not have to focus on avoiding obstacles specifically placed at intersections where they need to be focused on all the traffic around them.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

The city has generally done a good job at bike lanes that are completely separated from traffic.

One confusion created by the new bike lanes on 30th and on Colorado is that bike lanes are adjacent to sidewalks. The design expects cyclists to stay to the left, close to traffic so they flow with traffic at the few places where the path returns to street level. The problem is that a bike lane next to a sidewalk looks like a 2-way bike path where cyclists normally keep to the right. Fortunately visibility is good and the combined bike/walking path is wide enough that collisions are easily avoided for the most part, except where the path crosses Boulder Creek. A few properly placed signage could mitigate most of the problem.

Lisa Ann Jacobs M.D., M.P.H. and Real Estate Broker

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

First, before I answer any questions: I went public with my website on 9/22/26 for Mayor and then Governor of the State of Colorado. The website is lisaannjacobs.com I ask you to take a look at it. I identify the background to be the trees that we all love. I am supportive of bikers. I am a biker who wore biker socks to our first public forum which I showed to other bikers.
Also, I have been hacked into where you may not reach me. If you do not hear from me then I did not get your email or your phone call. I have been hacked into 2 laptops, 2 iphones and 3 email addresses. I have complained to police and Colorado Secretary of State Office as to why I have been hacked into repeatedly. Boulder did not give me the paperwork to run in a timely manner. The press voters and businesses have not been able to reach me. I do not get emails or phone calls always. There was laptop theft. Even the file of photos by a professional photograph went missing where I had to go to Walgreens to get a passport photo for the Daily Camera rather than use a head shot by a professional photographer. Voters have complained that somebody, some people or some entity is trying to block me from becoming Mayor. Don’t feel hurt if you can not reach me or do not hear back from me. I would have responded to you.
I think Boulder needs to be very clear about the distinction between an e-bike and an electric motorcycle or e-moto. They are not the same vehicle and should not be treated the same way.
For legal e-bikes, I would focus on education, predictable rules, speed management and enforcement—particularly around yielding to pedestrians, passing safely and respecting the 15 mph multi-use-path speed limit. Boulder already has rules governing where Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes can operate.
For e-motos and other devices that don't meet the legal definition of an e-bike, I support clear enforcement of existing rules. Boulder should also work with retailers, schools, parents and police to make sure people understand what is and isn't legal before these vehicles are on the street or path.
I'd also want the city to collect better data on crashes, complaints and enforcement activity so that Council can determine where the actual safety problems are rather than relying solely on anecdotes.
Boulder's own 2026 policy statement recognizes the need both to safely integrate e-bikes and micromobility and to distinguish pedal-assisted e-bikes from electric motorcycles and other devices.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

Boulder should lead where the city has authority and cooperate with the state where the state has jurisdiction.
The city should advocate for clear statewide definitions and standards, particularly so that an e-bike cannot simply be modified into a much faster motor vehicle while continuing to be represented as an e-bike. Colorado legislation enacted in 2025 addresses labeling and modifications of electrical assisted bicycles, with new manufacturer labeling requirements beginning January 1, 2027.
At the same time, Boulder should continue working with CDOT and neighboring communities on regional bike connections, safety standards and transportation funding. A bicycle doesn't stop at the city limits, so our policies shouldn't either.
Boulder should start a public health education bike program and see that it is implanted at the state of Colorado level. The program should include but not be limited to bike safety, bike repairs, prevention of bike theft, and share the air public health campaign with actual implementation and execution of described practices. Bikers are exposed to smoke from idling. The state and city need to stop the idling to stop the bikers from breathing the traffic pollution. Bikers are exposed to second hand smoke of cigarettes, vaping, marijuana etc. Boulder Police and Code Enforcement has refused to do no smoking enforcement near our doors. They have also refused to do no smoking in order to protect people including but not limited to disabled people who use oxygen. Our bikers spend time around doors where they have to secure their bikes, unpack, unlock their bike, pack up their bike where they are being exposed second hand smoke and oxygen tanks where they can be potentially killed when smokers and people who use oxygen are in close proximity near entry and exit way doors.
Our bikers also bike near sidewalks. There are many University of Colorado Boulder students who are openly smoking weed on our sidewalks which has been offending non-smokers. Our sidewalks need to be rid of smoking for our bikers not to get second hand smoke.
We also need the biker network. The biker network should be to offer help after an injury. We need an emotional support network for bikers lead by a biker in order to process emotionally the emotional injuries and trauma from biking. We also need the network to be a supportive help network to help rescue our injured bikers. We had a Boulder biker get hit by a car where his foot was broken. He was not able to get home from the UC Health Longs Peak Emergency Room as he had his bike and his broken foot. He took a van ride to a hotel instead of going home to his Boulder home. We need Good Samaritans who on a spur of a moment are able to drop what they are doing and rescue an injured biker with help like a ride home from the Emergency Room with a broken bike. Here is what happened:
I ask you to stay away from others when you drive. Today I report a car driver who broke a bicyclist’s foot.
Boulder Bicyclist Hit by Car Sustains Broken Foot
Local Boulder cyclist injured in Longmont crash; driver remained at scene
A recent Boulder County crash has left an experienced adult male bicyclist with a broken foot after being struck by a vehicle according to my interview of the victim at the UC Health Longs Peak Hospital Emergency Room today.
I have provided to him great empathy, great understanding, and emotional support. I am happy to report that he will be voting for me for Mayor of Boulder.
The cyclist is an adult man who is married who has lived in Boulder for 30 years. He was in a crosswalk on his bike. A driver struck him while he was in the crosswalk to throw him in the air to the ground where he crashed. There were 2 good Samaritans who supported him including one who took photos of him, his bike and his injuries. I saw the photos from the scene where he was thrown from the cross walk many feet into the street. The driver said to our Boulder resident meaning wise “Sorry dude. I was looking in the wrong direction.” The driver was making a turn and admitted to looking not in the direction that he was turning. Our victim is angry and hurt. He cannot understand how a driver can drive and not look in the direction in which they are driving.

I AM TRYING TO EDUCATE OUR DRIVERS HERE. WHEN A DRIVER DRIVES AND LOOKS AWAY FROM THE DIRECTION THAT THEY ARE DRIVING, A LOOK AWAY SHOULD BE VERY QUICK WHERE THE DRIVER’S EYES NEED TO GO BACK TO THE DIRECTION IN WHICH THEY ARE DRIVING. I ASK OUR DRIVERS TO DO NOT LOOK AWAY FROM THE DIRECTION OF DRIVING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.

Our victim is having difficulty walking and he is slow moving. He had x-rays. He was given a low top fracture boot, and a second fracture boot that goes up to his knee.

Our victim was most frustrated with the Longmont Police officer who told him that she would not find the driver of the car at fault on the basis that they were in the same road. He argued with this female police officer that she was wrong as they were not in the same road. He argued that he was in a crosswalk, hit in the crosswalk and then thrown into the road. The cop told him that since he was found in the same road as the car then she was writing up that neither the driver of the car or the victim on the bike were at fault. He is emotionally injured and believes that this police officer is in error. His rationale is that since he was in the crosswalk then he is in the right and since the car driver hit him in the crosswalk then the driver is at fault.

We need better Boulder police. We need to fire our bad police officers, provide greater education and get them to follow the laws rather than break the laws and violate our civil rights. I cite some cases:

On June 5, 2025, Boulder police arrested bicyclist Galileo Wise. Mr. Wise was riding his bike. Boulder Police pulled him to the ground off his bike, handcuffed him and patted him down where Boulder has been sued in Boulder County Court for alleged wrongful arrest and excessive force. Mr. Wise has claimed that Boulder Police mistook him to be a bank robber. The case is ongoing and not yet resolved.

In the Josylnn Montoya suit, Boulder settled for $75,000. Boulder Police took custody of Montoya’s 2 kids due to miscommunication as they believed that she didn’t have enough money to stay in a hotel. Police used text messaging rather than American Sign Language where Ms. Montoya is deaf and uses American Sign Language.

A federal jury awarded $3.41 million as Boulder Police violated the civil rights of Seth Franco.

Boulder made a settlement of $1 million for the Benjamin Cronin settlement over alleged mishandling of a sex assault investigation.

I also learned of an alleged shooting cover up by Boulder Police.

I cite these cases as Boulder incumbent Mayor and City Counsel are to blame for our police causing Boulder to have made substantial pay outs.

I met a voter’s home this morning where that voter wants all City Counselors fired as the voter complained to me that they are stupid, that they are spending way too much money and as taxes are so high that this long standing family is worried about having to move out of Boulder as they are in fear that they will not be able to pay their taxes.

I ask bikers to vote to exercise their right to vote for all new City Counselors and myself as a new Mayor. Per Steve Pomerance’s opinion in the Daily Camera we need all new people.

I ASK ALL DRIVERS TO LOOK AT ALL TIMES IN THE DIRECTION THAT YOU ARE DRIVING. DO NOT LOOK AWAY FROM THE DIRECTION THAT YOU ARE DRIVING.
I was at the UC Health Longs Peak Hospital Emergency Room today where the name, photo, bike, and broken foot need to be respected. The cyclist requested that I not have his photo on my campaign website. I am showing you instead a photo of the Emergency Room where our Boulder resident was getting into a van with his bike to head to a hotel.

My interview included that he has complained that Boulder has not even been trying to take care of people. The incumbent Mayor has not even been trying to take care of people. He found that I am really trying to take care of you. He opines that Longmont has been trying to take care of people more so than Boulder. He has also opined that it will take a very long time to recover from President Trump’s lack of funding. We are losing one of our own. This Boulder resident will be moving out of Boulder and out of the state of Colorado which is a very sad statement on our current state of affairs. This is a long standing upstanding Boulder cyclist of 30 years who is a fit professional dressed hard core bicyclist. I am certain that he will miss our beloved mountain views.

This case follows other high-profile bicycle crashes in Boulder County, including fatal incidents that have led to new safety measures such as “Magnus’ Law,” which requires voluntary breath testing after crashes that cause death or serious injury. This driver was not drunk or on drugs. He was a distracted driver. Our victim does not understand how this driver can be making a turn and be looking in the opposite direction.

LOOK IN THE DIRECTION THAT YOU ARE MOVING DRIVERS. IF YOU ARE BACKING THEN YOU NEED TO LOOK BACK. IF YOU ARE TURNING THEN YOU NEED TO LOOK IN THE DIRECTION THAT YOU ARE TURNING.
DO NOT MOVE UNLESS YOU ARE LOOKING WHERE YOU ARE MOVING. IF YOU LOOK AWAY FROM THE ROAD THEN IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE A QUICK LOOK AND NOT A LONG LOOK.

I ASK ALL DRIVERS TO KEEP BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL AND DO NOT ANSWER YOUR CELLULAR PHONE WHEN IT RINGS AND DO NOT TEXT WHEN YOU DRIVE.
I ASK YOU TO GIVE THE ROAD TO THE BICYCLISTS, THE PEDESTRIANS, THE TRUCKS AND THE OTHER CARS.

A professional driver shared with me his secret for success where he has driven for 27 years without a single accident on this driving record. He stays away from big trucks as they have problems and get into trouble. He also stays away from other cars.

Key points:
• Cyclist injured in crash, confirmed broken foot
• Driver remained at scene and is cooperating with investigators.
• No charges announced yet; investigation ongoing.
• Part of broader safety concerns in Boulder County cycling community.

For the latest updates, residents are asked not to monitor Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol channels, as well as local news outlets, for official statements and any additional details as this victim wants his privacy. He has stopped doing Facebook given things have happened in the past and would prefer not to be on social media. We need to work with the government and also the press. This was not a staged incident. I am going to send the photo of the van that our biker got into with his bike to go to a hotel. His wife was probably working and could not come to get him or maybe he could not find a friend to take him home. Out of respect for his privacy then he, his broken foot and bike are not to be shown.

On 9/24/26 I was in touch with the television news stations and Daily Camera regarding this biker’s broken foot. The driver’s error was looking in the opposite direction from which he was turning. Boulder needs to have good interactions with the press in order to try to correct the drivers’ mistakes. We have a clear disconnect here. Our victim cannot understand the driver’s mistake of looking in the opposite direction from which the driver was turning. We need to think long about how to communicate so as to have all members of the public learn from the mistakes of negligent drivers.

I ask for bikers to determine the required gear in order to try to be safe on the road. I intend to try for new law that bikers use the required safety gear. While I have seen experienced older healthy bikers appropriately dressed, I have seen dare devil teenage males with no equipment whatsoever who are harder to see. They have nothing like the standard safety equipment of like a helmet, a yellow jacket, a red light, etc.. Bikers without equipment are much harder to see.
Boulder has been failing to do trail maintenance and has been neglecting doing so. The trails need to have maintenance done on a regular basis in order to prevent injuries. I ask bikers to put in the complaints where the trail maintenance needs to be done in order to keep our bikers safe. Boulder needs to implement the maintenance of the trails.
Boulder has many notable bikers: Dani Audino, Peter Stetina, Mara Abbott, and Joey Schusler. Boulder has a substantial racing scene through CU Boulder Cycling, Boulder Junior Cycling, and local teams. CU says its program has produced more than 60 individual national champions.
I would like to host a bike race in order to try to get more sales tax in from visitors in order to have Boulder make more monies rather than to raise the property tax on families who are struggling to pay in their view way too high taxes in their view.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

I don't think the answer is "bikes everywhere" or "bikes nowhere." The answer should be science-based, trail-specific management.
Boulder's Open Space and Mountain Parks system is a tremendous conservation resource, and protecting habitat, wildlife, water, soils and the character of the land has to remain central to decisions. At the same time, people should have reasonable opportunities to access and enjoy that land.
The city already uses this approach. About 58 miles of OSMP trails are designated for bicycles, while Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are permitted on specific trails and prohibited on others.
I'd continue that adaptive-management approach: look at ecological impacts, trail conditions, visitor conflicts, accessibility and connectivity, collect data, and adjust access when the evidence warrants it.
That's particularly relevant right now because OSMP is conducting a system wide Multimodal Access Improvements Assessment that is examining walking, biking, transit and other ways of reaching open space while considering ecological impacts, safety, connectivity and visitor experience.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

I would make completion of a high-priority missing connection or dangerous intersection improvement an explicit Council accountability goal every year.
Boulder already has more than 300 miles of bikeways, but having individual pieces of infrastructure isn't enough. The Low-Stress Walk and Bike Network Plan is specifically about creating a connected network that people of different ages and abilities can comfortably use.
So rather than simply announcing another plan, I'd ask Council to identify the most important remaining network gaps, fund them, build them, and publicly report progress.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Yes: bicycle theft and secure bicycle parking.
A bicycle is only a useful transportation option if people can confidently leave it at home, at work, downtown or at a transit connection without expecting it to disappear.
Boulder reported 557 stolen bicycles in 2025, with only 9% reunited with their owners. The city has already begun a Bicycle Security and Theft Reduction project focused on parking infrastructure, prevention, education and enforcement.
I would want Council to make sure that effort produces measurable results: better secure parking, effective registration and recovery tools, and stronger coordination between police, businesses, CU and the community.
Better education is needed regarding the kind of bike locks that are harder to break. My own bike lock was broken by a thief who is a felon. I learned from the hardware store employees that the vagrants are in the store buying bolt cutters as the same time that the bikers who have had their bikes stolen are buying better locks. I designed my own lock which has yet to broken after my bike lock was broken. I got the sturdiest chain that I could find. I put a pipe sleeve on it to protect the chain from corrosion. I use a donut lock like for a storage locker where it will be harder for a thief to use a bolt cutter to cut the donut lock.
I am interested in starting the Boulder bike and state of Colorado donate a bike program where bikers gift their bikes to the homeless rather than the homeless stealing our bikes. I am deeply committed to the poorest of the poor where I have items driven to an inner mountain thrift shop where items sell for 25 cents to people who live in the mountains who have nothing. I would like for bikes to be donated also to the poorest of the poor who live in the mountains in order to provide them with transportation.
I also am for a yearly family and professional biker bike festival. in order for our experienced good Samaritan bikers to teach our less experienced bikers, etc. That would be in the form of a festival with live music bands, food, outdoor booths of selling bikes, bike gear, bike repair tents, lectures on biking, public health education on how to stay safe, teaching about how to operate and how to repair different kinds of bikes, education about what bikes are good for people of all ages and disabilities, etc.
For me, improving bicycling isn't just about building more bike lanes. It's about making bicycling safe, connected, practical and secure—while respecting pedestrians, drivers, recreation users and the natural environment.

Lynn Segal

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Not familiar.

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Not without population constraints.

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Appropriate is a big word. This feels like a push poll question.

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Only if peds feel protected enough and with human population management.

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Only if practical and worth the $$$, so probably no. Iris-let people take side streets. It's going to be chaos in a fire even with lane dedication changes. STOP incessent growth. It will all come to gridlock like in the Boulderathon today. And the same for Sundance. Can't make instant changes in a constrained environment with limited escape portals. Can''t put more lives at risk.

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Only with constraints on population.

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Only with constraints to population.

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Only with constraints to population.

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

Put the fast bikes on the roads. I don't know state policy, but II willi figure it out.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

Get rid of cars due to overpopulation from localities subsidies to developers. Impact fees.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

Days off for either user, minimize conflicts of dual use.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

Get rid of black windows on cars. Less cars carrying bikes to open space parking spots.

Ride them there. But mostly be preventative by limiting population, thereby congestion and gridlock or panicked driving too fast.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

That function rises above recreation, People should be first using bike over car for necessities, when they have worn themselves out doing recreation, they can't. Necessity first, then if you till have the energy do recreation biking , otherwise skip it. I drive 4-6 times per year, and one of those trips is for my emissions test every two years. Ride your BIKE to the store.

Rachel Rose Isaacson

Do you support creating a natural-surface bicycle connection on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes, with final approval contingent on ecological assessment, appropriate trail design, and protection of sensitive habitat. I support that the city is evaluating options through its Multimodal Assessment, using ecological impacts, safety, connectivity, feasibility, and alignment with OSMP’s mission. Its published schedule anticipates further review into early 2027; individual trail projects could require additional planning.

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Ryan Jamieson

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

We have an immense maintenance backlog for our existing trails which I would want to see addressed before we carve any new trails. I love the idea of the connector, but we need to maintain what we have before we add new things to the system.

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

I want to address our maintenance backlog before new trails are created. It's decidedly unfun, I know, but either we close some existing trails to minimize the maintenance requirements or we figure out how to get everything up to snuff, but building new parts of the network while existing trails fall into disrepair is not the responsible course of action.

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

Clear education of parents, first of all, in partnership with BVSD is the place to really begin our efforts. No parent wants to see their child injured as a result of an accident, and they are the ones doing the purchasing. Most of the concerns I've heard of are of minors on these bikes, not adults, so I'd want to ensure we have a coordinated program with BVSD to talk about the risk that these devices pose, not just to pedestrians, but to the riders, which I think is the only way to get parental attention on the matter.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

Instituting requirements which mandate clear, measurable success criteria for projects, milestones, progress reporting, etc. The city doesn't lack for good ideas, it's the execution that we stumble with. With my operations background in security and audit, I want to really help our town learn how to do that better so we can see some of these good ideas actually realized in a timely manner.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

We should measure use, impact, and the ability for bikers and hikers to help maintain parts of the network when we're discussing access to the trails running through Open Space. If hikers and bikers are willing to organize and chip in to help maintain these trails, it can free capital to update the network and possibly extend it to other areas.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

Ensuring we are paying for the unsexy work of maintaining our existing network to the level which it requires. It's easy to promise new things while we neglect what we have, which is why we're having a conversation about a $400M bond meant to pay for buildings which were neglected in favor of shiny new programs. So I'm being honest up front about our situation, but I'm happy to discuss how we can better manage the existing system to reduce that burden.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Bike theft. It's hard to address, honestly, and I don't have a clear set of answers I can stump on and promise results, but I do think it's a persistent problem and one that's significantly reducing ridership across the system. It dovetails with public safety, so I think better alignment between BPD and the Municipal Court is a way to help by addressing theft as an actual crime with consequences rather than a risk that riders have to deal with.

Ryan Schuchard

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Open to it, pending the Open Space Board of Trustees process. I share the mission and values of Boulder Mountainbike Alliance and Coalition 4 Cyclists. From my first campaign in 2023, through my work on council, and now as I seek a second term, my core commitment has been to elevate Boulder's culture of bicycling and bring it from the margins into the mainstream of our citywide and departmental planning. I'm a co-architect of the Core Arterial Network, I led the resolution to speed up safe streets improvements (Resolution 1358), and I've made it my job to provide a heat shield for staff, so they can do this work well and follow best practices knowing they have the support of their elected officials. It's all part of a bigger effort to create a more accessible, people-centered transportation system, with great bicycle infrastructure for everyone and safer, calmer ways to get where you're going, in a car or otherwise. We're also a mountain bike family. Getting out on the trails is one of our favorite ways to spend time together, from quick rides close to home to half-day drives to places like Crested Butte and Fruita. For all these reasons, I lean toward building a great network for bicycling. At the same time, we need to be thoughtful about conservation and do this work in ways that minimize impacts on sensitive habitat, like the Tallgrass Prairie and its nesting birds along this route. That's a Boulder value, and I'm committed to upholding it, especially in a time of climate stress. User conflicts are also real and challenging, and they're growing more complex with more ways of getting around and, I hope, more people on bikes. We need ways to experiment with, standardize, and enforce shared use so more people can enjoy the same amount of space, including thoughtful management of peak demand times. We also need to account for the impact of visitors from outside Boulder using trails that Boulder residents pay for. This connection has a long history. Council kept it closed to bikes in the 2011 West Trail Study Area plan after a community group couldn't reach consensus, and many residents value the agreements in that plan. OSMP is now evaluating the connection again through its multimodal access work. It involves a lot of technical depth, and it's exactly the kind of tradeoff our boards and commissions exist to help us work through. My approach is to let OSBT do its work without putting a thumb on the scale. Making good use of our boards and commissions for this crucial analysis is good governance, and I'll give full weight to OSBT's recommendation early next year.

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes, consistent with the Open Space charter and our adopted plans. Boulder is fundamentally a multi-user community, and our job is to find ways to meet the needs of bicyclists and people with other hopes for Open Space together. That takes good public process built on evidence and science, where everyone can see how decisions get made. The strongest opportunities are better connections to trails already open to bikes and well-designed projects like North Sky, which added riding while routing around rare plants and sensitive habitat.

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes, case by case through OSMP's established planning process with full public engagement, weighing conservation and the value many residents place on pedestrian-only trails alongside bike access.

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

Specific ideas: I was glad to support council's unanimous direction for staff to work on e-motos, and I'm looking forward to their response. In the meantime, I'd build on four things.

• Educate parents on the difference between e-bikes and e-motos. E-motos are illegal on Boulder's public roads and paths, subject to citation or confiscation, and likely uninsured in a crash, which puts families at financial risk.
• Partner with BVSD, since schools are where these vehicles spend the day and where kids learn from each other.
• Address dangerous riding on multi-use paths based on behavior, for every mode. Boulder has a strong multi-use culture, and keeping it means everyone riding and walking with respect for others.
• Protect lawful e-bike riders. I don't support registration requirements for e-bikes. They've given young people who can't yet drive new independence, and they've given families a path to owning one less car. That's why I championed Boulder's equity-based e-bike incentive program, which has reached 1,500 residents so far.

City's role alongside the state: The state sets vehicle definitions and classes, and the city shapes how people ride here through education, street and path design, and local enforcement. I'd welcome state work that makes the line between an e-bike and an e-moto clear to buyers at the point of sale, and I want Boulder coordinating with neighboring cities so the rules feel consistent across the county.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

Council's most important job is to treat safe, connected bicycling as core to how Boulder works. That means council must:

• Understand why bicycling matters. A Boulder that is more affordable, financially responsible, and accessible depends on bike infrastructure that lets people of all ages and stages ride safely and comfortably. Whether someone rides a lot or not at all today, a strong low-stress bicycle network is fundamental to an access-oriented, multimodal system that benefits everyone. Celebrate that bicycling access isn't zero sum. Getting it right for people on bikes is part of moving from a system built around one mode to one with many options, and that makes the pie bigger for everyone, drivers included.
• Know that design is destiny. Bicycle ridership follows infrastructure and safety, not the other way around. Research consistently shows that whether people bike in large numbers depends above all on whether safe infrastructure is there. Furthermore, the value of the infrastructure comes from network effects across the whole city and region, just as with a road network for cars and cell phones. The street-by-street improvements we’re making aren’t just for people who live off those streets. They are to work towards a whole citywide grid that benefits all community members.
• Center parking. Better bicycle access depends on secure bicycle parking. When people reasonably worry they won't have a safe place to leave their bike, they ride less. This problem is largely solvable if we treat secure bicycle parking as a core part of transportation network design and take that work seriously. That means great bike parking conveniently located throughout town, with properly anchored and spaced inverted-U racks for short stops and locked, enclosed facilities where people park for more than a few hours. Boulder already has strong standards for secure bicycle parking in new development. Our next task is to bring those standards to life across the rest of our community.
• Own bicycling and safety outcomes. The levels of safety and access the city provides for bicycling (or fails to provide), and by extension the community's well-being, rests with council. That’s because building a safer and more accessible system will only happen if directed through values, goals, and permission to make disruptive change that council oversees. Keep that front of mind and keep asking how to make the system work better. Send a strong signal that council backs staff in doing this work, and invite residents to bring questions and concerns about the overall commitment to council.
• Manage change thoughtfully. Major street redesigns bring disruption and uncertainty. The good news is research shows people tend to adapt to a new normal after a year or so. But we also owe people real talk: Street and road design changes on top of construction can be overwhelming. And the city is working towards best practice, but it doesn’t claim to be all-knowing. So we are committed to listening, learning, and continuing to improve. The work is fundamentally iterative. Also, we're in transition that can be awkward, building pieces of a network that won't deliver its full benefits until it's more fully connected. Part of what we’re doing is the good governance of looking down the road.

I've been council's leading champion for bicycle safety, access, and infrastructure. I led a resolution directing staff to streamline the deployment of safety improvements (Resolution 1358), made access to opportunity the legal goal of transportation planning (Ordinance 8702), and cheered approval of the protected bikeways and road redesigns on Iris, Folsom, and North 30th. I was a leading voice for creating Boulder's first durably funded pavement program, raising $73 million over ten years to keep our streets in good condition for everyone who uses them. I led the push to strengthen bicycle parking standards when we reformed parking policy in 2025. And with Councilmember Tara Winer, I co-led the design of council's 2026 workplan priority on bicycle security, which elevates secure bicycle parking and partners with police on enforcement, in collaboration with CU. It's the first initiative of its kind in Boulder, and the first-year results come to council on October 22.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

My perspective: As a mountain biker, trail runner, and conservationist, I feel the pull of each. Boulder's Open Space exists because generations of residents, including groups like PLAN-Boulder, chose to protect it, and the charter puts conservation at its foundation.

How I'd balance it: I support a multi-use system that takes care of each group of users without picking winners at the expense of others, guided by OSMP's professional staff and the Open Space Board of Trustees and grounded in good data. That means evaluating options corridor by corridor, protecting sensitive habitat first, and staying ready to adjust as we learn more about wildlife, trail conditions, and use. North Sky is a good model, adding new riding after years of careful planning while routing around rare plants.

Common ground: About 59 percent of visitors reach Open Space by car, so safer ways to walk, bike, or take transit to trailheads serve conservation and recreation alike. Stewardship is another shared priority, including continued partnership with the volunteers who help build and care for our trails.

Funding: None of this works unless Open Space is well funded. I want a plan for OSMP's roughly $30 million backlog of deferred trail maintenance, and I'd like to explore user fees, such as a fee for non-resident visitors who disproportionally use and put wear on a system Boulder taxpayers fund.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

Secure full funding and final construction for the remaining Core Arterial Network corridors with council's full support in getting them built. I helped shape the Core Arterial Network while serving on the Transportation Advisory Board, and this term we completed its three major arterial redesigns on Iris, Folsom, and North 30th. Finishing the rest would give people of all ages safe, connected options to reach where they need to go by bike, cutting household transportation costs and emissions at the same time.

Alongside the Core Arterial Network, I want to keep elevating good bicycle infrastructure as core to running a city well, on par with pavement, water, and public safety, and making that understood well beyond the bike community. Safe bike routes get more value from every dollar we put into our streets and give kids and seniors more independence. As a member of council's Financial Strategy Committee, I'll keep making that case in the budget and infrastructure conversations where these decisions get made.

The places in the world where bicycling works best have a strong culture of bicycling. That culture isn't something people are born with, and it doesn't come from any single policy. It take comprehensive infrastructure and programming, and that takes bicycling for transportation being understood as a regular thing everyone does, with the community's leaders and institutions treating it as a baseline. That's why I'm so grateful to see your two organizations coming together to help build that consciousness and culture in Boulder, beyond the specifics of any one advocacy project.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Building a transportation system around access: the bigger opportunity is a transportation system that gives everyone safe, affordable ways to reach the places they need to go, whether they walk, bike, take transit, or drive. That means treating transportation as a system of modes that all need to work together and are all valued, and putting people at the center of how we plan and design our community, especially the most vulnerable people on the street, whether they're 8 or 80.

It also means compact, connected neighborhoods where homes, jobs, schools, and shops sit close enough together that biking and walking become the easy option. Public transit is frequent and near home and where you need to go. Transportation, land use, and housing work as one system. When we plan them together, people spend less on getting around and more of their trips become short enough to ride.

That thread runs through my work on council. I helped eliminate parking minimums and create real transportation demand management requirements for new development, pushed for a more ambitious transportation vision in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update, and led the push for a citywide transit update coming to council this fall.

This is key to lifting up bicycling over time. The places with the strongest bicycle cultures lift bicycling up as part of a bigger vision of access for all people, across all modes, and the more Boulder builds that kind of system, the more natural bicycling becomes for everyone. I look forward to continuing to help your organizations carry this work forward and build even bigger bridges with your natural allies, especially in transit, housing, and climate.

Sam Fuqua

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes, I am open to an evaluation process for specific trails within the OSMP evaluation framework: But I would definitely want broad community input from cyclists, hikers, staff and other stakeholders.

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

Require helmets for all minors on e-bikes and e-motos. Require lights, speedometers and reflectors We should also increase signage about the 15 mph limit on multi use paths and more strictly enforce that limit through targeted speed enforcement checks rotating around various high use parts of our path system.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

Continue to support the Core Arterial Network (CAN), monitor its implementation and make adjustments as needed.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

OSMP Trail Study Area plans offer the right evaluation framework: Restrict trails in sensitive wildlife corridors, avoid sensitive habitats and preserve ecosystem integrity, consider drainage, grades and accessibility. If OSMP determines a new trail is viable, I favor separate trails for mountain bikes to minimize conflict with other users.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

Complete the Safe Routes to School project so all kids can safely bike or walk to school.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Scott Rendleman

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

No

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Generally yes, but not in all areas. Depends on a case by case basis.

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

I support efforts to separate electric motos from e-bikes. I support efforts to have consistent definitions distinguishing electric bikes and electric motos. E-motos have become particularly challenging because of how mostly teens are using them on trails not designed for their speeds. I would want to focus on parental responsibility for the problem with teens on electric motos. On the other hand, e-bikes have become widely adopted, and they open additional opportunities for bicyclists to enjoy our trails. Given E-bikes are less likely to travel at the higher speeds of e-motos, I prefer bicycle-like treatment for electric bikes.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

City Council has the responsibility to be the voice of the people of Boulder, and in this moment, Council has the primary responsibility of being financial stewards of limited resources. Generally, I support our city's efforts to improve bike safety and connectivity. Our transportation plans have not all been widely accepted in the community. Certainly, City Council has a responsibility to take a leadership role in bringing the community along in creating greater bike connectivity, but it has an even greater responsibility to listen to the community. Because so many in Boulder will continue to rely on cars, City Council must weigh the benefits of improving the safety of biking in the Boulder against the impacts any proposal has on those who choose to drive as their means of travel. As an owner and user of three different bikes, I so appreciate how prior generations of Boulder City Councils have made biking in Boulder more accessible than many other cities, but like anything, there is a limit on what makes good overall policy. On City Council, I would weigh traffic and transportation matters with a perspective of how any proposal will affect our businesses and what impacts any proposal has on traffic congestion.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

I believe City must first regard protecting and conserving Boulder's Open Space as a responsibility so our community has meaningful opportunities to enjoy the Open Space. With conservation in mind, we should find appropriate areas for residents to recreate in our Open Space. That includes finding appropriate areas and trails for bicyclists, considering the habitat and safety of others using the trails.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

City Council should make a priority of having secure places to lock up a bicycle throughout downtown and in our neighborhood shopping areas. Convenient bike racks and secure storage areas would make biking a more practical choice for getting to areas of commerce. In the past year, fortunately, we have seen a decrease in bike theft; however, the perception that there are not abundant areas to lock up a bike securely has impacted many people's decision whether to take a bike.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

City Council should make a priority keeping our bike path underpasses clear and safe. While we have seen the addition of lighting, anyone who bikes through the underpasses often confronts people sleeping or storing their belongings that obstruct the path. This activity creates a danger, and sometimes a fear, for bicyclists using the path that is intended for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Taishya Adams

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

E-moto safety inforcement continues to be a top priority regarding public safety. Boulder police have increased walking and bike patrols. I support more bike patrols and less policing funds going to supervisors sitting behind a desk. I also support regular reporting to council on public safety issues including e-bike/e-moto violations and stronger consequences for those who a multiple offenders.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

City council should lead the strategic direction, consistent oversight and resource allocation in all city matters including bike safety and connectivity.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

As a former commissioner for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, I have direct experience working across the state on this issue. I recommend the city host an annual Boulder specific Partners in the Outdoors conference/convening that brings to gether our City's conservation, recreation, and agriculature stakeholders for collective problem solving and relationship building.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

Boulder specific Partners in the Outdoors convening that brings together multi-user groups. Too many silos that makes it competitive instead of cooperative.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Bike locking at local businesses. Often the security of the bike rack is not strong or standardized. As we update the Title 9 building code, I am hopeful we can standardize the bike rack infrastructure to mitigate bike theft.

Tara Winer

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

I do support this. The safety concern for bikers to ride on the highway to get to Doudy Draw is real. And it is completely unsafe for kids to make that trip. Creating a natural-surface connection is a solution to that safety problem. However, we have to follow OSBTs lead and make sure we have good community engagement and hear from all parties involved.

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

One of the things I love most about Boulder is watching teenagers outside on e-bikes having a great time instead of staring at screens, and I don't want anything we do to take that away. But we do need more education, smarter enforcement, and parent accountability, because a lot of what's happening on our multi-use paths isn't legal e-bike riding.

Colorado's e-bike law is good and doesn't need to change: Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes, capped at 750 watts, are already regulated appropriately. The problem is what exceeds that: true "e-motos," including bikes tampered with or unlocked via aftermarket controllers to exceed the 750-watt/20-mph limit. Those already qualify as unregistered motor vehicles requiring a license, registration, and insurance under state law. Boulder just isn't enforcing it nor explaining it clearly enough locally.

Most of the e-motos we see are bought online, often from Amazon, by parents who don't realize they're buying an unregistered motor vehicle their kid can't legally ride on a path. I'd push BVSD and local bike shops to educate parents and teens, support state-level reform to stop online retailers from selling misclassified e-motos as bikes, and hold parents accountable , including fines, when their kids are caught on illegal or tampered machines.

California has some good ideas:
False Advertising Rules: Legislation like Senate Bill 1167 targets retailers and manufacturers by making it illegal to market, label, or sell high-powered motor vehicles under the misleading title of "e-bikes."

Marketplace Compliance: Because of state enforcement pressure and warnings over rising safety incidents, Amazon implemented restrictions to block listings and halt sales of non-compliant, high-speed vehicles to California zip codes.

I would like to look into adopting these measures.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

Council's role in carrying out adopted bike safety and connectivity plans isn't just cheerleading. The work itself is staff-led, but Council sets the tone and the priorities. When the CAN was adopted by our City Council in 2022 with a unanimous vote, it was exciting to think about how it would play out over the years to come. Watching the 30th Street improvements come to life and seeing the Baseline Bikeway finished has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time on Council.
For years, I've wanted to add a new bike priority focused on Bicycle Security and Theft Reduction. I've always believed that fear of theft, on top of actual theft, keeps some people from riding their bikes downtown or on everyday errands. Once Ryan Schuchard joined City Council three years ago, he and I joined forces to elevate this priority into our top five for 2026 , separating it out and giving it its own importance apart from our broader bike infrastructure work in the Transportation Department.
On October 22, staff will bring an update to our study session on how far we've gotten with this priority. We'll hear from BPD on whether we've made inroads in regards to bike theft, and from staff on whether we've made progress on safety infrastructure.
To me, better safety infrastructure means replacing old-style bike racks with U-shaped racks and adding more locking capacity at popular locations and trailheads. Fighting bike theft means more bait-bike operations, a stronger registration push through Bike Index, and increased patrols in high-theft areas. I am looking forward to see the numbers: has bike theft gone down this year compared to prior years, and have we made real progress on safety infrastructure?

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

This is a good problem to have- too many users! I have always believed that the community solving problems together is the best way forward. And community engagement should start early in the process. There are tradeoffs with every decision and someone always feel that “their side” is losing out. But we have enough recreational and open space for all to enjoy. Boulder's charter gives OSMP three purposes: conservation, agriculture, and recreation. That means we share them.
We do need to heavily weigh safety when thinking about access decisions. For instance, the strongest argument for bike access into contested areas like Open Space land, is safety. Routing cyclists off highways is in the public interest, and that has to be part of our balanced approach. Safety cannot take second place.
Ultimately, we need to lean on the OSBT and staff for expertise and to make sure we have enough community engagement so that all feel heard.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

I have two actions:
The first is safety in our underpasses. I was responsible for getting city staff to fix the lighting in our underpasses back in 2023, and I believe underpasses also need to stay free of debris and can't become gathering spots, as that makes them too dangerous for bikers, especially kids, and I want more kids on bikes. I'm always monitoring our underpasses along with city staff, but Goose Creek and Broadway and Canyon are two underpasses that aren't as safe as I'd like, and I want to work on those underpasses in my next term.
The second is finishing what we've started: completing the 30th Street Corridor Multimodal Improvements Project, and making real headway on the Iris Avenue Transportation Improvements Project and the Folsom Street Safety Improvements Project. Hopefully, these projects can be fully funded before I leave office in 2030.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

Due to budget cuts, in 2027 we are eliminating the photo van enforcement program and instead are utilizing police traffic patrol. City staff tells me the software is old. But I am concerned we will lose momentum with reducing automobile speeding on our non-core arterial streets. I do not think police traffic control will have the same impact on speeding.

Tina Marquis

Do you support creating a natural-surface connection open to people riding bikes on City of Boulder Open Space between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw?

Yes

Do you support increasing opportunities for mountain biking on City of Boulder Open Space?

Yes, and hope to work with all stakeholders to find the next options for all users.

Do you support creating bike-specific or directional trails on City of Boulder Open Space where appropriate?

Yes

Do you support evaluating existing pedestrian-only OSMP trails for potential bicycle access where environmental and safety conditions allow?

Yes

Do you support continued implementation of Boulder’s adopted transportation plans, including the Core Arterial Network, to create a safe, connected bicycle network?

Yes

Do you support continued City investment in maintaining existing bike lanes, multi-use paths and other bicycle infrastructure to keep them safe and usable?

Yes

Do you support continuing the City’s existing bicycle theft prevention efforts, including improving access to secure bicycle parking?

Yes

Do you support City efforts to improve safety through education and enforcement of existing rules governing e-bikes, e-motos and other electric devices on streets and multi-use paths?

Yes

What specific ideas do you have for addressing safety concerns involving e-bikes and electric motos in Boulder? What role should the City play alongside state efforts?

I support more education in particular to parents who purchase them for young adults so they understand where they are and aren't allowed, and what liability they assume. The city has developed a website that contains this information and the school district sends out information, but we need to do more. Our police department has begun tagging e-motos that are not allowed, and I support doing more enforcement if needed. I also support state legislation that will most likely be introduced again this year that helps with the misuse of e-bikes and e-motos.

Boulder has adopted plans to improve bicycle safety and connectivity. What role should City Council play in helping the City carry out these plans?

The City Council should continue to track bicycle accidents and why they occurred. This can help us improve our designs moving forward and course correct where needed. In addition, we can understand from our transportation department where connectivity gaps still exist and develop options to improve connectivity. City council will of course need to find funding, whether through city funds or grant funding.

How should the City balance conservation, recreation and bicycle access when making decisions about Boulder Open Space?

The city will need to continue to listen to the different users of the Open Space, as well as consider our departments' capacity to maintain and change access. In addition, we will need to consider accessibility for new users of our Open Space and people with disabilities. Finally, as we think about usage, we will need to consider parking to access trails, and whether we would consider charging users that don't live in the city.

What is one action City Council could take during your term to improve bicycling in Boulder?

I continue to be concerned with areas in the CAN that still interact with cars, especially on Baseline. I hope that we monitor safety in these areas and quickly respond if we see an uptick in accidents.

Is there another issue affecting people who bike in Boulder that you believe City Council should address?

I support any efforts to reduce bike theft. We are doing better, but people will bike more if they feel confident their bike will be safe when parked throughout Boulder.

BMA’s Board of Directors supports Boulder County Ballot Question 200, which would expand the Board of County Commissioners from three members to five.

Why does a mountain bike organization care about county governance? Because Boulder County makes a lot of decisions that shape where and how we recreate. Trails, open space, transportation, access and recreation policy all run through county government.

Boulder County has grown a lot, but we still have just three commissioners representing the whole county. We think five commissioners would mean more voices at the table, more opportunity for geographic representation and more capacity to tackle the many issues facing our communities.

Question 200 got on the ballot through a citizen-led petition effort by Big Tent BoCo, which gathered more than 18,000 signatures.

For BMA, this is pretty simple: better representation matters. We spend a lot of time working with Boulder County on trails and recreation, and we think a larger commission can help create a government that is more responsive to the different communities, needs and perspectives across the county.

That’s why BMA supports Question 200.

An Open Letter to PLAN-Boulder County, Boulder County Audubon Society and Boulder County Nature Association

We recently saw your action alert asking people to oppose any mountain bike access between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw. We respect your organizations and share your commitment to protecting Boulder’s open space. But the alert significantly mischaracterizes what Boulder Mountainbike Alliance is asking the City to consider.

So we’d like to clear a few things up.

We are asking for one connection, not a new network of bike trails

BMA is not asking the City to open South Boulder’s pedestrian trail network to bikes. We are not asking for a bunch of new trails through the grasslands. We are asking for one safe, natural-surface bike connection between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw.

And there is an opportunity to create that connection while addressing environmental and visitor experience issues the City identified more than a decade ago. The adopted West TSA plan already calls for rerouting trails in this area, including Lower Big Bluestem and South Boulder Creek West. Those reroutes were identified for reasons completely unrelated to mountain biking.

In particular, the West TSA calls for South Boulder Creek West to be moved away from the riparian area and rare plant communities, with stated benefits that include protecting habitat and wildlife, increasing habitat block size and improving trail sustainability. BMA believes the City can accomplish those conservation goals while also improving the trail experience.
Our proposal is simple: reroute both the Lower Big Bluestem and South Boulder Creek West as already contemplated by the West TSA, allow bikes on one, and keep the other bike-free.
Done thoughtfully, this could move trails away from environmentally sensitive areas, create a better experience for pedestrians who prefer a trail without bikes, and finally provide one safe bike connection through South Boulder.

That is very different from the picture painted in your action alert.

We agree that these grasslands are worth protecting

Your alert describes the ecological importance of South Boulder’s grasslands, wetlands, wildlife and rare plant communities. We agree.

The question isn't whether these resources should be protected. They should be. The question is whether environmental protection and one thoughtfully designed bike connection are mutually exclusive.

We don't believe they are.

Modern trail planning gives land managers tools to locate trails away from sensitive resources, reduce erosion, manage speeds, improve sightlines, concentrate recreation on durable alignments and separate uses where appropriate.

In this case, OSMP already has trails on the ground and already identified environmental reasons to change some of their alignments. Let's use that opportunity to make things better.

This isn't about choosing bikes over pedestrians

Your alert repeatedly refers to protecting “pedestrian-only trails” and suggests that allowing a bike connection would take something away from hikers, runners and dog walkers.

That's not what we're proposing.

We believe one of the two redesigned east-west trails could remain bike-free. People who want a pedestrian-focused experience would still have that option. The other could be designed specifically to safely accommodate bikes and pedestrians.

Concerns about speed, sightlines and interactions between bikes and pedestrians are legitimate. But they are trail-design and management challenges, not reasons to rule out a connection before one has even been designed.

The West TSA does not have to be reopened to consider one connection

Your alert argues that the West TSA was the product of two years of negotiation and “cannot be easily changed without unraveling the interwoven agreements.”

We absolutely recognize the enormous amount of community work that went into the West TSA. But considering one specific connection does not mean throwing out the West TSA or reopening every decision made in 2011.

Plans for public lands need to be able to respond when conditions, community needs and opportunities change. The question before the City today is much narrower: can one safe bike connection be created while protecting the conservation and visitor experience goals of the West TSA?

We believe it can. And OSMP director Dan Burke confirmed that this trail access can be addressed without re-opening the entire plan.

We also need to be honest about the bike-access compromises from 2011

The West TSA process is often described as a carefully negotiated package of trade-offs. But the supposed bike-access concessions deserve some context.

Chapman Drive eventually opened to bikes, but Chapman is a road miles north of South Boulder. It does nothing to solve the missing connection between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw. Betasso Preserve is owned and managed by Boulder County, not the City of Boulder.

And the Eldorado Canyon-to-Walker Ranch connection depended on multiple agencies, land ownership and decisions outside the City’s control. It was studied for years but never built. Fifteen years after the West TSA was adopted, South Boulder residents still do not have a natural-surface bike connection to Doudy Draw and Marshall Mesa.

We think it is reasonable to revisit that missing connection.

This is also a transportation safety issue

Your alert encourages people to support getting visitors to Open Space trailheads “by bike, bus or on foot” while simultaneously opposing any bike connection between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw.

For people traveling by bike, those two goals conflict.

Today, riding from South Boulder to Marshall Mesa still requires navigating high-stress roads and crossing Highway 128. The Highway 128 and Highway 93 intersection can be particularly difficult during the afternoon commute. Cars waiting to turn south onto Highway 93 frequently back up through the crosswalk, making it difficult for eastbound drivers to see someone entering the crossing.

An experienced adult rider may be willing to navigate that. We don't think it should be the required route for a kid riding from South Boulder to Marshall Mesa.

A natural-surface connection could eliminate roughly 1.5 miles of riding alongside motor vehicles and reduce the trip to a single road crossing. If Boulder wants people to drive less and bike more, our transportation and open space systems need to connect.

We don't have to choose between conservation and access

We respect that your organizations may ultimately disagree with us about bike access.
But that debate should be based on what is actually being proposed.

BMA is asking OSMP to seriously evaluate one thoughtfully designed connection between Shanahan Ridge and Doudy Draw.

We believe the already-planned trail reroutes provide an opportunity to move trails away from sensitive areas, improve habitat protection, improve the pedestrian experience, preserve a bike-free trail and create one safe connection for people traveling by bike.
That's not opening South Boulder Open Space to mountain bikes. That's thoughtful planning.

We have more in common than not

At the end of the day, we believe our organizations have far more in common than we have differences.

We all care about healthy wildlife habitat, resilient ecosystems and protecting all public lands for the long term. And there are much bigger threats facing those lands than whether one thoughtfully designed trail allows bikes, including climate change, severe wildfires, habitat loss, invasive species and proposals to sell or transfer federal public lands.

We may not agree on every trail decision. That’s okay.

But conservation and recreation do not have to be opposing values. We would much rather work together on the big challenges facing public lands than fight over one trail connection in South Boulder.

There should be room for both conservation and thoughtful access.