Boulder for All
A new Vision for Transportation in our Community
Boulder needs to rebalance our mix of transportation modes to provide complete streets that serve walking, bicycling, and transit as well as automobiles and trucks.
This will:
- Increase safety for everyone
- Reduce our greenhouse gas emissions
- Increase freedom for children and other vulnerable populations
- Increase our choices for getting where we want to go
- Reduce the cost of transportation
Problems and Solutions
The automobile dominant model for transportation in Boulder, and America as a whole, has led to large numbers of fatalities and serious injuries. It does not have to be this way.
Our primary reliance on automobiles is also causing climate change. Cars and trucks are America’s number one source of greenhouse gas emissions. Boulder has set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, but our city’s rating of its progress toward that goal is “off-track”.
Cars and trucks harm our health and well-being, and they are expensive. The only solution to car traffic is viable alternatives to driving for many or most trips.
The only solution to car traffic is viable alternatives to driving, including frequent and reliable public transit, good facilities for bicycling, and consistently safe and pleasant sidewalks for walking.
We need a Network
A complete cycling network is more than the sum of its parts because no individual bike lane is particularly valuable unless the entire journey is safe. Boulder has not yet reached the “tipping point” where a safe, complete network allows people to feel safe on all bicycling journeys.
Designing for All Ages & Abilities
To make our city safe for travel by walking, bicycling, and other micro-mobility transportation, our streets must be and feel safe for everyone, including those with physical disabilities, age 8 to 80 or beyond. Safety should not depend on the unrealistic assumption that drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians will always behave perfectly. With our current street designs, a simple mistake can quickly lead to tragic consequences.
To achieve safety, we need changes to the design and construction of our streets. This section notes some street engineering solutions that work.
Common Fallacies & Stumbling Blocks
When advocates for multi-modal transportation describe a future that is less dependent on the automobile, we are sometimes met with skepticism (or outright hostility) that may have its origins in some common fallacies. These fallacies can generate considerable angst when change to our transportation infrastructure is proposed. We aim to describe these fallacies and set the record straight so that dialog surrounding proposed change can focus less on fallacies and more on the real tradeoffs that change may involve.
Making the Most of Community Engagement
There is no doubt that arguments surrounding changes to transportation infrastructure can get heated. Sometimes the fire is fueled by prejudices (against government, for example) or hostility toward particular elected leaders. Worse, the debate often happens on social media like Facebook or Next Door, where the algorithms reward negativity and civility is usually optional. For many, it’s a scene so unpleasant that they just choose not to engage. But, truly, city planners need us to engage. So this is a short guide on how to engage respectfully and most effectively.
Getting it Right on Folsom
Envision a vibrant and inviting Folsom "main street" between Canyon and Arapahoe Avenue, that is designed to be a welcoming space for everyone, whether they are traveling along or crossing this corridor.
The City of Boulder has carefully reviewed conceptual design alternatives and gathered public feedback. We now invite you to explore the proposed design options between Pine Street and Colorado Avenue.
Currently, this corridor features narrow bike lanes, curb cuts, unprotected intersections, and conflicts with bus traffic, along with a history of accidents. The proposed alternatives will create a safer, more connected, and comfortable experience for all users, enhancing accessibility and usability to varying extents.
Please give your input at the Open House on April 7th,the virtual Open House through April 11th, or at three in-person events in early April. More info on the City of Boulder Folsom Avenue project page.
The previous 2015 lane re-purposing effort was removed before proper assessment could be completed. The key learnings from this experience are clear: thorough impact modeling is essential, and sufficient study time must be allowed for any new design. What is the impact of bike lanes on local commerce?
Getting it Right on 30th street
The City of Boulder's Transportation and Mobility Department has developed design alternatives that improve north-south travel on 30th Street between Arapahoe Avenue (CO 7) and Diagonal Highway (CO 119). This project will make 30th Street safer, more connected, and more comfortable to travel no matter how people choose to move along or across this corridor. Thirtieth Street for All!
We are very pleased that all the alternatives provide for protected bike lanes and more pedestrian space. Alternatives B and C also improve safety for drivers by reducing vehicle speeds. Alternatives A and C cost the most and, so, would take the longest to implement. In the Storyboard (linked below), the City offers its own analysis of the alternatives in terms of safety, transportation operations, transit, safe and comfortable connections, implementation feasibility ($), and placemaking. As always, there are tradeoffs, but we note that Alternative B maximizes safety improvements for all modes as a function of cost (and, thus, time to implementation).
City staff will recommend an alternative in May – stay tuned for an Open House date – and City Council will be asked for approval on June 26, 2025. Funding has been procured for construction from Pearl Street to the Diagonal (which is enough for the least expensive alternative) as well as the Arapahoe Intersection improvements (which are fully funded).
Please provide your input via the Questionnaire tab The 30th Street Storyboard. The survey closes on March 27th.
FYI - Here’s a compilation of research on the impact of bike lanes on local commerce.
Getting it Right on Iris
The City of Boulder'a Transportation and Mobility department announced their recommend alternative B in July 2024 and Council approved in September. The details of this option (a 2 way protected bike lane and a center turn lane) are provided below and in their storymap. This option prioritizes the Iris Avenue improvements for all travelers offers our community the largest safety and connectivity benefits. Next steps are final design and procurement of construction funds. Below is Community Cycles' analysis and recommendations of alternates A & B. Check out videos of neighbors discussing their experiences with Iris. Iris for All!
Iris Avenue is part of the city’s Core Arterial Network program, which emphasizes the fact that the big streets create about two-thirds of the fatalities and serious injuries caused by automobiles. The city makes an excellent value statement: “We believe no one should be killed or severely injured in traffic crashes on our streets. Moving about Boulder should be safe, no matter how you get around.” It continues, “The CAN is the connected system of protected bicycle lanes, intersection enhancements, pedestrian facilities, and transit facility upgrades that will help reduce the potential for severe crashes and make it more comfortable and convenient for people to get where they need to go along Boulder’s main corridors.”
Resources
Report a Maintenance Problem, City of Boulder
City of Boulder: To report a street maintenance related problem (potholes on the bike path, paths blocked by snow), complete the form and provide your contact information.
Report County Road Service Issue
Boulder County: To report a street maintenance related problem (potholes on the bike path, paths blocked by snow), complete the form and provide your contact information.
Report an Aggressive Driver
If you find yourself in a situation with an aggressive driver, remember you can dial *CSP (*277), free of charge. Report “real time” aggressive driving behavior to the Colorado State Patrol.
Report a Close Call – Inquire Boulder
Have you had a close call with a bicycle, pedestrian or motorist? This data is important and used in analysis of the safety of our streets.
Bike Theft Prevention & Registration
Learn tips and tricks for preventing your bicycle from being stolen, like registering your bike on Bike Index and knowing which lock to use how to properly use it.
Join the Advocacy Committee
We aspire to help Boulder become a dynamic and sustainable city that maximizes the safety, comfort, and convenience of its residents and prioritizes long-term environmental stewardship.