Boulder County Approves Historic Erie-to-Boulder Regional Trail
Boulder County took a significant step forward in regional connectivity on October 24th when County Commissioners approved the Boulder to Erie Regional Trail (BERT) Plan, selecting Preferred Alignment 1B for the project. This landmark decision paves the way for the Front Range’s first rail-trail project.
Thank you to everyone who spoke up and wrote letters in support of the Boulder to Erie Regional Trail!
The approved 8.5-mile trail will transform transportation options between Erie and Boulder by utilizing an existing railroad right-of-way. The path will create a safe, separated pathway parallel to Valmont and Isabel roads, connecting to Boulder’s planned Valmont Road Multi-Use trail and Valmont Bike Park. Most importantly, it will provide a protected route along currently dangerous bicycling corridors (especially Isabel Road).
The approval represents the culmination of five years of comprehensive planning, including technical analysis by Boulder County Planning staff, extensive community engagement, and collaboration with key partners including RTD, City of Boulder, and Town of Erie, as well as input from adjacent property owners.
The measure passed with support from Commissioners Stoltzmann and Loachamin, while Commissioner Levy, though supportive of the trail concept, voted against the specific 1B alignment.
This victory reflects strong community advocacy from numerous organizations. Community Cycles, the Coalition for Cyclists, Boulder Mountain Bike Alliance, Boulder Junior Cycling, and Boulder Transportation Connections all played crucial roles. Hundreds of county residents also contributed through testimony and letters of support.
Looking ahead, the project now enters the planning phase, with county staff working to secure funding for implementation. Once completed, the BERT will offer safe commuting options for east county and Gunbarrel residents. The trail will provide recreational opportunities for families and individuals, creating a protected route that avoids high-speed traffic areas. Perhaps most significantly, it will establish a seamless connection from Erie to central Boulder.For detailed maps and planning documents, visit Boulder County’s BERT webpage.