Bicycle Friendly Communities

Aspen, CO | Silver Level

Recent bicycling investment: Aspen recently completed the design and construction of the East of Aspen Phase II Trail. This 1 mile, 1.5 miilion dollar project completed a critical, missing link between the east end of town and the downtown core. The concstruction proivded a grade seperated hard surface double track multi-use trail along Highway 82, which is part of the Top of the Rockies National Scenic and Historic Byway.

Bicycling highlights: The City of Aspen has been committed to improving pedestrian and bicycle access since 1985 when the City developed and approved the first Aspen Area Community Plan. This document laid the ground work the development of the entire trails and pedestrian system found today in Aspen. The City has worked closely with Pitkin County, Snowmass Village and other valley towns and municipalities on the development of a regional trails plan for shared use paths. The Rio Grande Trail runs from Glenwood to Carbondale up to Aspen providing safe biking to all areas in between.
The Open Space and Trails Board, formed in 2000 by Resolution of the City council, is the body responsible for reccomending to Staff and City Council the bicycle and pedestrian projects for coming years. Annually, the Board reviews current trail projects, proposes new ones and develops a priority list which is then approved through a detailed budget process. Over the past three years the Board has and continues to focus on trail gaps, safety issues and connecting the city to the six valleys surrounding the town. The goal is to provide a safe, and when possible, a grade-seperated trail for bicyclists and other users.

Bicycling education in 100% elementary schools and 100% middle schools

Signature cycling events: Aspen Cycling Festival (Ride for the Pass and Aspen Criterium), Komen Ride for the Cure, Women's Pro Stage Race During USA Pro Cycling Challenge, The USA Pro Cycling Challenge (host for the event in 2011 and 2012), Wapiyapi Bike Classic, Bike to Work Day

Some coming bicycling improvements: Aspen will design and construct mountain bike trails on Smuggler Mountain Open Space and Big Sky Open Space. The community further plans improvements to the Bob Helm Bridge and the Castle Creek Bridge. An extension of the Hunter Creek Trail and Safety Lighting along the Highgway 82 trail corridor are also in the works.