Bicycle Friendly Community

Golden, CO | Bronze Level

Community Highlights: Golden has a sustainability resolution that commits the community to reducing vehicle miles traveled by 15 percent by 2017. To reach this goal, Golden recently invested in the construction of two important connections that literally bridge the gaps between the northern and southern halves of town as well as an accompanying trail connection that links two popular shared use trails and increases connectivity. Golden offers the Safe Routes to School program at all elementary schools. The community's commitment to cycling is represented by the creation of a Bikability Task Force that worked with city staff to update the Bike Master Plan and recommend numerous ways to improve and encourage cycling as a transportation option. The city has committed funding in the Capital Improvement Plan to address the recommendations of the Bikability Task Force. The first set of improvements made cycling around schools safer by creating bike lanes for streets adjacent to the elementary and middle school. The city has a section of the website devoted to cycling issues and news, a dedicated "bike" email address, and staff members assigned to address cycling issues in the community. The City of Golden has published a color booklet called "Bike Golden!" that is available at locations throughout town and can also be downloaded from the City website.