transit
Bright Spot in National Western Plan: New Bike/Walk Routes
When voters approved financing for the National Western Center project last week, they gave Mayor Michael Hancock’s administration the go-ahead to create a new neighborhood in northeast Denver. The investment in a long-neglected part of the city is overdue, according to its supporters, who say the National Western Center will anchor economic development there. At the same time, state officials have … Continued
November 9, 2015
Eyes on the Street: Progress on the Lawrence Street Transit Island
The protected bike lanes on Lawrence and Arapahoe streets are well on their way to completion, and so is an accompanying “transit island” that will help people waiting for the bus and people on bikes get where they need to go safely. The island, also known as a “floating bus stop,” gives pedestrians a safe haven … Continued
November 2, 2015
Here’s What’s Missing From Hancock’s Budget for Transit and Safe Streets
Mayor Michael Hancock’s 2016 budget is a step in the right direction when it comes to streets and transportation. But it still falls far short of putting Denver on track to become a city where people can safely and conveniently get around without driving. It’s up to City Council members to influence and improve Hancock’s spending plan, and tonight you can weigh … Continued
October 26, 2015
Tonight: Get on Track With the Future of Transit in Denver
The massive FasTracks rail and bus system is nearly built, with four new rail lines and a bus rapid transit route connecting Denver to Boulder opening next year. FasTracks will connect the city’s suburbs with downtown and Denver International Airport, but what about transit routes that help people travel within the city itself? As Denver’s population grows, its decision makers … Continued
October 22, 2015
Mayor Hancock, City Council Have No Excuse to Shortchange Transit
Mayor Michael Hancock has been quick to tout Denver’s status as a post-recession boom town, but not so quick to use the city’s bulging purse to fund transit and active transportation. That should change, if elected officials follow through on their recently announced budget priorities. According to the City Council’s budget priorities, “transit infrastructure and safety” top the list. The City … Continued
September 8, 2015
How Not to Treat Street Design Near Transit Stations
The Denver Post published a story today by Megan Mitchell that depicts an uprising of sorts against smart street design near the Iliff Avenue Rail Station, which will open next year. Some residents, including Albert Melcher, president of the local neighborhood association, want to nix a planned bike lane and widen a nearby street to handle traffic from the … Continued
July 9, 2015
Here Are Some Better Ideas For Quebec Street Than DPW’s Widening Plan
The Department of Public Works wants to widen several blocks of Quebec Street between 13th and 26th. DPW says adding more lanes is the answer because it will move more cars. But if we want to have safe streets for people to walk and bike, DPW’s four-lane design for Quebec is not the way to go. According to … Continued
June 17, 2015
RTD Votes on Fare Changes Tonight, But Not Discounts for Low-Income Riders
The Regional Transportation District’s fare structure has never been simple. With three tiers of prices that vary according to how far you travel, even locals have trouble figuring out what their trips cost. If a restaurant menu was as confusing as Denver’s transit pricing, it would lose out on a lot of customers. In an attempt to simplify riding … Continued
May 26, 2015
Wes Marshall on How to Make Denver a Walkable City With Safe Streets
When Steve Jobs built the iPod, he had his team design its remarkable look and intuitive function before asking them to cram the technology inside. That’s how CU Denver professor Wes Marshall thinks about Denver’s transition to becoming a 21st century transportation city — think big and then figure out the small stuff. Marshall is an engineer who thinks like … Continued
May 19, 2015
Mary Beth Susman Gets It: Denver Needs More Livable Streets
Before Mayor Michael Hancock and Denver City Council members made transit infrastructure a top budget priority for 2016, Council Member Mary Beth Susman was on a mission to bridge the gaps in the city’s Swiss cheese transit system. The 67-year-old made the case for better bus service in the Denver Post editorial pages last year, then got scolded … Continued
May 15, 2015