According ton CNN's Money Magazine, Colorado Springs is ranked one of the best places in the country to live.(money.cnn.com) It is also ranked 18th for being one of the top bicycle friendly cities in the country ,www.visitcos.com.) It is a beautiful city to ride anything in. Proving that, is the presence of the numerous bicyclists and motorcyclists, that are seen on a daily basis in the Colorado Springs area. Both two wheel enthusiasts love Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.
The League of American Bicyclists, rates Colorado Springs as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community. There are 14 miles of bicycle lanes, new resurfacing projects for road side areas and many other bike friendly projects. Colorado Springs encourages safety and proper recognition of the laws of the road. Of course, bicycles have the right of way in nearly all cases. They are required to follow basic road laws and signaling requirements, but basically have leeway on moving around the streets. Colorado Springs promotes riding bicycles for the Green Environment factor. Because of this, as many as 7,500 people participate in riding to work on their bicycles.
Motorcycles do not have special privileges on the streets in Colorado Springs, but they are abundant and are seen many times in groups. If it is an organized ride, the police usually help with traffic concerns. If it is just a bunch of folks riding, it can sometimes get hectic in traffic. If it is a lone motorcyclist, they can sometimes be just as much of a traffic hazard as several. The ones who think they can circumvent the traffic process are usually the ones causing accidents.
With cars, motorcycles and bicycles, maneuvering on the road can turn into a dance. I live on a main thoroughfare in Colorado Springs. One of my recent hobbies has been observing traffic. For the purpose of writing this article, I have recorded several incidents of traffic issues concerning these three modes of transportation and their affect on traffic.
In 30 days, there have been 6 near misses of car vs bicycle. In 4 of those incidences, the accident that was nearly caused was the fault of the person on the bicycle. In all four, the person on the bicycle was either riding on the wrong side of the wrong or in the middle of the road. In all cases, the driver of the car had to swerve and nearly ran up on the curb. The two incidences that were not bike error, were cars that the driver was talking on the phone and obviously didn't see the bike rider.
Motorcycles are fun to ride for many. Between the freeway and the busy road in front of my house, I have witnessed numerous events involving motorcycles. Unlike bicycles, that can jump up on the sidewalk in many cases, motorcycles are not easily moved out of the way. They range from 500 lbs to 1200 lbs. Motorcycles also come in a wide range of sizes and weight, not to mention handlebar placement. Watching hundreds of motorcycle riders over the last month and seeing both men and women ride, it is apparent, there is no standard. Small, lightweight women are seen riding on 1200 lbs motorcycles with extra saddlebags and sometimes passengers. They can just barely touch the pedals and reach for the handle bars. Then you have people riding, what I refer to as "Ape Hangers". These are the motorcycles that have handle bars as tall as the person and sometimes taller. Most always a Harley Davidson with some rider decked out in the garb of the gang.
I do not believe when you go into a motorcycle shop, they fit you to your bike. Do they say, "You are too light to operate this heavy motorcycle," or maybe "The turning ability is gone with the Ape Hangers"? Maybe they should ask how much riding experience on a motorcycle a person has before they send them out the door with a bullet.
Motorcycles and traffic in Colorado Springs seems to collide often. In the last year, there have been numerous motorcycle accidents. One major accident happened on the freeway close to my house. A woman driving a motorcycle couldn't maneuver her Harley Davidson around the curve on the freeway.(gazette, June 2010) Mind you, this curve is a wide, "freeway curve". She was killed because she couldn't handle the thing.
A motorcycle driving by our house recently, with the Ape Hangers, started to turn left on the street by us and almost fell over. I also have video of a motorcycle rider on my way to work. He was on a rocket bike and weaving and dodging through traffic. He came so close to me, I could have reached out and grabbed him. He was going way beyond the speed limit. Another concern with the motorcycles is the alcohol factor. Motorcycles and Bars are a staple for many, I think. During many rides, stopping at the bars is just part of the ride. If you drink while there and then climb back on that hog or rocket bike, you are a deadly weapon.
Colorado Springs is a beautiful place to ride motorcycles and bicycles. Cars are just here. Making it all work without people getting injured or killed depends on the people riding those two wheel fun machines. The laws of the road are meant for all to follow. Bicycles should not be driving down the middle of the street or not stopping at the stop light. Motorcycles should not be weaving in and out of traffic and the laws concerning who can buy a huge motorcycle, should be more closely monitored and revised. When people do not follow the rules of the road, it can create anger and frustration for everyone. It can also create enormous loss for families, that shouldn't happen.
Doing the dance of traffic in Colorado Springs is manageable, if all participate in the program. Bicycles, motorcycles and cars should all be able to co-habitat with dedication and commitment. There riders should obey the laws like everyone is expected to. Two wheels don't give special road privileges. It gives extra responsibilities.
I think Colorado Springs is trying to be all things to all people, in order to create the national titles that they have received over the years. They are trying to accommodate the masses and accommodate Colorado Springs' reputation. Being safe on the roads should be the main focus of coordinating all traffic concerns. Making sure everyone has fun and is safe at the end of the day is the most important issue to be considered from all concerned parties.