Re: East Colfax BRT February 2025 Updates

[Bryan Wilson]

Thank you for the update!
There are still some concerns/issues around current & future mobility across & along Colfax. Can we address some of those?

- Business Property Owners need reminding that sidewalks should be cleared immediately after a snowfall. Sidewalks & ramps are often left snow-covered & icy, sometimes for days at a time. It's difficult to "Back the Fax" when neighboring businesses don't clear their sidewalks of snow & ice. Perhaps the Business Improvement Districts could assist in reminding those businesses & maybe go a step further by contracting with a single company to clear those sidewalks in a more timely manner.

- The snow-covered sidewalks as well as narrow or dangerous sidewalks illustrate the need for access across Colfax at EVERY intersection. Can we modify some of the plans to include openings in the median at non-signalized intersections?

- Forcing people with limited mobility to go blocks out of their way to a crosswalk is a concern. Can we include designated pedestrian crossings with some type of RRFB or HAWK signal a minimum of every two blocks? Pontiac St is just one example. This will also result in bike & scooter riders using the sidewalks for blocks to access a safe crossing as well.

- I also noticed some existing bike routes that seem to be left disconnected by this project. For example, Elizabeth St from 12th Ave has been a bike connection to Denver East HS, City Park Esplanade, & 16th Ave for years. How are riders supposed to get from that intersection to 16th Ave whether taking the 16th Ave PBL, or 16th Ave heading East from Detroit St?

Thank you in advance for addressing these concerns!

Respectfully,
Bryan Wilson
Congress Park for ALL

On Tue, Feb 11, 2025 at 1:39 PM East Colfax Ave Bus Rapid Transit Project <colf...@mailchimp.denvergov.org> wrote:

Small Business Grants Opening Soon, Next Chats on Colfax Date and More!

February Update  With work on the East Colfax BRT well underway in Segments 1 and 2, progress continues and grant applications for eligible small businesses will be available soon! Keep reading for more project highlights. Small Business Grant Applications Opening February 18! Denver Economic Development & Opportunity (DEDO) is offering the Business Impact Opportunity (BIO) Fund grant program to support small businesses economically impacted by East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit construction. Applications will open on February 18 and will be accepted through March 18 with a focus on businesses located within Segment 1 of construction (Broadway to Williams).   More information, and the link to the online application, will be available on the DEDO website beginning February 18. Chats on Colfax Join us on Feb. 26, 2025, at Pete's Satire Lounge (1920 E. Colfax Ave.) from 4 to 5:30 p.m. for our next Chats on Colfax, an informal gathering to support small businesses along East Colfax before and during construction. Please RSVP here. In the meantime, check out the small business resources available on the project website. Congratulations to our January #WeBackTheFax Winner! Alison T. was picked as the first winner for the #WeBackTheFax campaign and the winner of $50 in Colfax Cash. Alison stopped by Illegal Pete’s at Colfax Ave. and Race St. and snapped a picture showcasing her support. Keep reading to learn how you could be our next winner!    Join us as We Back The Fax! Support local businesses for a chance to win Colfax Cash, a $50 gift card to use at a local business along the corridor. Here’s how: Eat, drink, shop or play at an East Colfax Avenue business. Take a photo or video showcasing your support for the business. Post on social media with the hashtag #WeBackTheFax and tag the business. Follow and engage with We Back The Fax on the socials at the bottom of this email. Unplugged from social media? Submit your photo via this form. Small business owners on East Colfax Ave can sign up now to receive a free #WeBackTheFax doormat for your storefront! Available exclusively to small businesses located on East Colfax Avenue. Brides of March Bar Crawl  March 15 | 3 p.m. - 12 a.m.  Colfax Clean-Up Day March 29 | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Join us for Denver’s First Annual Brides of March Bar Crawl on March 15! Hosted by Charlie’s Denver, Colfax Ave. and the Lavender Hill Cultural District, this 21+ event welcomes all—but wedding dresses are mandatory! Kickoff at Charlie’s with champagne and the Brides Relay Race, then crawl to six top Colfax bars, ending at Charlie’s for a wild wedding reception with music, dancing, cocktails and cake! Register now! Join us for a community clean-up on March 29 as we come together to beautify Colfax Ave., support local businesses and connect with neighbors! Volunteers will receive refreshments as a thank-you. Bring gloves, good energy and a love for our community. Starting location to be announced soon! Let’s make a difference! Sign up today! Construction Updates The East Colfax BRT project is progressing with work in Segments 1 and 2. New lane configurations have been implemented between Broadway and Elizabeth Street, along with signage and barriers to ensure pedestrian and vehicle safety. While work along the corridor varies by location and block, businesses are open! During construction, RTD will maintain 15/15L service with temporary stops as needed. Visit the RTD website for more information on detours, delays, stop closures and other issues that may affect your route or station. Sign up to receive active alerts and service disruptions by email and SMS text message for your rail line or bus route.   For more information about ongoing work, visit the Construction Updates and Current Activities webpage and sign-up for construction updates. Read the East Avenues Safety Study In 2024, the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) conducted a safety study for East 13th, 14th, 16th, and 17th Avenues between Broadway and the eastern Denver city limits. The study analyzed crash data over five years (2018-2022), user volumes (vehicles/pedestrians/bicyclists), traffic speed data and community input to develop recommendations for reducing crashes and improving safety on these streets. The full report, an executive summary and FAQs can be found on the East Avenues Safety Study project page. DOTI plans to host a webinar in the coming months to review the study’s findings, discuss implementation and ways the community can stay engaged. For related questions, please email EastAv...@denvergov.org. Stay Engaged! We look forward to your continued engagement in the East Colfax BRT Project. Interested in learning more? Visit DenverGov.org/ColfaxBRT. Reach out to the project team directly by submitting a question or comment. Forward this to a friend and encourage them to sign up for East Colfax BRT project email updates. Update Your Email Preferences Follow and engage with We Back The Fax! Copyright © 2024 Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 201 W Colfax Ave · Denver, Colorado 80202 · USA Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

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[Bryan Wilson]

Thank you for your response. Additional clarification below.
Frankly, it doesn't feel like anyone is really looking at the big picture with many of these projects. I see more issues than solutions for bike access.

On Tue, Mar 11, 2025, 10:18 AM Colfax BRT <colf...@denvergov.org> wrote:

Hi Bryan,

 

Thank you for your interest in the East Colfax BRT project.

 

Please find answers to your BRT-related questions below:

 

Will a third Traffic Signal, HAWK Signal, or RRFB be installed at Columbine? (I was specifically referring to 13th & 14th Avenues)

 

As part of Colfax BRT, the existing traffic signal at Colfax and Columbine will remain. Additional modifications to this intersection will include refreshed crosswalk striping and new green crossing markings, special intersection pavement to support bike crossings, and signage directing bicyclists to/from the NW corner curb ramp to sidewalk level. This project is not making modifications to 13th and 14th Avenues. How can we shift away from Elizabeth to Columbine without planning for how riders will cross 13th & 14th from 12th Ave??? 12th currently has a 4-way stop at Elizabeth. If we "PLAN" to install traffic signals, like HAWK or RRFB at 13th & 14th at Elizabeth, we can provide ways for bike commuters AND students walking to Denver East to Safely cross those major roadways. There are already back-to-back signals on 13th & 14th at York & Josephine. Do we really want to have 3 signals in a row along that stretch? 

 

The Denver Moves Bikes team coordinated closely with the Colfax BRT project to ensure that north/south bike connections reflect the updated bike plan. Columbine was determined to be the most direct north/south route that provides consistent north/south bikeway spacing with the rest of the network. It also aligns with the existing bike route up to Esplanade and City Park. Long-term, Elizabeth will no longer be a signed bikeway in favor of Columbine.  We encourage you to review the Denver Moves: Bikes Plan to learn more about this and the 16th Avenue Neighborhood Bikeway. Where will send riders South of 12th??? Clayton at 8th is a planned NBW for Denver Moves Cherry Creek. Why aren't we taking that into consideration? How are riders supposed to get from Colfax & Columbine to Detroit St? Do we not see how this will put more riders on sidewalks? 

 

 

Why can't we plan crossings like Quincy at other NON-SIGNALIZED intersections

 

While we would love for all intersection treatments to mimic Quincy, we need to prioritize limited funding for improvements at locations where higher volumes of people walking and biking will be crossing, such as near activity generators and north/south bikeways. This doesn't mean we need to wall them off to those with limited mobility. I don't understand why we can't at least keep openings for people to cross, ESPECIALLY at Pontiac where there IS a N/S connection through the former Johnson Wales Campus despite it not being on the Bike Map.

 

Are there plans to improve/widen the sidewalk along the north side of Colfax from Elizabeth to Detroit Street as part of BRT?

 

The existing sidewalk condition was not determined to be in a state of disrepair for access to the nearby future BRT center station and therefore was not included in the FTA NEPA evaluation as a required improvement for the BRT. Any future sidewalk widening in this location would likely need to happen on the north side, which is part of the City Park Esplanade Historic District. Please refer to Denver’s Sidewalk Program, which is launching this year, for options to report suggested improvements. Again... How are people supposed to bike from Colfax at Columbine?

 

We encourage you to engage with the following resources to address future related questions. 

·                Downtown Area Bus Improvements

·                Denver Moves: Bikes Plan

·                Safe Routes to School

 

Best,

East Colfax BRT Project Team

[Bryan Wilson]

Hi again East Colfax BRT Team,

Can you please loop in the bike team that were involved with this project? 

If we are shifting the bike route from Elizabeth (which has a bus stop at 12th) to Columbine, can you please then find out how they plan to connect from Columbine at 12th to Clayton at 8th?

Basically connect the Red & Blue dots on the map.

I hope you can appreciate my concern that the North/South Bike Route is going to have a lot of zig-zags which is not ideal for bike commuters. I suspect that even if you identify Columbine as the bike route, many riders, especially high school students, are going to continue to use Elizabeth to get to Denver East High School & City Park.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHL4IMSRoS9/?igsh=MWgzZnowc295d3dpbQ==

Even if we don't have the budget to widen the sidewalk along the north side of Colfax from Elizabeth to Detroit, we should still plan to make that connection later when it can be funded. 

I recently visited Ace on the FAX by bike. We're creating a similar issue at Pontiac for bike commuters and pedestrians to cross Colfax or even make a left turn to ride with traffic instead of using the sidewalk. When trying to cross Colfax from the South side, riders have to go blocks out of their way to Oneida or Quincy using 12th unless they ride on the sidewalks.

Installing gaps in the median seems like a reasonable solution to allow bike commuters to still cross Colfax at this location until better facilities can be funded later.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHL7yX1xwdL/?igsh=MWN1YXB4czF6YWdoYw==

Otherwise, we are going to make it very difficult for people to cross Colfax by bike to support any of those local businesses unless we expect them to ride on the sidewalks, likely against traffic.

I understand budget constraints, but we do realize that more people are going to be forced to ride on the sidewalks, right?

Thank you in advance for your help making Denver more connected by bike!

Respectfully,

Bryan Wilson 

[Bryan Wilson]

Hello South City Park RNO,

Can you please check with your residents if anyone bikes around the South side of Denver East High School to Carla Madison Rec Center, the Tattered Cover, or maybe the Farmers Market during the summer.

https://nextdoor.com/p/Z44RF6DTBWFc/c/1324660374?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=1742149228238

I'm specifically wondering how often people rely on the narrow sidewalk along Colfax & if it will get widened through Denver Deserves Sidewalks since it isn't included in the Colfax BRT project to arrive at Colfax & Elizabeth.

Thank you!

Respectfully,

Bryan Wilson 

Congress Park for ALL 

On Tue, Mar 11, 2025, 10:58 AM Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com> wrote:

[South City Park Neighborhood]

Hi Bryan,

Thanks for checking in! It is my understanding that it is illegal in denver to ride bikes on the sidewalk - has that changed? This seems like an issue that you could potentially take to an advocacy org like the Denver Streets Partnership, which focuses a bit more on the shared uses of streets. 

Ellen Roth

President, SCPNA

On Mar 16, 2025, at 12:30, Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com> wrote:



Hello South City Park RNO,

Can you please check with your residents if anyone bikes around the South side of Denver East High School to Carla Madison Rec Center, the Tattered Cover, or maybe the Farmers Market during the summer.

https://nextdoor.com/p/Z44RF6DTBWFc/c/1324660374?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=1742149228238

I'm specifically wondering how often people rely on the narrow sidewalk along Colfax & if it will get widened through Denver Deserves Sidewalks since it isn't included in the Colfax BRT project to arrive at Colfax & Elizabeth.

<1000023933.jpg>

[Bryan Wilson]

Hello again,

As many of you know, I've been asking about bike connections in & out of Congress Park for quite some time...

For those who didn't follow me on X or aren't on the platform, I had previously posted this thread.

https://x.com/BryanByBike/status/1553738176153325568?t=FiRIJKZJxoIf3k2F7YsnMA&s=19

Further down, I get to my current questions/issues that still exist for the Colfax BRT Project.

https://x.com/BryanByBike/status/1553748141861572609?t=FG0G4TxzXNflfTFTQF0HkA&s=19

Will we signals of some kind for riders to safely cross 14th & 13th now that DOTI is shifting bikes from Elizabeth to Columbine?

Keep in mind, that this would create 3 signals in a row on those roads at York, Josephine, then Columbine.

From there...

What is the plan to connect riders to the new Congress Park Pool?

https://x.com/BryanByBike/status/1553749510697861121?t=ZdIVG7oGx_nXEdZn11dMyA&s=19

What about the Clayton St Neighborhood Bikeway with Denver Moves Cherry Creek?

Can someone please look into these questions for the big picture of a North/South connection for the community?

ThanK you,

Bryan Wilson 

Congress Park for ALL 

On Fri, Mar 21, 2025, 10:25 AM Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello again,

Who would be best to answer the questions below?

Specifically...

How are riders expected to cross Colfax from the future 16th Ave Neighborhood Bikeway on the East side of Denver East High School to then access businesses like Tattered Cover, Twist & Shout, Velowood Cyclery, etc? What about the Carla Madison Rec Center?

How are students & teachers expected to bike to Denver East High School from the RTD Bus Stops at 12th & Elizabeth or farther South in the Cherry Creek North Neighborhood?

Clayton is the planned Neighborhood Bikeway for Denver Moves Cherry Creek, so why route riders East to the Alleyway & then 2.5 blocks back West to Columbine?

Again, it's understandable that we don't have BRT budget for a shared-use sidewalk along the South side of Denver East High School. However, it ABSOLUTELY should be a planned shared-use sidewalk from the Carla Madison Rec Center to Detroit Street. Maybe that could also come from the Safe Routes to School budget. Elizabeth should also be the planned North-South connection from Colfax to 12th and possibly even through the Denver Water Capitol Hill Water facility located on Elizabeth.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. 

Respectfully,

Bryan Wilson 

[Bryan Wilson]

Thank you for the follow-up!!!

I'm going to try to reply below to the bullet points.

Thank you,
Bryan Wilson

On Tue, May 6, 2025, 11:11 AM Colfax BRT <colf...@denvergov.org> wrote:

Hi Bryan,

Thank you for your interest in the East Colfax BRT project and the ideas you have provided. The following consolidates responses to your various questions. 

Regarding your point about a broader view, Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has designated Community Designers to help make connections and address questions across a variety of projects. We’ve copied Molly Lamphier, who handles this portion of the City for DOTI, and would be happy to be your point of contact for all things DOTI moving forward. Please direct your questions to her moving forward; she will let us know when to plug in. 

The East Colfax BRT project design was finalized in 2024 and adopted by the City and County of Denver.  At this time, the federal government also approved funding for the project and its final design, which initiated project construction in October 2024. The design balances the priorities of safety, access and efficient, multi-modal travel along the corridor.

To address your more specific questions:

• Crossings will be limited to signalized intersections to protect pedestrian, cyclist and driver safety. This decision was made with safety and mobility in mind and aligns with Denver’s Vision Zero plan and Denver Moves Everyone 2050, the city’s comprehensive transportation plan. The BRT design aims to create better traffic flow and reduce the number of serious and fatal traffic crashes along East Colfax. For similar reasons, breaks in the median will be limited to signalized intersections where there are BRT stations to allow for pedestrian and cyclist refuge. However, planned BRT stations are spaced, on average, no more than 1/3 of a mile (or 3-4 blocks) apart to support rider accessibility.

I fundamentally disagree with this philosophy. Riders & wheelchair users aren't just trying to access the platforms. Many are simply trying to access businesses on the opposite side of the roadway. This is going to result in more bike & scooter riders using the sidewalks to get to the signal, cross Colfax, & then potentially ride on the opposite sidewalk. I personally would ride on Colfax, but only the same direction of traffic. Myself & other riders are going to ride on sidewalks going the opposite direction of traffic for blocks to reach the closest signal. Just to give specific examples of businesses that I will access, take a look at True Value Hardware & Ace on the Fax. In both cases, riders are going to likely ride two blocks West along the South sidewalk to reach the nearest crossings of Krameria or Oneida. Drivers approaching Colfax at those crossings are going to be looking left for traffic, but not looking right for riders. Anyone who rides on shared-use sidewalks knows that drivers will often not look right for crossing riders. This doesn't feel like it will help "Move Everyone," and will instead make it more difficult for those who rely on micro-mobility or wheelchairs to navigate Colfax.

• New trees will be planted between Madison and Monroe.  You can view the 100% design plans for this section of the corridor here.

Great! Thank you for clarifying. I can see the purple "PROP TREE - SOIL CELL" on the plans, so I'm taking this to mean that those are confirmed & will definitely be planted. Thank you for confirming.

• Storm drains are typically covered during construction to prevent debris, sediment, and pollutants from entering the stormwater system. If this material gets into the drains, it can cause blockages, pollute local waterways, and even damage infrastructure. Kraemer is using sediment control barriers for inlet protection rather than fully sealing the drain—these let water through to mitigate flooding while still trapping debris.

Thank you. I was able to connect with someone regarding the drains. They decided to place different covers over some to allow a little more water to drain. I still am unclear why certain drains are covered when there is no work currently being done at that specific intersection & the nearest construction is more than a block away. Take Saint Paul & Steele as two examples. Water from 13th & 14th is directed down those streets to Colfax where it now ponds. This is true at other streets as well & should probably be addressed.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJWtC26x-Fy/?igsh=NWcwZXBqbnd6NGJs

• A variety of barriers are in place along the corridor to protect the public from construction activity and ensure safe access to nearby businesses and bus stops. Some barriers also help guide pedestrians safely through specific areas. As construction moves forward, some bus stops are being relocated. For the most up-to-date route and stop information, please visit the RTD website. All barriers near bus stops are part of the project’s approved traffic control plan and comply with city and state regulations.

I'm not sure what this is in response to...
My concerns about access are with the plans for the final result & will limit access to businesses.

• We encourage you to reach out to the city’s bike team to discuss your concerns about bikeway plans and connections at bi...@denvergov.org.

I reached out... 
Again, my question for the BRT Project team & for them is the overall plan for some of the North/South Connections. For Congress Park, the plan for Denver Moves: Cherry Creek is to have Clayton as a Neighborhood Bikeway. How will that connect from Clayton at 8th, to Columbine at Colfax? Seems to introduce a lot of lateral movement that is unnecessary. I've asked about directly connecting through the Denver Water Facility, but haven't received a confirmation that's even possible. Also, the plan to add a short PBL along 8th is concerning to me since it likely won't be cleared of snow & ice like a shared-use sidewalk within Congress Park would be. To the North, Elizabeth at 12th is where the bus stop is currently located. I often see Morey Middle School students catching the bus here while Denver East High School students are getting off the bus. Seems to me that we should be planning to make crossings safer at Elizabeth to connect across 13th & 14th to Colfax rather than Columbine. Other examples are Dahlia from Leetsdale to Smith Rd & Pontiac from Severn Pl to Montview. I feel that bike routes need to be connected & direct or people aren't going to use them.

For all other questions related to sidewalks and storm drains, you will receive a more direct and timely response by using 311 City Services.

Best,

East Colfax BRT Project Team

 

 

From: Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 6:14 AM
To: Colfax BRT <colf...@denvergov.org>; Safe Routes to School Program <SR...@denvergov.org>
Cc: Ford, Amy - DOTI HE3258 Manager Department of Transportation and Infrastructure <Amy....@denvergov.org>; com-inbound-e-colfax-av...@us02.procoretech.com; INC Transportation Committee <transpo...@denverinc.org>; DOTI Advisory Board <DOT...@denvergov.org>; City Council District 10 <Distr...@denvergov.org>; City Council District 9 <Dist...@denvergov.org>; City Council District 8 <Dist...@denvergov.org>; City Council District 5 <DenverC...@denvergov.org>; Disabilty Access <Disabili...@denvergov.org>; on2w...@denver7.com; Kyle Harris <kha...@cprmail.org>; ti...@kdvr.com EOC Media Partner COVID19 Response <ti...@kdvr.com>; Denver Moves Bikes <bi...@denvergov.org>; christoph...@9news.com EOC Media Partner COVID19 Response <christoph...@9news.com>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: East Colfax BRT February 2025 Updates

 

Hello again, As many of you know, I've been asking about bike connections in & out of Congress Park for quite some time. . . For those who didn't follow me on X or aren't on the platform, I had previously posted this thread. https: //x. com/BryanByBike/status/1553738176153325568?t=FiRIJKZJxoIf3k2F7YsnMA&s=19

[Bryan Wilson]

Hello Molly,

Thank you so much for agreeing to be the primary point of contact on this! I included you on another email relevant for this discussion.

The D13, Steele St, is disconnected once we hit 17th entering City Park. Heading south it deviates over to Saint Paul St into Cherry Creek North where it connects to a shared-use sidewalk along 1st & turns South along Steele St. Unfortunately, this route was omitted from Denver Moves: Cherry Creek. (Not sure why)

Clayton was included in Denver Moves: Cherry Creek, but it terminates at 8th. I've learned that the existing bike connection on Elizabeth from 12th to Colfax is being shifted to Columbine with the Colfax BRT. (Not sure why)

So...

Can we have a discussion about the plan to connect the two? 

It seems to me like we're going to send all bike commuters around Congress Park like we did with the D13 around City Park and the City Park Golf course. This is going to make a lateral deviation of 3 blocks with each one-way trip from Cherry Creek North to Colfax. I think we can do better.

I've asked Denver Water about the possibility of connecting through the Capitol Hill facility on the north side of Congress Park, but I don't have any confirmation that it is possible. 

Ideally, I would like to see Clayton connect to Elizabeth at 7th Ave Parkway. From there, it could connect Elizabeth across 8th directly into Congress Park and into the Congress Park parking lot. We could then possibly connect through the Denver Water reservoir to the east of the Congress Park soccer fields and then back down to Elizabeth at the entrance to the Denver Botanic Community Gardens.

From there, we could identify Elizabeth as a neighborhood Bikeway from 12th to Colfax. This is important because it's a direct connection, but also because there are already two existing signals at York and Josephine. Placing a signal at Columbine would make three consecutive signals on 13th and 14th, likely leaving Columbine obstructed by stopped vehicles, which happens on Colfax as well.

Let me know if you want to take this discussion off-line & maybe meet virtually, but someone needs to connect with Denver Water who can't publicize the layout of the Reservoir for security reasons.

I'll forward you that correspondence as well.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Respectfully,

Bryan Wilson 

Congress Park for ALL 

[Bryan Wilson]

Hello again, Molly.
I just wanted to follow-up & see if you had a chance to look into any of my bike connection questions through Congress Park related to the Colfax BRT & also Denver Moves: Cherry Creek.

City Park to Cherry Creek Trail via the City Park Esplanade PBL to Clayton St NBW
I just think sending riders up Columbine & then around Congress Park to Clayton feels zig-zaggy & disconnected. Why not use Elizabeth directly through Congress Park & along the upper Congress Park Soccer Fields instead?
https://www.strava.com/segments/39212903


We could also install a wider, shared-use sidewalk along 8th instead of the plan for the short protected bike lane in Denver Moves: Cherry Creek. This is important for the winter months since the bike lane likely won't get plowed & by installing it within the park, DPR can clear it with the rest of the sidewalks.
Shifting the plans from Columbine back to the existing route on Elizabeth will also mean amending the Colfax BRT plans for how bike riders are to cross Colfax & perhaps include a shared-use sidewalk along the North side of Colfax to the South of Denver East High School.

D13 from CCT to City Park via Steele & Saint Paul St
Steele was included in the Colfax BRT & is much more direct.
https://www.strava.com/segments/39213020

Unfortunately, I don't believe it was included in Denver Moves: Cherry Creek, so none of those intersections are planned to get any form of Vision Zero improvements. Will Steele/Saint Paul be planned as a Neighborhood Bikeway at some later date?

There are other issues I would like to discuss, but I believe these are the ones related directly to the Colfax BRT Project.

Thank you!
Bryan Wilson

[Lanphier, Molly - DOTI CE2294 Project Manager II Engineering]

Hi Bryan- Thanks for the follow up. Unfortunately, we do not have current funding for projects that can address the connectivity concerns you have at this time outside of what is happening with Colfax BRT.

 

Best-

Molly

 

Molly Lanphier, MPH | Community Designer
Department of Transportation & Infrastructure | Transportation Implementation Division
720.913.4549 Phone

Molly.l...@denvergov.org

 

CONNECT WITH US | 311 | pocketgov.com | denvergov.org | Denver 8 TV | Facebook

 

 

 

From: Bryan Wilson <bryan...@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 11:22 AM
To: Lanphier, Molly - DOTI CE2294 Project Manager II Engineering <Molly.L...@denvergov.org>
Cc: Colfax BRT <colf...@denvergov.org>; INC Transportation Committee <transpo...@denverinc.org>; City Council District 10 <Distr...@denvergov.org>; cp4...@googlegroups.com; South City Park Neighborhood Association <southc...@gmail.com>; pres...@ccnneighbors.com; CHUN Denver <ch...@chundenver.org>; Safe Routes to School Program <SR...@denvergov.org>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: East Colfax BRT February 2025 Updates

 

Hello again, Molly. I just wanted to follow-up & see if you had a chance to look into any of my bike connection questions through Congress Park related to the Colfax BRT & also Denver Moves: Cherry Creek. City Park to Cherry Creek Trail

Hello again, Molly.
I just wanted to follow-up & see if you had a chance to look into any of my bike connection questions through Congress Park related to the Colfax BRT & also Denver Moves: Cherry Creek.

City Park to Cherry Creek Trail via the City Park Esplanade PBL to Clayton St NBW
I just think sending riders up Columbine & then around Congress Park to Clayton feels zig-zaggy & disconnected. Why not use Elizabeth directly through Congress Park & along the upper Congress Park Soccer Fields instead?
https://www.strava.com/segments/39212903

We could also install a wider, shared-use sidewalk along 8th instead of the plan for the short protected bike lane in Denver Moves: Cherry Creek. This is important for the winter months since the bike lane likely won't get plowed & by installing it within the park, DPR can clear it with the rest of the sidewalks.
Shifting the plans from Columbine back to the existing route on Elizabeth will also mean amending the Colfax BRT plans for how bike riders are to cross Colfax & perhaps include a shared-use sidewalk along the North side of Colfax to the South of Denver East High School.

D13 from CCT to City Park via Steele & Saint Paul St
Steele was included in the Colfax BRT & is much more direct.
https://www.strava.com/segments/39213020

[Bryan Wilson]

Thank you for your response, Molly.

The budget, or lack thereof, is partly my point & why we were connected in the first place...
Why do the plans show Columbine as a bike crossing?
Aerial Map of BRT Stations (Vine St. to Birch St.) - August 2024

This was one of my initial questions & why you were looped in. All the current way-finding along 12th has Elizabeth as the connection down to City Park Esplanade. Plus, 12th at Elizabeth is a 4-way stop.

Will we get a 4-way stop or traffic circle at 12th & Columbine?
What about traffic signals of some kind to cross 13th & 14th along Columbine?

I understand that there isn't a budget currently, but what is the plan to connect City Park Esplanade & Denver East High School to/from the Cherry Creek Trail at Clayton?

The Colfax BRT team said that they had worked with the Bikes team & that is why Columbine is on the plans as the bike connection.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Respectfully,
Bryan Wilson

[Bryan Wilson]

Hello again, Molly!

Just following up...

Why are we shifting from Elizabeth to Columbine from 12th to Colfax? 

Now that's been decided, how are we supposed to connect from 12th at Columbine to 8th at Clayton? 

Who's looking at the big picture on connecting the Cherry Creek Trail and City Park along that corridor from the Clayton Street Neighborhood Bikeway to the City Park Esplanade Protected Bike Lane?

I really would like to discuss this with somebody...

Thank you, 

Bryan Wilson 

[Bryan Wilson]

Hello again,

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get any rationalization for some of the questions below.

- why are storm drains covered where work isn't being done at that intersection especially when water is funneled there from 13th & 14th?

- why can't gaps be installed in the median for those with limited mobility, or for bike & scooter riders to cross Colfax without being forced to the nearest signalized intersections? Are these intersections all being equipped with photo radar enforcement & red light enforcement cameras?

- why do we seem to be limiting bike crossings instead of increasing them? Elizabeth St was a designated bike route, but has been shifted to Columbine. Why? What's the plan to get to/from Columbine from Cherry Creek North which has Clayton planned as a Neighborhood Bikeway? Why isn't a shared-use crossing planned for Pontiac, which should be considered a Safe Routes to School for Denver School of the Arts as well as a great way for the Mosaic Campus to cross Colfax to Ace on the Fax.

Thank you in advance for your help prioritizing Vision Zero in Denver!

Respectfully,

Bryan Wilson