Colorado Bicycling Manual
A Guide for Using Roads and Trails
Source: Colorado Department of Transportation Bicycle/Pedestrian Program
All levels of government in Colorado are participating in engineering, enforcement, education, and encouragement efforts to make bicycling a practical transportation choice, and the Colorado Department of Transportation continues to encourage the development of facilities and programs to accommodate safe and efficient travel options.
Bicycling is a very energy efficient form of transportation and includes many benefits such as improved health, less stress, and reductions in air pollution, traffic congestion, and energy consumption. In addition, bicycles are affordable and inexpensive to maintain, and driving a bicycle is a lot more fun than sitting in traffic on a congested roadway.
The State of Colorado recognizes the benefits of using bicycles as an alternative form of transportation and highly recommends their use for commuting, errands, and recreation. Many trips normally taken by car can be pleasantly and efficiently done by bicycle. Bicycle transportation is particularly efficient for short trips of ten miles or less and can be combined with other alternative modes for longer trips.