Sustainability Spotlight - July 2024 - Safe Routes to Parks

For so many reasons, walking or riding a bicycle is a great way to get around Wheat Ridge, and it’s getting even better! Bicycle and pedestrian safety are being improved thanks to a grant from the Safe Routes to Parks Colorado Activating Communities program. This program recognizes the need for universally accessible playgrounds and parks, supporting equitable engagement, and investing in safety for active transportation. There has been a swell of momentum building and there will soon be more visible activities taking place right here in Wheat Ridge.

Bike Jeffco was awarded a $10,000 grant to collaborate with Wheat Ridge residents, the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATAT), and the City of Wheat Ridge to improve access to local parks and green spaces. City Council member Rachel Hultin (who also serves as liaison to the Sustainable Wheat Ridge committee) has supported Bike Jeffco and the ATAT in a strong community engagement effort to identify and evaluate locations with a need for safety improvements. Many areas were assessed based on community input, with final attention being drawn both towards 32nd Avenue near Crown Hill Park and Miller Street near Fruitdale Park.

This grant comes with technical assistance and training provided by the Safe Routes Partnership. The national Safe Routes team, along with experts from CDPHE, CDOT, CPW, and Jefferson County Trails, recently visited Miller Street near Fruitdale Park. Our local representatives worked with them to prioritize a plan for Miller Street from 44th to 48th Ave. That stretch includes Fruitdale Park and is book-ended by Mountain Phoenix Charter School to the north and Compass Montessori School to the south, yet the current sidewalks are incomplete, traffic signage is limited, and no safe crosswalks exist.

In September, a pop-up temporary improvement will be installed on Miller Street near Fruitdale Park. Although the $10,000 grant funding will only cover a temporary demonstration of what’s possible, this is an exciting step forward for Wheat Ridge! This will allow all of us to see what a safer community can be, providing Safe Routes to Parks for students and residents, alike. All ages need to be able to traverse neighborhoods safely. Especially when we’re looking to enjoy the amazing green open spaces that Wheat Ridge has to offer. Keep your eyes on Miller Street improvements coming up in September!