Pedestrian and Bike Connectivity

Every resident is a pedestrian at some point. Whether walking to school, taking a stroll with family, using a wheelchair, pushing a stroller, walking a dog, or accessing a transit stop, safe sidewalks, trails, and street crossings benefit everyone.

Safety Comes First

It is the city's responsibility to provide safe ways for people to travel throughout the community. There are still gaps in Wheat Ridge's sidewalk, trail, and bicycle network that force people into the street or require unsafe crossings. Filling these gaps will help reduce conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists while making our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Today, many sidewalks and bicycle routes simply end, making it difficult to travel safely across the city.

This investment would create a connected network that links:

• Neighborhoods
• Schools
• Parks and open spaces
• Local businesses
• Transit stops
• Community destinations such as recreation facilities and City services

Better connections mean residents have more transportation options, whether they're driving, walking, biking, or using transit.

Benefits for Residents

Safer Routes to School

• Families deserve safe routes for children walking or biking to school.
• Completing missing sidewalks and improving crossings gives parents greater confidence and encourages healthy, active transportation.

More Independence

• Better sidewalks and trails provide greater independence for:
  • Older adults
  • Children
  • Residents with disabilities
  • People who cannot or choose not to drive

Healthier Community

• Safe places to walk and bike encourage physical activity and support healthier lifestyles.
• Even short walks to parks, schools, or local businesses become easier and more enjoyable.

Supporting Local Businesses

• Communities with walkable business districts often experience increased customer activity.
• Safe bicycle and pedestrian access helps residents reach neighborhood restaurants, shops, and services without always needing to drive.

Fiscal Responsibility

Building Projects More Efficiently

• Constructing missing sidewalks, trails, and bicycle facilities as part of a coordinated citywide program is generally more cost-effective than completing isolated projects over many years.
• Planning improvements together also allows the City to better coordinate with roadway projects and utility work.

Leveraging Outside Funding

• Having local funding available makes Wheat Ridge more competitive for state, regional, and federal transportation grants.
• Local dollars often serve as the required match that can bring additional outside investment into our community.

Why it Matters

Wheat Ridge has made significant progress improving major corridors and community destinations, but important gaps remain. Investing in a connected bicycle and pedestrian network is an investment in safety, mobility, accessibility, and quality of life. By completing these connections, we can create a community where residents of all ages and abilities can move safely and comfortably, whether they choose to walk, bike, roll, take transit, or drive.