A Sustainable Buff's perspective on getting around Boulder

Anonymous — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

A Sustainable Buff's perspective on getting around Boulder Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 02/24/2023 - 00:00

Samantha Tindall

I always try to be sustainable when I’m getting around Boulder. Traffic sucks and parking on campus is expensive. Luckily enough, the most eco-friendly ways to get to campus are also the most cost efficient. It can be as simple and refreshing as walking. The bus system is another great way to get around Boulder. If you are unfamiliar with public transit systems, taking the bus may feel daunting. Lucky for you, I have been taking the CU buses for four years. I have dealt with the frustrations and I am here to share the tips and tricks with you. It’s convenient! And at times, super frustrating.

We’ve all had our issues with the buses, whether that’s getting on the wrong one (why does the same colored bus go two different directions?? I’m looking at you, HOP and Buff Bus), getting the door shut on your backpack, or just missing the bus entirely.

I have found a few helpful tips to manage the bus successfully. I use Google Maps and Transit to navigate the 10+ routes that go around and out of Boulder. I typically use Google the first few times I’m using a bus because it will follow your location through every stop and tell you how many until you get off. Transit shows you the stops, but I find it less precise than Google.

Switch to the Transit app as you get more familiar with the route. It shows real-time locations and helps you to plan out your trip. The most important tip I can give is getting to the bus stop earlier than you think is necessary. It's not fun seeing your bus speed away as you watch from half a block away.

Have you used the buses to go to the airport or into Denver? Those buses are spacious, comfortable and free to use with your RTD passes. Plus, the buses are allowed where the cars are not on highway 36, so you can avoid congestion.

Suppose buses aren’t your thing - no worries. There are other sustainable methods of travel to get around Boulder. The lime scooters can be a fun way to get around East Boulder, but be careful. They can be rented through the Uber app, but they aren’t included with your tuition like some of the buses or the bikes but are still a relatively affordable option.

The bCycles are another great option. I haven’t used them myself, as I have my own bike, but I know plenty of people who have taken them and are highly appreciative of them. Plus, with so many bike locations, it’s so easy to take them around campus and connect them back to the station, even all the way to East Campus!

Save money and avoid traffic with these tips on getting around town sustainably.

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CU Boulder recognized as a Gold Bicycle Friendly University

Anonymous — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 07:00:00 +0000

CU Boulder recognized as a Gold Bicycle Friendly University Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 01/12/2017 - 00:00

The League of American Bicyclists has recognized the University of Colorado Boulder with the Gold Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) award, joining 18 other Gold Bicycle Friendly Universities.

The University of Colorado Boulder joins a cutting-edge group of colleges and universities across the United States transforming their campuses and the communities around them. There are now 164 BFUs in 44 states and Washington, D.C.

“In its fifth year, we’ve seen the Bicycle Friendly University program’s momentum continue to grow and reach even more campuses across the country,” said Bill Nesper, Programs Director. “We applaud this round of BFUs for raising the standard and being innovative in making bicycling a safe, convenient and enjoyable option for students, staff and visitors alike.”

Being a Bike Friendly University has given students and faculty of the University of Colorado Boulder easy options for traveling via bicycle. The University encourages bicycling as a healthy option for sustainable travel and provides amenities such as bike stations for no additional cost bike repairs, rentals, registration, secured storage and information about B-cycle bike share stations on campus. CU strives to get all affiliates out of cars and into a better mode of transportation such as on a bike, bus, carpool, foot, skateboard or a combination of those.

Moving forward, the University of Colorado Boulder will have access to a variety of free tools and technical assistance from the League to become even more bicycle-friendly. When colleges and universities invest in bicycling, great things happen: Decreased carbon footprint, decreased need for parking and increased use of sustainable transportation options to and from campus.

To apply or learn more about the free BFU program, visit the League online at www.bikeleague.org/university.

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program

The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by Planet Bike and League members. To learn more about building a Bicycle Friendly America, visit www.bikeleague.org/BFA.

The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment is to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful, unified voice for change.

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