Bicycling in Boulder: Ditch the car and say hello to handlebars

The bike paths and lanes are the veins of Boulder, pumping people to and fro.

The city boasts more than 300 miles of dedicated bikeways, 80 underpasses, 38 B-cycle bike share stations and a community vibrantly supportive of the spoked mode of transportation.

But in sharing the road with drivers, there can be tensions between who’s responsible for what. There were five cyclist fatalities in 2016 and there have been two so far this year, but the two manage to coexist in harmony the rest of the time.

If you missed Bike to Work Day at the end of June, it’ll be back again in 2018, but after the winter version in January. They’re two days comparable to any other recognized holiday, when bike commuters and those normally behind the wheel come together for free food and goodies set up around Boulder. Not to be confused with Tube to Work Day, which involves a commute down Boulder Creek and lands in

For University of Colorado students without their own pedals, more than 250 bikes are scattered throughout the city at the 38 B-cycle bike-share kiosks, and once they have been used, can be returned to any station in the city.

Students might be eligible for a free Boulder B-cycle annual membership through the CU Environmental Center, through a program offered in partnership with the E-Center. CU also has two bike stations, at the UMC and Folsom, that offer maintenance checks and other services.

Some of the accessible connecting bike paths — clearly marked with green signs indicating “Bike Route” — include the Boulder Creek Path, Goose Creek Path, Skunk Creek Greenway, Bear Creek Path, LoBo trail and Foothills Trail, utilized by skateboarders, bikers, pedestrians and runners.

Every Thursday evening from spring through fall, the Boulder Cruiser Ride welcomes hundreds of costumed participants that yell, “Happy Thursday,” to whoever they pass.

Contrasting with the leisure riders, elite cyclists come to Boulder to compete in a number of races held throughout the year.

Mountain biking enthusiasts around the world also are attracted to the areas in and around Boulder because of the hilly and rocky landscape of the Flatirons.

The Canyon Loop Trail at Betasso Preserve has sweeping views of the Boulder canyon, and the Marshall Mesa trail provides stunning views of the Flatirons along its rolling trail. Easier rides can be found at Walker Ranch Loop west of Boulder, accessed by way of Flagstaff mountain. The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance website features details on these trails and more.

On 40 acres at the corner of Valmont and Airport roads by the Parks and Recreation Department, the Valmont Bike Park is a well-groomed park designed especially for cyclocross riders. It also features a toddler track. In January 2014, it was host to the Cyclocross National Championships.

Whether you’re commuting to campus or to work, pushing the pedal for a good workout or looking for a new mode of transportation, bicycling in Boulder is the way to go.

Amelia Arvesen: twitter.com/ameliaarvesen