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Are you looking to experience Colorado by bike? Do you live in Colorado and want to ride more for recreation and transportation? Are you planning to ride your bicycle during your Colorado vacation? Here are a few resources for helping you plan your trip.

Our extensive library of bike maps and resources is a great start for experiencing Colorado by bike! You may also purchase paper copies of some maps in our store.

Please note that while we are providing these and other resources to get you started, we are unable to assist individuals with detailed trip planning.

Photo courtesy of rodeo-labs.com

Who can help me plan my Colorado bicycling trip?

The Colorado tourism website has multiple resources for planning your trip. We also recommend exploring the bike maps and resources here on our site. 

If you have further questions, we suggest reaching out to city/regional tourism offices. Other helpful options include searching for online ride forums, local bicycling Facebook groups, Strava data or simply telephoning bike shops in the area you wish to visit.

Please note that Bicycle Colorado is primarily an advocacy and educational organization. Our staff is not able to help individuals plan cycling trips.

What can I expect regarding weather and road conditions?

Your best resource for road information is the Colorado Department of Transportation’s travel planning site. They even have an app for on-the-go planning.

Generally, paved roads are clear of snow after May 1, except for Independence Pass and Trail Ridge Road, which usually open around Memorial Day. High elevation trails can be muddy until mid-June or July.

Please respect our trail builders and DO NOT ride on muddy, sloppy singletrack trails as doing so can cause significant damage. Unlike some geographies, Colorado’s natural-surface trails generally do not fare well when wet.

Weather can vary day-to-day and even hour-by-hour. Come prepared for everything from heat to thunderstorms to snow–even in the summer!

What are Colorado's bicycling rules and laws?

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s Colorado Bicycling Manual is a good resource for the rules and laws (En Español). We also have most of the information reproduced here on our website (Rules of the Road and IMBA’s Rules of the Trail) for your convenience.

Can I ride my bike on interstate highways?

Most shoulders on interstate highways are open to bicyclists except in metro areas and along specific mountain passes (you cannot ride Vail Pass through Glenwood Canyon, I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel or CO-6 from Golden to its I-70 intersection, for example).

Alternate routes and adjacent bike paths can help get you where you’re going. For a more comprehensive guide, please explore the Colorado Bicycle and Byways Map prior to planning a trip to make sure you don’t end up somewhere it’s not safe to be.

Where can I rent a bike?

Most bike shops and ski resorts rent bicycles. You may also check out the Hub, our comprehensive resource for riding your bike in Colorado!

If you want to bring your own bike, check out BikeFlights as a shipping alternative.

Traveling with a bike on public transportation (and airlines)

Most of the large- and medium-sized cities in Colorado have some form of public transit that can accommodate bicycles. Between riding and taking a bus or train, you can get around fairly easily without a car (if you’re willing to make the effort!).

FLYING WITH YOUR BIKE

Check out BikeState38’s guide to packing and flying with or shipping your bicycle.

REGIONAL

Bustang is a regional, North-South route between Colorado Springs, Denver and Ft. Collins, with separate service West to Frisco, Vail, Eagle and Glenwood Springs.

DENVER-BOULDER-GOLDEN-EVERGREEN

RTD Bike-n-Ride information (airport train, commuter rail, light rail and bus service)

COLORADO SPRINGS

Mountain Metro public transit (bus service)

SUMMIT COUNTY

Summit Stage (FREE bus service)

DURANGO

Public transit (bus service and trolley routes)

Bicycle Colorado
@BicycleColo

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  • DON’T DELAY: We’re placing another order for #BicycleColorado masks made by our friends at @primalwear TOMORROW (5/14) at noon! Click the link in our bio to get yours now!
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We’re thrilled to see so many people out enjoying (and often rediscovering the joy of) riding a bike right now, and we’re asking ALL bicyclists to do their part to prevent the spread of #covid19 by wearing a mask or other face covering when out for a ride. Doing so keeps you, your loved ones, those around you, and all Coloradans safer while helping reduce stress on our medical system. If you still need a mask, click the link in our bio to pre-order one now and support our advocacy work! Thanks so much to everyone who has already purchased, and to @primalwear for supporting our efforts over the years. Ride on.
  • #BicycleColorado volunteers and staff members spent time today helping @denverurbangardens and @denverfoodrescue deliver “Grow a Garden” food boxes to home-bound families in Denver—via bike! Supporting our community on two wheels makes for a great way to spend a sunny day. Many thanks to our friends @ddchen47, David M., and @juggernautcargo for your help! Head to denverfoodrescue.org or dug.org to learn more about these great local organizations. #rideyourbike
  • Tonight the #BicycleColorado team celebrated Stacey, our outgoing Development Director, with a virtual happy hour. Stacey has been an absolute rockstar for BC. We’re sad to see her leave, but thrilled for her as she heads out on a new adventure (hopefully in the #BikeAdvocacy space!) in North Carolina. Please join us in wishing her well!