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Walk, bike, or scoot

For distances shorter than 2 miles, leave the car at home and walk, ride a bike or an e-bike, or use a scooter to get where you need to go!

Walking

Walking short distances is an easy way to get your steps for the day. Want to make the route a bit easier? If using Google Maps or a similar wayfinding app, choose the “wheelchair accessible” option in settings, to avoid stairs and prioritize elevators. Footpath Route Planner records your routes in the app, so you can easily repeat them in the future.

 

Illustration of a man walking with a messenger bag and a woman riding an electric scooter with a helmet, showing ways to walk, bike, scoot instead of driving
Illustration of a man wearing a helmet and riding a bike through a city bike lane, choosing cycling instead of driving to help reduce air pollution

Scooters

Electric scooters are a great way to get around the city! You can purchase and ride your own personal electric scooter, or rent a shared scooter from companies like Lime and Lyft across the Front Range, and Spin in Fort Collins. Discount programs are available for many shared scooters. 

There are a couple basic rules that you’ll need to know when riding a scooter. A helmet is highly recommended for all riders, but in the state of Colorado, any scooter operator or passenger under age 18 is legally required to wear a helmet while in motion. All traffic laws, signs and signals apply to scooters. Electric scooters should not be ridden on sidewalks – they ride in the same lanes that bikes. Do not ride against traffic or the direction of a bike lane. While personal scooters are allowed on public transportation, electric share scooters – like Lime and Lyft – are not allowed on buses and trains.

Biking

Biking is a fast and fun way to get around your neighborhood! Many bike lanes and routes are mapped out on various mobile apps, including Denver’s Bike Streets, Bikemap, Google Maps, and more. You can also integrate biking into a trip with public transit using the RTD app, bike racks on buses and on trains, and free bike storage along major transit routes. 

Free bike repair stations are available along bike paths in various cities and counties, and Denver Public Library locations have basic tire repair equipment available to library card holders. Reduced cost bikes, bike maintenance, classes and other resources are available at various local bike shops and community groups, such as Bikes Together, Boulder Community Cycles, and Bicycle Colorado.

Looking to purchase an e-bike? Many discounts, tax credits, and rebates are available! In 2024, participating Colorado retailers can offer a $450 discount off a qualifying e-bike purchase at the point of sale. Click here for a list of current participating retailers.

Shared bikes are also available for rent in the Front Range from Lime, Bird, Boulder B-Cycle, and Spin in Fort Collins. Local bike shops also offer short-term rentals. 

The Colorado Department of Transportation encourages all cyclists to wear helmets and safety gear, and helmets are required for all class 3 e-bike operators and passengers under 18. Bikes should not be ridden on sidewalks. Do not ride against traffic or the direction of a bike lane. After dark, a rear reflector or rear red light, and a white headlight, are required by law. Remember that you are not the only one using a path or a main road, always be aware of your surroundings. Communication between drivers and cyclists is important so make sure you know your hand signals. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians. 

 

Know when it matters most

When it comes to taking actions to improve air quality, some days are more important than others! Sign up for summer ozone alerts to know when it matters most to take simple steps for better air in your community. Our timely text and email alerts can also help you protect your health.

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