The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) recently launched two initiatives to enhance safety and bolster its bicycle program.
DOTI officials said the new year would begin with upgrades to 15 intersections along East Colfax Avenue to enhance safety for all users and pedestrians, in particular, noting Colfax Avenue is one of the busiest pedestrian and transit corridors in Denver and is on the city’s High Injury Network.
The scope of work involves crews using bollards and paint to shorten crossing distances for people on foot and to carve out places where pedestrians can stop in the middle of the street, if needed, noting more safety signage will also be added along the corridor.
Meanwhile, there will be a rapid buildout of 125 miles of bike lanes the DOTI plans to deliver by 2023, with personnel announcing the action at W. 35th Ave. and Irving St.
There will be bike lane striping coordination during street paving, as well as high comfort bike facilities that will serve as backbones for future bike lane buildouts.
Neighborhood bikeways features will include new signage designating the roadway as a neighborhood bikeway, pavement markings orienting bikes, and reminding vehicles the road is shared – discouraging speeding and makes the street safer for everyone.