Fall colors are in full effect in the Colorado mountains, but so is traffic congestion along I-70 as Front Rangers flock to the high country for leaf peeping season. As motorists plan their trip, using transit options, like Bustang or Pegasus, or carpooling via the TreadShare app, takes vehicles off the road and allows for a more enjoyable ride. For those who drive, using the GoI70 travel forecast can help plan the least congested travel times on the I-70 mountain corridor.
“Congestion on the I-70 mountain corridor can really dampen a trip, so we want visitors to know they have options,” said Margaret Bowes, Director of the I-70 Coalition. “Whether you use an airport shuttle, like Epic Mountain Express, or take Bustang or Pegasus from Denver Union Station or the Federal Center in Lakewood, you can get to many mountain towns along I-70 and then use local transportation to get around once you arrive. The more people using alternatives to driving means fewer vehicles are on the road, making it easier and quicker to get to your destination.”
Sunday, Sept. 25, the GoI70 campaign, which promotes smart travel options that decrease congestion on I-70, provided free Pegasus shuttle tickets to the BIPOC Mountain Collective and Freedom 2 Fly Foundation outdoor recreation groups. These groups strive to increase access to outdoor recreation for Black, Indigineous and people of color, who are typically underrepresented in this space. Instead of driving individually, the BIPOC Mountain Collective was able to meet at the Denver Federal Center in Lakewood and socialize on Pegasus before arriving at the Vail Transportation Center. Vail Mountain provided free bike haul passes and outfitted the group with mountain bikes and gear, exposing new riders to amazing terrain.
“We had an incredible day bonding with our community and playing in nature on Vail Mountain. New riders leveled up on free full suspension bike rentals, which were thoughtfully fitted by the staff at Vail Sports Rental, at their first downhill bike park on the pristine Vail Mountain trails,” said Soha Kushitama, group leader with the BIPOC Mountain Collective and Freedom 2 Fly Foundation. “Getting there using the Pegasus shuttle aligned with our sustainability goals and allowed us to socialize while leaving the driving to the helpful Pegasus operators. We are thankful for the experience provided by the GoI70 campaign and to Vail Mountain for providing us free access and essential equipment to enjoy nature together in the Rocky Mountains.”
“Vail Mountain takes sustainability, as well as access and inclusion in outdoor recreation, very seriously – which is why we were thrilled to host the BIPOC Mountain Collective and Freedom 2 Fly for a day of adventure on Vail Mountain as a part of this GoI70 initiative,” said Megan Madrid, Senior Manager of Product Sales and Services at Vail Mountain. “We encourage all visitors to consider taking advantage of transit or carpool opportunities to get to Vail Mountain, so we can all do our part to reduce emissions and vehicles on I-70.”
Over the past several years, the Colorado Department of Transportation has implemented and expanded transit service offerings along the I-70 mountain corridor. From Bustang to Outrider, and Snowstang to Pegasus, these services link major local transit systems together and respond to demand from the traveling public to have a reliable transit alternative along the highest-traveled corridors in Colorado. Leave the driving to someone else and learn more about the many transit options available for traveling the I-70 mountain corridor and getting around locally at your destination by visiting GoI70.com/transit.
About Freedom 2 Fly Foundation
Freedom 2 Fly Foundation’s mission is to provide growing opportunities of outreach, mentorship, and educational programs that facilitate opening the skies of joyful expression by playing in nature on bikes. While honoring our indigenous cultures, ancient traditions, and offering stewardship of this precious planet through the evolution of cycling, the wheels are in motion to embrace all cultures, ethnicities, and humans to establish stronger roots of unity within the mountain bike community and beyond. Freedom 2 Fly’s annual fundraiser is taking place on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 5 to 9 p.m. at eTown in Boulder and will feature live music, spoken word, independent films, and local artisans and vendors. Visit www.freedom2fly4all.org for more details and to purchase tickets.