Bicycling
 

Bicycling for all or part of your journey to Fitzsimons allows you to enjoy the sights and sounds of your ride, get some fresh air and get some exercise. You'll also feel better knowing that your actions are good for the environment! Riding your bike to work allows you to arrive at your destination refreshed, rather than annoyed from traffic. If your commute is too far to bicycle the entire way, you can combine your bike trip with a trip on light rail or the bus. All of RTD's buses have racks or cargo space for bikes, and you can take your bike on light rail any time (although you do

need a permit). To get a light rail permit, go to the RTD website and click on "How to Ride" and scroll down the page and click on the "Bike-n-Ride" link to apply for a light rail permit.
 
What you need to know about bicycling to Fitzsimons

• There are a few on-street bike routes and off-street paths that feed the Fitzsimons campus. However, it's likely that you'll need to fashion your own route to get to work. Don't be deterred, however, as you don't need a street to be a designated route to ride on it!



• 17th Ave. - Signalized intersection at Peoria.



• Montview Blvd. - Signalized intersection at Peoria. Montview does have bicycle lanes on it in Denver (bike lanes start at Yosemite).



• Quentin St. is the only signalized intersection that provides a signalized intersection for north-south routes directly into Fitzsimons.



• 13th Avenue is a signed bike route in Aurora



• Moline Street is also a signed bike route in Aurora



• Sand Creek Greenway - provides access into the campus for neighborhoods to the north, as well as access to the greater Metro area.

Tips for bicycle commuting Make sure your bike is in good working order. Have your bike tuned up at the local bike shop. It's not that expensive and it's worth the peace of mind. Get a map and plan your route. The Fitzsimons TMA can assist you in planning the best route to get to campus. Even better, ride the route in advance so you can get a feel for what the ride will be like and how long it will take.

• Familiarize yourself with the rules of the road. Obey traffic signals, use hand signals, and ride predictably and with the flow of traffic.



• Don't ride on the sidewalk. Motorists aren't expecting to see you there, and it creates dangerous situations at driveways and intersections. Sidewalk bicycling also increases chances of conflicts with pedestrians.



• Buy a good lock and know how to use it. Avoid using cable locks and instead opt for a quality u-lock. Better yet, use 2 locks.



• Wear your helmet! Also, replace your helmet every 2-3 years. Sunlight, sweat and the elements can break down your helmet's inner core and cause it to be less effective in the event of a crash. Also replace your helmet after a crash where the helmet has been impacted. The helmet already did its job once, so it's time for a replacement.



• Be visible. Do whatever you can to make yourself visible to motorists. Have a headlight and taillight at the minimum. Other reflective items such as vests, tape, and additional lights will help you been seen.



• Be heard. Use a bell or your voice to signal to other cyclists and road users.



• Be nice! Be courteous to your fellow cyclists and practice good trail etiquette.

Top 10 reasons to commute by bicycle:

1. It's good for the environment. Zero emissions.



2. It's good for you -aerobic activity will help keep you in shape.



3. No worries about finding a parking place.



4. Save on gas.



5. Save on car maintenance costs.



6. It's refreshing and you'll arrive at your destination feeling invigorated.
7. With the calories you burn off riding, you can eat more!



8. Camaraderie - wave and smile to other cyclists you see on your ride.



9. Freedom - you are in control of your own transportation



10. It's fun! Bring back that feeling you had as a kid when you took off on your bike.

Walking

When you think about it, all of us are pedestrians for at least part of our commutes. You walk to your car, walk to the bus, walk into the coffee shop for your morning caffeine fix, or walk your child to the door at school. So why not walk to work, or at least make walking a bigger part of your day?

 
Reasons to walk for transportation and for pleasure:

• Walking has no adverse effects on the environment.



• People who walk have reported higher energy levels and reduced stress levels



• Walking is adaptable to your own timetable. Walk at your own pace.



• Walking affordable. Anyone can do it and there's no special equipment involved



• Walking provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in the surroundings, such as enjoying the changing seasons or the gardens along your route. The Fitzsimons campus offers a variety of environments in which to walk so you'll never be bored. Plus, the campus changes on a daily basis and you can watch it change before your eyes.



• Check out the Sand Creek trail or walk to lunch at the new retail area at Fitzsimons Parkway and Colfax, just to the southeast of campus.



• It's an easy way to add activity to your day without having to pay for a gym membership.



• Your dog will love you even more!

How to incorporate more walking into your day:

1. Walk to work.



2. Walk during your lunch hour.



3. Walk instead of driving whenever you can.



4. Take a family walk after dinner.



5. Walk the kids to school.



6. Go for a half-hour walk instead of watching a TV show you don't really care about.



7. Take a walk through the office instead of a coffee break.



8. Get off the bus or train a stop early and walk.



9. Take the long way to the drinking fountain.



10. Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.



11. Park farther from your destination and walk.



12. Walk to a co-worker's desk instead of e-mailing.



13. Start a lunchtime walking club in your office or workplace. Having a walking buddy or buddies can motivate you and keep you on track.