(Text reprinted from Bicycle Colorado enewsletter) Bicyclists have long been required to ride along the shoulder for portions of Interstate 70 through the mountains due to a lack of parallel routes. Two bike path projects underway look to change that, providing safer and more scenic routes for bicyclists.

Bakerville-Loveland Trail Nearing Completion

Currently under construction, the Bakerville-Loveland Trail will complete a missing link for one of Colorado’s major cross-state bicycling routes.

Efforts led by Team Evergreen and Bike Jeffco brought together Clear Creek County officials, CDOT and the US Forest Service. Bicycle Colorado supported these project participants with recommendations on trail specifications and signage. Trail construction is expected to be complete by late summer/fall 2010.

Genesee-El Rancho Trail Planning Begins

Plans and funding for the Bakerville-Loveland Trail triggered new discussions about similar bike route needs from Genesee to El Rancho and Evergreen Parkway, another location where bicyclists have no option but the I-70 shoulder.

Funding is expected to come from the 2009 Colorado FASTER bill. Formal planning discussions have begun with Team Evergreen, CDOT, Jefferson County, and Bicycle Colorado.