Survive - Colorado - page 784

GETTING AROUND
Colorado has fairly comprehensive coverage by commuter flights, although the cost may deter most travelers. On the
ground, public transportation leaves much to be desired, and travelers without their own vehicles need to be patient and
flexible to take advantage of the limited possibilities. The most enjoyable way to travel is by car or motorbike.

Air
Colorado has many small commercial airports. All are served by flights out of Denver, and Grand Junction also has
flights to and from Salt Lake City, UT. During ski season, resort airports offer direct flights to major cities around the US.

Bicycle
» Cycling is a cheap, convenient, healthy, environmentally sound and, above all, fun way of traveling. In Colorado, be-
cause of altitude, distance and heat, it's also a good workout.
» Cycling has increased in popularity so much in recent years that concerns have risen over damage to the environment,
especially from unchecked mountain biking. Know your environment and regulations before you ride. Bikes are restricted
from entering wilderness areas and some designated trails but may be used in National Park Service (NPS) sites, state
parks, national and state forests and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) single-track trails.
» Cyclists should carry at least a gallon of water and refill bottles at every opportunity.

» Airlines accept bicycles as checked luggage; contact them for specific rules.

» City and long-haul buses and trains can carry bikes, and in the mountains shuttles are fitted with racks for skis in winter
and mountain bikes in summer.

» Boulder and Denver have bike-share programs called B-Cycle. Fort Collins offers a bike library ( 970-419-1050;

www.fcbikelibrary.org ; Old Town Sq; 10am-6pm Thu-Sun with seasonal variations) .
» Rental bicycles are widely available. In Colorado's legendary mountain-biking regions the range of rental options can
be bewilderingly comprehensive. Hard-tail mountain bikes rent for around $34 a day while fancy full-suspension rentals
go for more like $75.
» Bicycles are generally prohibited on interstate highways if there is a frontage road. However, where a suitable frontage
road or alternative is lacking, cyclists are permitted on some interstates.
» Cyclists are generally treated courteously by motorists.

» Colorado currently has no legal requirement for cyclists to wear helmets (but they do reduce the risk of head injury).

Bus
» The main bus line in and out of the region is Greyhound ( www.greyhound.com ) , with a network of fixed routes and its
own terminal in most central cities. It has an excellent safety record, and the buses are comfortable and usually on time.