Colorado Springs’ controversial e-bikes ordinance proposal is discussed with longtime trail advocates Kent and Ruth Obee. The proposal would define Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, powered by an electric motor, as “non-motorized use,” in order to “comply with” or “circumvent” (depending on your point of view) the voter-approved TOPS (Trails, Open Space and Parks) prohibition of motorized vehicles in TOPS-acquired spaces.
The proposal was recently approved by the Parks Advisory Board, and is expected to be considered by Colorado Springs City Council in December. It was rejected in a November 6 TOPS Working Committee meeting. E-bikes are currently not allowed on trails in parks and open spaces procured by the TOPS program.
For over 25 years, Kent and Ruth Obee have served on boards and volunteered their time for numerous park and open space projects and agencies, including TOPS.
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Mayor Yemi Mobolade
Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates
Steve Harris
Palmer Land Conservancy
Colorado Springs Utilities Budget and rate increases
Closure of the Rockrimmon branch of the library
Downtown safety, recreation and parking enhancements
Downtown Colorado Springs
State Representative Marc Snyder
U.S. House Candidates River Gassen and Jeff Crank
GrowthBusters documentary
Rocky Mountain Film Institute
Independent Film Society of Colorado Springs
Ent Center for the Arts
LINKS:
City of Colorado Springs Ebike Policy Info
Colorado Springs E-Bike Policy Gains Narrow Vote of Approval
Colorado Springs Residents Call on City to Help Pay Rockrimmon Library Lease Before It Closes
NEW City Parking and Curb Management Plan Survey
2025 Art on the Streets Call for Entries Now Open – Feb 12 deadline
GrowthBusters: Hooked on Growth (documentary produced by Dave Gardner)
EVENTS:
Ice skating in Acacia Park – opened November 15
RMFI’s Annual ShinDIG – fundraiser (Rocky Mtn Field Institute)
Thursday, November 21, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Meanwhile Block, downtown
November 29 – December 22, 2024: Sense & Sensibility
Ent Center for the Arts at UCCS
SUNDANCE SHORTS TOUR and SUNDANCE INDIGENOUS FILM TOUR:
Friday Dec 6t and Saturday Dec 7
Independent Film Society of Colorado
Cottonwood Center for the Arts
Tickets, film guide and more info
Loving the Springs celebrates the best of Colorado Springs and works to elevates the rest.
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A Colorado Springs TOPS Open Space is an (arguably necessary) urban adaptation of a Wilderness Area. The need to be realistic is unavoidable, however much we wish otherwise. *Never* will the traditional (no motor) cycling community give up – now – use of our open spaces. The misstep was made by permitting them in the first place. Putting a red line in place today is the best we can do in service of passionate protection of the gem which is TOPS as we move forward. And when I say “we” I am invoking the vote of the people.
Thanks for listening and commenting, Donna. Please recommend the podcast to your friends! It deserves a large audience, don’t you think?
Absolutely! And many thanks to Al Brody for his kind observations about the book donation. How shall we reach more folks who have well-loved books in their personal libraries which they are now ready to donate to our Parks Department and other library-less city sectors?