Reminder to Cyclists: Vail Bike Path Remains Closed Until Late May

EAGLE COUNTY — The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) would like to remind cyclists in Eagle County that the Vail bike path remains closed for the winter until late May from mile marker (MM) 180 to MM 190 on Vail Pass. There have been multiple reports in the past week of cyclists attempting to ride on the path, which is unsafe due to the current winter conditions in the area and the unsafe condition of the path during the winter months.

Although there have been warm temperatures for the last couple of weeks, CDOT would like to remind cyclists that there are still a couple of months of winter weather expected. As crews continue to focus on keeping I-70 and other highways open to the public during storms, the Vail bike path will remain closed until winter is over. Conditions on the path are currently unsafe for cyclists, as there is melting snow in the area and risks for mud slides and even avalanches. Until the snow pack has melted and temperatures have warmed enough for crews to sweep the path, it shall remain closed.

This past week, CDOT crews cleared small sections of the path to help its engineers take measurements and make plans for an upcoming project to improve the path. However, the work that was completed was solely to prepare a specific area for upcoming construction, and not to prepare the path for cyclists to begin using it. CDOT crews are the only individuals authorized to be on the path at this time.

For the safety of the public, CDOT urges cyclists to utilize safer paths away from the high country until the paths at higher elevations can be properly cleared and prepared for summer use.

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