Watch for Bicyclists This Weekend – Bergen Park to Avon

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is advising drivers to be prepared for a large number of bicyclists traveling on U.S. 6 over Loveland Pass on Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10.

On Saturday, about 3,500 bicyclists are participating in the Triple Bypass Bicycle Tour and will be using Loveland Pass from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to travel west from Jefferson County, and through Clear Creek, Summit and Eagle counties to Avon.  On Sunday, more than 1,200 cyclists are expected to travel eastbound over Loveland Pass, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as part of the return trip.

Since bicyclists will be traveling on U.S. 6 over Loveland Pass, the highway will be closed to ALL traffic EXCEPT to hazardous materials trucks between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. both days. The hazmat vehicles will be escorted over the pass, as follows:

• Eastbound escort at the top of the hour
• Westbound escort at the bottom of the hour

In addition to U.S. 6 over Loveland Pass, the route for the ride includes Jefferson County 103/State Highway 103 between Bergen Park and Idaho Springs, the Interstate 70 frontage roads through Vail and U.S. 6 between Dowd Junction (U.S. 6 & 24 junction – west of Vail) and Avon.

The Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement will be monitoring and assisting with traffic control.

CDOT is recommending all motorists and bicyclist use extra caution and Share the Road.  Drivers are reminded to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing – even if it requires crossing the center line, if it is safe – or risk a ticket. 

Cyclists also must ride as far right as possible, and not impede traffic when passing other riders or riding two abreast.