Bicyclists to tour Southwest Colorado Aug. 28

Travel Advisory

August 24, 2023 - Southwestern Colorado - Drivers are urged to watch for cyclists during the five-day ride

Southwest Colorado— The Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado State Patrol urge drivers to be prepared to share the road during the annual Colorado’s Ride event held the last week in August. Approximately 175 bicyclists will be riding along several highways and county roads between Silverton, Durango, Pagosa Springs, and Wolf Creek Pass. The event will take place over a 5-day period (August 28 to September 1) between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.

Dates and Highway Locations:

August 28: US 550 - Durango to Silverton

August 29: US 550, US 160 & CO 172 - Durango Loop

August 30: CO 151 & US 160 - Durango to Pagosa Springs

August 31: US 160 - Pagosa Springs to Wolf Creek Pass

September 1: US 160 - Pagosa to Durango

View times and exact course details on Colorado's Ride Course Description Webpage.

Safety Tips for Drivers and Riders

Motorists are encouraged to stay alert and share the road with cyclists:

  • Focus on driving and avoid using cell phones and other personal devices
  • Slow down and keep your eyes on cyclists and pedestrians
  • Cyclists have a right to use all the roads in Colorado unless expressly prohibited
  • Pass with care and keep track of cyclists in your rear and side mirrors

Cyclists shall obey traffic laws - you’re a vehicle too!

  • Ride with the flow of traffic
  • Ride single file at all times and pass other bicycles quickly
  • Scan the road, anticipate hazards and communicate your moves to others
  • Use hand signals to alert nearby vehicles to turns or lane changes

For more information about Colorado’s Ride event, visit the event website: www.coloradosride.com

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!