Happy new year from Pedestrian and Cycle Manitou (PaC-MAN)! We ring in 2025 with an active transportation interview from Manitou Springs resident Kevin Qualls. Kevin not only enjoys walking around town using the Creek Walk Trail but also riding his ebike to connect to the Downtown Manitou Springs area and the Midland Trail beyond. We hope that you will be inspired to try walking or rolling as a way to replace car trips as a goal this year.
How long have you been living in Manitou Springs and why did you choose to live here?
I moved here in June of 2023 to be with my partner who has lived here for 35 years.
What are the pros and cons of walking and bicycling in Manitou?
Walking in Downtown Manitou and along the Creek Walk Trail is nice. There are also lots of trails around town that are easily accessible on foot. Cycling is a bit more challenging however since some of the roads have a shared designation for both bicycling and cars which I don’t feel comfortable with. Biking along Fountain Creek using the Creek Walk Trail near Fields Park is a nice option to connect with the Midland Trail.
What infrastructure and/or esthetic improvement would have the most positive impact on your walking and bicycling experiences in Manitou?
It would be nice to have more designated biking routes, which I know is an issue since the roads are already narrow. The walking/bike path that goes from the pool to town is a nice improvement with the concrete which has helped with drainage and rutting that used to be an issue in the past. It would be nice to see more plants, flowers and trees planted along all the creek paths. They did a nice job with the Adam’s Crossing area, but the upkeep is hit and miss. I do weeding of some invasive species when I see them in the summer and early fall.
What advice would you give someone who would like to give active transportation in Manitou a try but does not have much time?
I would say to reach out to PaC-MAN for options. Also, try connecting with bike groups such as the Manitou Spokes and the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort for different biking opportunities and routes.
What do you think would increase more active transportation use in Manitou?
Designated bike routes that are safe from cars. Also, more bike racks that can handle traditional bikes as well as electric pedal assist bikes. There are limited bike racks downtown for bikes.
What other forms of transportation do you use and what has your experience been like?
I mainly keep to biking and walking and hope to do more once it warms up.
Do you use transit, walk, or ride an eWheel to get around? PaC-MAN is looking for residents, visitors and employees in Manitou who use these modalities and who are willing to share their stories with the community. Please contact the Pikes Peak Bulletin to connect or direct message us via Facebook or Instagram @pacmanitou.
