Aspen to install seasonal traffic control measures along ped-bikeways

The city of Aspen staff is planning to install two seasonal traffic control measures along W. Hopkins Avenue’s ped-bikeway and another three along W. Hallam Avenue’s ped-bikeway during the week of April 20, along with signage and speed humps.

According to a memo sent to Aspen City Council, the Pedestrian and Bike Safety Team is aiming to reduce the number of motorized vehicles traveling on the ped-bikeways through these installations in order to ensure safety for non-motorized modes of transportation.

“The city has received consistent complaints about the traffic volume, speed and duration of motorized vehicles traveling along ped-bikeways through town,” the memo states.

The two arteries of W. Hopkins and W. Hallam avenues were selected due to serving the east/west commute: The W. Hopkins Avenue ped-bikeway is a main route for bikers entering and exiting the connection of the Marolt Bike Path and Aspen downtown core, while the W. Hallam Avenue route provides entrance and exit from the Highway 82 bridge over Castle Creek through the West End neighborhood.

“Being the largest East/West arteries in the West End neighborhood for bikers and pedestrians, it is crucial for safety that motorized vehicles are limited to one block of travel,” the memo states.

After seasonal traffic delineators were installed along the W. Hopkins Ave ped-bikeway at the 1st St. and 3rd St. intersections in June 2025, there was a 14% reduction in motorized traffic volumes throughout the summer, the memo confirmed, as well as positive feedback from residents on W. Hopkins Ave.

Similar to the configuration last year, staff is planning to install five traffic delineators — targeting three intersections along the W. Hallam Avenue ped-bikeway at 1st St., 3rd St. and 5th St., and two intersections along the W. Hopkins Avenue ped-bikeway at 1st St. and 3rd St.

Materials from previous projects will be utilized for this year’s traffic delineator installation. Additional materials and shipping costs for the bollard uprights, reflective signage and speed humps that are required for assembly at all five locations will total $8,297.

Funds will be provided by both the Parks and Engineering Departments for materials and shipping, with city staff from both Departments ensuring the safe installation of materials.

Emergency vehicles will still be able to drive the segments if needed.

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Removal of the traffic delineators is anticipated late October. According to a memo from last year, removing the delineators for the winter season enables city staff to continue with effective snow removal.

No action is currently requested of council on this issue.