Colorado Organization Addresses Traffic Congestion with Scooters and E-Bikes

The metro area south of Denver is witnessing significant economic development, with over 2,600 new jobs created annually and a median age of 36 among its residents. This growth is accompanied by the addition of more than 17,000 new housing units along the I-25 corridor in Douglas and Arapahoe counties by the end of the year. However, this rapid expansion has led to increased traffic congestion, prompting local leaders to seek alternative transportation solutions. Hutton, the vice president of transportation and mobility with Denver South, emphasizes the need for residents to explore options beyond personal vehicles. He advocates for the use of light rail, e-bikes, scooters, and other public transportation methods to alleviate traffic woes. Hutton highlights the importance of addressing the "first and last mile" challenge, which involves facilitating access to transit stations and surrounding areas. One innovative solution is the Lone Tree "Link on Demand," a free public transit service that operates similarly to ride-sharing apps like Lyft or Uber. This service, accessible via a smartphone app, has gained popularity, providing 60,000 rides in the past year. Tyler Westbrook, a driving partner for the service, notes its growing ridership as a positive trend in local transportation. Looking ahead, Hutton anticipates an increase in the use of e-bikes and scooters, with current programs concentrated in Douglas County and Lone Tree. Plans are underway to expand these services into Arapahoe County, supported by nearly $5 million in funding from RTD for mobility initiatives across the Denver metro area.