Boulder, Colorado

From Cyclist Complaints to National Recognition

Challenges

High-Injury Corridor

Failing Flex Posts

Community Pressure

Key Results

Dramatic reduction in cyclist complaints

Increase in Cycling Traffic

Fast Implementation

A street view shows a new concrete median separating traffic lanes on a sunny day, with a street sign reading "Inca Pkwy" and trees with green and yellow leaves in the background.

The Challenge

Boulder's Baseline Road had become a flashpoint for cyclist safety concerns. Despite the city's reputation as a cycling-friendly community, this 2-mile corridor saw 23 cyclist injuries in 2023 alone. Flex posts installed just 18 months earlier were already bent, broken, or missing entirely. The transportation department received 3-5 complaints weekly, and advocacy groups were threatening legal action.

"We were spending $45,000 annually just replacing flex posts, and cyclists still didn't feel safe," recalls Sarah Chen, Boulder's Transportation Director. "Every city council meeting became a forum for angry residents demanding real protection."

A freshly paved street with a separated bike lane marked by flexible white posts and white lines, bordered by trees with green and yellow leaves on a sunny day. Traffic signals are visible in the distance.

The Solution

A concrete barrier by a road features colorful artwork of mountains, flowers, and trees under a partly sunny sky. There are autumn trees, a bus stop, and a clear blue sky in the background.

Boulder implemented SAFE-T Lane® barriers along the entire Baseline Road corridor, becoming one of the first cities to commit to crash-tested protection at this scale. The project included:

A large, solid green right-pointing triangle set against a light background.

2.2 miles of continuous protected bike lanes

14 intersection treatments with tapered end units

Custom graphics celebrating Boulder’s cycling culture

Strategic gaps maintaining business access

Installation Timeline: 28 days from delivery to completion

A green-tinted image of chess pieces shows a bishop standing upright in front of a toppled rook and king, all set against a plain, matching green background.

“The biggest surprise was installation speed. What we thought would take months happened in weeks. Our crews installed 500 feet per day without closing the street.”

Tom Rodriguez, Public Works Supervisor

Critical Success Factors

Early stakeholder engagement reduced opposition

Custom graphics made barriers feel like community assets

Pilot section (100 LF) built community confidence

Phased installation maintained traffic flow

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