Getting Around Boulder

Boulder is a college town, home to the University of Colorado, their mascot Ralphie, and a very forward-thinking philosophy toward public transportation. Boulder has made a concerted effort to reduce dependence on single-occupancy vehicles. It's a small town with a youthful mindset, which plays into the notion.

Thanks to the size, it's easy to wander Boulder on foot. If you need a lift, however, it just so happens that Boulder has a terrific bus system, HOP. HOP encourages commuters to hop past the problems inherent in driving. There are ten HOP buses, holding 47 passengers with 27 sitting and 20 standing. The buses have automated stop announcements and easier boarding thanks to a lower floor. There are hops between downtown Boulder, the university, and the Twenty Ninth Street shopping district. HOPS hops over to the Pearl Street Mall and all the Boulder Hot Spots as well. HOP also runs for free on some holidays, as a public service.

Being such a health-conscious college town, it's not hard to guess that Boulder has a massive, complex system of bike trails and pathways. Students and civilians alike ride bikes to class and work. They ride them when day is done for exercise. The streets are constantly abuzz with bikers heading here and there and back again, feeling better for it for two reasons. They get a good workout and they don't pollute the air.

Otherwise, Boulder has the usual assortment of cabs and rental cars. There are shuttles into and out of the downtown area. Limousine service is plentiful. But transportation in Boulder is about keeping the town beautiful and green. The environmental benefits of the dedication to walking, riding, or taking the bus assure Boulder that it will retain its charm and sparkle. The citizens take the responsibility themselves, not looking further than the greenways, parks, and mountains that surround their town for their inspiration.