During the COVID-19 pandemic, Denver designated 16th Avenue between downtown and East High School as a Shared Street, designed to deter non-local vehicle trips and reduce speeds to create a safer environment for all ages and abilities to use the street for recreation and mobility. Everyone is allowed to use the 16th Ave. Shared Street, including people walking, running, rolling, biking, and driving slowly.
This transformation of 16th Ave. was successful at increasing the number of people walking and biking while reducing vehicular speeds and volumes, demonstrating what’s possible when we reclaim street space for people. Streets account for about 80% of public space in cities, and there is so much more we can do with that space besides just moving and storing vehicles. Streets designed for people foster vibrant local economies, create inviting public gathering places, and connect people to what matters most. The 16th Ave. Shared Street not only connects people to City Park, East High, and downtown Denver, but also the local and independent businesses along Colfax and 17th Avenues that we all love.
On Saturday, July 24, join the Denver Streets Partnership and Colfax Ave Business Improvement District on 16th Ave. to celebrate the shared street and ensure it remains available to the people who use it. Activities include:
- Neighborhood Navigators accompanying bike riders, scooter riders and walkers along 16th Avenue to show current street designs and potential improvements.
- Checking out connections from 16th Ave. to the Colfax Ave BID and celebrating Independents Day with a special Scavenger Hunt.
- Touring Colfax’s public art, including a new round of Power Box Art from 16 different local artists. Double your points if you support local businesses along the way!
- Watching two local chalk artists Randy Segura and Katie Vuletich beautify some pavement.
- Testing out bikes and scooters from Lime and Lyft.
The Colfax Ave BID will give away $500 in gift cards to local businesses for Scavenger Hunt winners and DSP will have giveaways as well.
We urge the City of Denver to keep 16th Ave a People First Street permanently, so that everyone can continue to benefit from this premier public space that allows all travel modes but prioritizes walking, biking, and rolling. Sign on to show your support for the Shared Street!
This will be the first of several events in collaboration with the Colfax Ave BID that will celebrate the 16th Ave Shared Street. Stay tuned for more info about Bike to Work Day on September 22 and Halloween!