Oct. 9, 2007 - GOBikeBoulder.net deemed a success

Contact(s):
Jody Jacobson, Public Works, (303) 441-3122
Jodie Carroll, Media Relations, (303) 441-3155
www.bouldercolorado.gov/

GO Boulder's innovative bike routing Web site www.gobikeboulder.net/ is creating a buzz - locally, regionally and nationally. Since the launch during Walk and Bike Week in June, approximately 1,500 people chose to register with the site and over 8,000 routes, totaling over 24,000 miles, were mapped by both registered users and guest users.   Nearly 1,200 people used the site within the first week.

GOBikeBoulder.net is a one-of-a-kind online tool that offers interactive routing for those traveling by bike around the city.  The online mapping service provides individualized bike routes, much like MapQuest and Google Maps do for cars, helping users navigate the city's over 300 miles of bike facilities.   The routing includes not only a map for the rider, but also turn-by-turn directions.   Users can also find out estimates on how many calories they burn pedaling their route, how many feet they climb and how much gas money they save. 

"We launched the site knowing we still had a few kinks to work out especially with the details on some specific routes," said GO Boulder Bicycle Pedestrian Planner Marni Ratzel. "We asked the public to test it and provide feedback so we could work together to make it a tool the community could really use. To date, we've received feedback from nearly 200 people. The responses we received resulted in technology improvements, better and more direct routing and a wealth of ideas that can be incorporated into future upgrades. Certainly, we hope people will continue to use the site and offer feedback."

Users of the site are asked to register first.  While it's not mandatory to register, doing so helps program organizers track use and usefulness.  The data will also be used to apply for additional grant money that could be used to expand the program to include more tools and possibly a larger geographic area.

Those that registered with the site are currently being surveyed to find out what their experience has been and if the site has made it possible for them to replace car trips with bike trips.  Because the site was funded through a federal grant and matching City of Boulder funding, it is important to track that the site is consistently being used and is shifting trips away from the single-occupancy vehicle.

People who registered on the site on or before Sept. 15 and complete a follow-up survey by Oct. 30 are entered into a drawing for a grand prize "Colorado Get Away for Two." Additionally, 50 Timbuk2 messenger bags will be given away to registered users. Those who sign on as new registered user after the drawing deadline date are still rewarded with the choice of a free cyclometer or bike map holder. When these run out, registered users will receive the recently updated Boulder bike/pedestrian map.

City staff has also noted interest beyond the City of Boulder in the technology.

"Not surprisingly, we have received requests to expand the program beyond the City of Boulder to neighboring communities such as Niwot, Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield, Longmont and Superior," said City of Boulder Geographic Information Systems Specialist Larry Ferguson who led the team that developed the technology. 

The city has also received requests from the cities of Austin, Texas; Gainesville, Fla.; San Diego, Calif.; Tampa, Fla.; and Tucson, Ariz. asking if the City of Boulder would assist them in replicating the site.

For more information, visit www.gobikeboulder.net/, www.goboulder.net/ or call GO Boulder at (303) 441-3266.

 

--CITY--