Over the course of the next three years, 125 miles of new bike paths will be added.

Denver has a large population of bicyclists and the city is working to make it safer for cyclists. Part of that effort was announced on Thursday, January 16, by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) as well as Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

According to an official press release, the bike lane buildout program is going to see an increase and faster implementation in the form of a rapid buildout of 125 miles of new bike lanes. The new lanes are expected to be completed by 2023 and are part of a previously announced plan. That plan hoped to add the 125 new miles of bike lanes in five years, however, the announcement last week speeds up that goal significantly.

This is all part of the Denver Moves: Bikes Plan and the DOTI’s commitment to “Safer Streets Save Lives”.

There have been several cyclist-involved accidents in recent months, and the city hopes to make it safer to share the road. The build-out includes expansion of bike lanes, creating lanes where there are not any, increasing signage and paint on roads reminding motorists of the presence of bike lanes, and promoting bike-friendly traffic patterns and slower driving in certain areas of the city.

Most of the new bike lanes will be considered "high comfort bike facilities," and will be in the Capitol Hill, Five Points, and Union Station areas and surrounding neighborhoods, making bike lanes more accessible.

Courtesy of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure

We think any efforts taken to increase safety on Denver streets are worthwhile and expanding the bike accessible areas of the city is a wonderful step. Many people choose to commute by bike, and they should feel safe and protected on the roads. It can be quite confusing out there sometimes, especially in high-traffic situations.

What do you think about the 125 miles of bike lanes being added in Denver? Give us the scoop in the comments below.