Singletrack Sidewalks (STS)

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Consultation has concluded

The Golden Giddyup, a local non-profit focused on trail stewardship in the Golden area, has proposed a new project for riders of all ages in the Golden community. This project would build single-track sidewalks - natural surface trails - next to existing paved bike paths to provide a place for young and beginner riders to experience mountain biking, although the trails would not be exclusively limited to beginner riders.

The proposed Singletrack Sidewalks pilot project (STS) would stretch from Apex Park to 6th Avenue along the bike path on city property. This pilot would be constructed by the Golden Giddyup Trail Team in partnership with neighborhood organizations and the City of Golden Parks staff.

The City of Golden is interested in gathering input from the community for this endeavor PRIOR TO taking any action. Please read the Golden Giddyup's updated full proposal and the supporting information provided on these pages, including detailed descriptions and maps of each proposed trail segment, then tell us what you think!

In order to provide additional information requested by interested citizens, City staff has recently added links to 22 documents in the Project Proposal & Supporting Documents section of this page. These documents contain minutes of Board meetings and staff reports that show the history of this proposed project. We encourage everyone to provide comments here, on the Guiding Golden webpage.

The Golden Giddyup, a local non-profit focused on trail stewardship in the Golden area, has proposed a new project for riders of all ages in the Golden community. This project would build single-track sidewalks - natural surface trails - next to existing paved bike paths to provide a place for young and beginner riders to experience mountain biking, although the trails would not be exclusively limited to beginner riders.

The proposed Singletrack Sidewalks pilot project (STS) would stretch from Apex Park to 6th Avenue along the bike path on city property. This pilot would be constructed by the Golden Giddyup Trail Team in partnership with neighborhood organizations and the City of Golden Parks staff.

The City of Golden is interested in gathering input from the community for this endeavor PRIOR TO taking any action. Please read the Golden Giddyup's updated full proposal and the supporting information provided on these pages, including detailed descriptions and maps of each proposed trail segment, then tell us what you think!

In order to provide additional information requested by interested citizens, City staff has recently added links to 22 documents in the Project Proposal & Supporting Documents section of this page. These documents contain minutes of Board meetings and staff reports that show the history of this proposed project. We encourage everyone to provide comments here, on the Guiding Golden webpage.

Consultation has concluded

Have a question about Singletrack Sidewalks? Ask it here and we'll have someone on the Singletrack Sidewalk committee respond to your question. Please allow three to five days for turnaround, although we'll try to find an answer to your question as quickly as possible.

  • Share When will the Environmental Impact Study be done? Who will pay for it? When will it be made public? on Facebook Share When will the Environmental Impact Study be done? Who will pay for it? When will it be made public? on Twitter Share When will the Environmental Impact Study be done? Who will pay for it? When will it be made public? on Linkedin Email When will the Environmental Impact Study be done? Who will pay for it? When will it be made public? link

    When will the Environmental Impact Study be done? Who will pay for it? When will it be made public?

    bikerpop asked over 5 years ago

    Should the project be approved to move forward, the City has provided Golden Guiddyup information on what studies/permits would be required prior to construction. This can be found on Guiding Golden in the document library, under STS Steps Reviews Permits Summary Email 5.23.18. Giddy up would be responsible for costs associated with reports/permits.

  • Share It is said that a multi-disiplanary environmental impact study will be performed before any construction begins. Has a budget been approved by the City of Golden for this study? When will the study begin and when will the results be made public? on Facebook Share It is said that a multi-disiplanary environmental impact study will be performed before any construction begins. Has a budget been approved by the City of Golden for this study? When will the study begin and when will the results be made public? on Twitter Share It is said that a multi-disiplanary environmental impact study will be performed before any construction begins. Has a budget been approved by the City of Golden for this study? When will the study begin and when will the results be made public? on Linkedin Email It is said that a multi-disiplanary environmental impact study will be performed before any construction begins. Has a budget been approved by the City of Golden for this study? When will the study begin and when will the results be made public? link

    It is said that a multi-disiplanary environmental impact study will be performed before any construction begins. Has a budget been approved by the City of Golden for this study? When will the study begin and when will the results be made public?

    bikerpop asked over 5 years ago

    Should the project be approved to move forward, the City has provided Golden Guiddyup information on what studies/permits would be required prior to construction. This can be found on Guiding Golden in the document library, under STS Steps Reviews Permits Summary Email 5.23.18. Giddy up would be responsible for costs associated with reports/permits.

    the City has provided Golden Guiddyup information on what studies/permits would be required prior to construction. This can be found on Guiding Golden in the document library
    the City has provided Golden Guiddyup information on what studies/permits would be required prior to construction. This can be found on Guiding Golden in the document library
  • Share When I read the discussion under "Tell Us What You Think" it appears to me that much of the early discussion has been removed (or is at least not being displayed). I think some significant points on both sides of the issue were made in the early discussion that are now unavailable. Please restore the removed discussion, or display it elsewhere under this topic. on Facebook Share When I read the discussion under "Tell Us What You Think" it appears to me that much of the early discussion has been removed (or is at least not being displayed). I think some significant points on both sides of the issue were made in the early discussion that are now unavailable. Please restore the removed discussion, or display it elsewhere under this topic. on Twitter Share When I read the discussion under "Tell Us What You Think" it appears to me that much of the early discussion has been removed (or is at least not being displayed). I think some significant points on both sides of the issue were made in the early discussion that are now unavailable. Please restore the removed discussion, or display it elsewhere under this topic. on Linkedin Email When I read the discussion under "Tell Us What You Think" it appears to me that much of the early discussion has been removed (or is at least not being displayed). I think some significant points on both sides of the issue were made in the early discussion that are now unavailable. Please restore the removed discussion, or display it elsewhere under this topic. link

    When I read the discussion under "Tell Us What You Think" it appears to me that much of the early discussion has been removed (or is at least not being displayed). I think some significant points on both sides of the issue were made in the early discussion that are now unavailable. Please restore the removed discussion, or display it elsewhere under this topic.

    Mudflats47 asked over 5 years ago

    Everything under “Tell Us What You Think” is still available to view; nothing was removed from the website. The system logs discussions in chronological order from the most recent to oldest posts. There are three pages of posts. You will need to scroll to the bottom of the page to find the earliest discussions posted 21 days ago.


  • Share 1. Will the proposed trails be restricted to bike use only? 2. Some of the proposed trails are existing single track dirt/gravel social trails. Do you propose to install signage to restrict use and/or identify the trail? 3. If the proposed trails are bike use only, will the current social trails be left as is for walkers and proposed trail routes be scraped for new construction? on Facebook Share 1. Will the proposed trails be restricted to bike use only? 2. Some of the proposed trails are existing single track dirt/gravel social trails. Do you propose to install signage to restrict use and/or identify the trail? 3. If the proposed trails are bike use only, will the current social trails be left as is for walkers and proposed trail routes be scraped for new construction? on Twitter Share 1. Will the proposed trails be restricted to bike use only? 2. Some of the proposed trails are existing single track dirt/gravel social trails. Do you propose to install signage to restrict use and/or identify the trail? 3. If the proposed trails are bike use only, will the current social trails be left as is for walkers and proposed trail routes be scraped for new construction? on Linkedin Email 1. Will the proposed trails be restricted to bike use only? 2. Some of the proposed trails are existing single track dirt/gravel social trails. Do you propose to install signage to restrict use and/or identify the trail? 3. If the proposed trails are bike use only, will the current social trails be left as is for walkers and proposed trail routes be scraped for new construction? link

    1. Will the proposed trails be restricted to bike use only? 2. Some of the proposed trails are existing single track dirt/gravel social trails. Do you propose to install signage to restrict use and/or identify the trail? 3. If the proposed trails are bike use only, will the current social trails be left as is for walkers and proposed trail routes be scraped for new construction?

    mhp49 asked almost 6 years ago

    Response from the Golden Giddyup - 1. Yes. This trail will be designed, built and maintained by, for and with mountain bikers. It is designed as a progressive trail for novice cyclists big and small. 2. Yes, we plan to install signage at the entrance and exit of each segment and do consistent outreach and education about the project. 3. Social trails are on city property and their fate/ legitimacy is up to the city.If you would like to legitimize any trails in your area, we recommend you start by attending the Parks, Recreation and Museum Advisory Board meetings and get your request on the agenda. It's a fun, slow-as-molasses process.

  • Share Who is the STS committee? How wide will the proposed trail be? The photo shows a narrow trail for one bike but from what we understand this isn't the case. We were told it was going to be a 2 directional trail. What will the surface be made of? You say that GiddyupGolden group will maintain the trail but how do we know that for sure. It's easy for them to say they will do so but do we have any guarantees and how often will it be taken care of? What if it falls into disrepair, then who is responsible for it? We know it will probably be the city and at the expense of taxpayers when a minority of citizens use it. What about insurance? What happens when someone is injured on the trail and we all know such trails can be dangerous, especially segment 5 above the lime kiln. What about the danger from rock falling from above onto users of the paved trail below? Initially this trail might sound like a great and fun idea for some but they haven't really thought it through and all of the problems and implications of having such a trail. on Facebook Share Who is the STS committee? How wide will the proposed trail be? The photo shows a narrow trail for one bike but from what we understand this isn't the case. We were told it was going to be a 2 directional trail. What will the surface be made of? You say that GiddyupGolden group will maintain the trail but how do we know that for sure. It's easy for them to say they will do so but do we have any guarantees and how often will it be taken care of? What if it falls into disrepair, then who is responsible for it? We know it will probably be the city and at the expense of taxpayers when a minority of citizens use it. What about insurance? What happens when someone is injured on the trail and we all know such trails can be dangerous, especially segment 5 above the lime kiln. What about the danger from rock falling from above onto users of the paved trail below? Initially this trail might sound like a great and fun idea for some but they haven't really thought it through and all of the problems and implications of having such a trail. on Twitter Share Who is the STS committee? How wide will the proposed trail be? The photo shows a narrow trail for one bike but from what we understand this isn't the case. We were told it was going to be a 2 directional trail. What will the surface be made of? You say that GiddyupGolden group will maintain the trail but how do we know that for sure. It's easy for them to say they will do so but do we have any guarantees and how often will it be taken care of? What if it falls into disrepair, then who is responsible for it? We know it will probably be the city and at the expense of taxpayers when a minority of citizens use it. What about insurance? What happens when someone is injured on the trail and we all know such trails can be dangerous, especially segment 5 above the lime kiln. What about the danger from rock falling from above onto users of the paved trail below? Initially this trail might sound like a great and fun idea for some but they haven't really thought it through and all of the problems and implications of having such a trail. on Linkedin Email Who is the STS committee? How wide will the proposed trail be? The photo shows a narrow trail for one bike but from what we understand this isn't the case. We were told it was going to be a 2 directional trail. What will the surface be made of? You say that GiddyupGolden group will maintain the trail but how do we know that for sure. It's easy for them to say they will do so but do we have any guarantees and how often will it be taken care of? What if it falls into disrepair, then who is responsible for it? We know it will probably be the city and at the expense of taxpayers when a minority of citizens use it. What about insurance? What happens when someone is injured on the trail and we all know such trails can be dangerous, especially segment 5 above the lime kiln. What about the danger from rock falling from above onto users of the paved trail below? Initially this trail might sound like a great and fun idea for some but they haven't really thought it through and all of the problems and implications of having such a trail. link

    Who is the STS committee? How wide will the proposed trail be? The photo shows a narrow trail for one bike but from what we understand this isn't the case. We were told it was going to be a 2 directional trail. What will the surface be made of? You say that GiddyupGolden group will maintain the trail but how do we know that for sure. It's easy for them to say they will do so but do we have any guarantees and how often will it be taken care of? What if it falls into disrepair, then who is responsible for it? We know it will probably be the city and at the expense of taxpayers when a minority of citizens use it. What about insurance? What happens when someone is injured on the trail and we all know such trails can be dangerous, especially segment 5 above the lime kiln. What about the danger from rock falling from above onto users of the paved trail below? Initially this trail might sound like a great and fun idea for some but they haven't really thought it through and all of the problems and implications of having such a trail.

    Jennifer Combs asked almost 6 years ago

    Response from the Golden Giddyup - 1) The committee is the Golden Giddyup and several other community members who have been working on various versions of this project since 2011. 2) The proposed trail will be @18" wide upon completion. 3) As mentioned elsewhere, segments of the trail may end up as bi-directional, while other segments will benefit from directional designation. Feedback from other initiatives has shown that directional trails work best in these scenarios and help in everything from design and maintenance to reducing conflict and supporting the impetus for these trails, which is to provide a beginner-friendly experience where novice riders can improve their skills and gain confidence. 4) The Golden Giddyup is committed to maintaining the trail. The Giddyup Trail Team puts in thousands of volunteer hours maintaining and building trails in the immediate vicinity of Golden each year. We also have strong ties with local schools, clubs, middle and high school mountain bike teams and other interested parties and plan to engage those entities in trail work days, building pride and ownership in the amenity. If the Giddyup is no longer able to maintain the trails at some point, the city spends inordinate amounts of money maintaining parks, ballfields, playgrounds, and other recreational spaces and upkeep of dirt trails is incredibly easy and low-cost in comparison. 5) What will happen if it falls into disrepair? The grass will grow over and it will go away (the alignment in Segment 5, for example, was a motocross trail used by the Tripp family until @ 20 years ago). 6) For more information on liability, please read the Colorado state statutes on Recreation. The liability is always on the individual pursuing the activity. The remaining statements are opinions, not questions.

  • Share I’m curious about how the survey questions were chosen. There appears to be an assumption that only school kids and Strider tots will use these proposed trails. The reality is that most users, at least hikers, mtbers, and trail runners, will choose to use these new trails. What plan is in place to prevent trails widening and for managing downhill versus uphill trail use? Love the idea but dread the thought that crummy trail behavior from Chimney and Apex will extend. on Facebook Share I’m curious about how the survey questions were chosen. There appears to be an assumption that only school kids and Strider tots will use these proposed trails. The reality is that most users, at least hikers, mtbers, and trail runners, will choose to use these new trails. What plan is in place to prevent trails widening and for managing downhill versus uphill trail use? Love the idea but dread the thought that crummy trail behavior from Chimney and Apex will extend. on Twitter Share I’m curious about how the survey questions were chosen. There appears to be an assumption that only school kids and Strider tots will use these proposed trails. The reality is that most users, at least hikers, mtbers, and trail runners, will choose to use these new trails. What plan is in place to prevent trails widening and for managing downhill versus uphill trail use? Love the idea but dread the thought that crummy trail behavior from Chimney and Apex will extend. on Linkedin Email I’m curious about how the survey questions were chosen. There appears to be an assumption that only school kids and Strider tots will use these proposed trails. The reality is that most users, at least hikers, mtbers, and trail runners, will choose to use these new trails. What plan is in place to prevent trails widening and for managing downhill versus uphill trail use? Love the idea but dread the thought that crummy trail behavior from Chimney and Apex will extend. link

    I’m curious about how the survey questions were chosen. There appears to be an assumption that only school kids and Strider tots will use these proposed trails. The reality is that most users, at least hikers, mtbers, and trail runners, will choose to use these new trails. What plan is in place to prevent trails widening and for managing downhill versus uphill trail use? Love the idea but dread the thought that crummy trail behavior from Chimney and Apex will extend.

    SloMo asked almost 6 years ago

    Response from The Giddyup - The survey questions were chosen through discussions with the City's Parks, Recreation and Museum Advisory Board and The Giddyup Team. Singletrack Sidewalks have been implemented in other places around the country and with signage and outreach, municipalities have found very high levels of compliance and respect from riders of all levels (and all kinds of users). We plan to have signage at the beginning and end of each segment and the Giddyup team will be doing consistent outreach to the community about the purpose of these trails. If the trails are well designed, built and maintained, you can prevent widening quite a bit. Feedback from other initiatives has shown that directional trails work best in these scenarios and help in everything from design and maintenance to reducing conflict and supporting the impetus for these trails, which is to provide a beginner-friendly experience where novice riders can improve their skills and gain confidence.

  • Share Is an environmental impact statement required before proceeding with this project? Kinney Run (segment 5) is pretty special native wildlife habitat. on Facebook Share Is an environmental impact statement required before proceeding with this project? Kinney Run (segment 5) is pretty special native wildlife habitat. on Twitter Share Is an environmental impact statement required before proceeding with this project? Kinney Run (segment 5) is pretty special native wildlife habitat. on Linkedin Email Is an environmental impact statement required before proceeding with this project? Kinney Run (segment 5) is pretty special native wildlife habitat. link

    Is an environmental impact statement required before proceeding with this project? Kinney Run (segment 5) is pretty special native wildlife habitat.

    Laurel asked almost 6 years ago

    Thank you for the inquiry regarding an environmental impact study. The City has identified steps/reviews/permits needed for design and construction of single track sidewalks and single track trails in the City of Golden. The Public Works Department has helped provide the primary information the City will need in place should the proposed project move forward. They identified Federal, State, and local review and permits, which the City itself would go through to design and construct a similar trail. Typically, the City would employ private consultants to cover the Federal and State required information. 

    Furthermore, staff would also want to have the proposed trail areas reviewed by botanists who could do a vegetation analysis insuring that no rare or critical plant material would be adversely impacted.

    enviromental impact,wildlife study
    enviromental impact wildlife study