Popular stop for bike riders undergoes major improvements

A popular stop for bicycle riders in Colorado Springs underwent major improvements.

Phase 1 of construction at the PopCycle Bridge is finished. The bridge is the northernmost point along the Legacy Loop project, a 10-mile, multi-use trail that circle’s the city’s center. It is near West Van Buren and Beacon Streets.

“It’s a destination where kids can have safe riding along the trail, they can go and have a place to practice their bike skills, and there’s art installations,” said Jeff Webb, senior analyst for the city’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. “It’s a really fun, exciting destination along the trail.”

The work was a collaboration between the city and Kids on Bikes. The organization promotes bike use, and each Sunday, it organizes a bike ride through the bridge.

“It’s a 6-mile round-trip bike ride for us, and we stop here midway for popsicles. So over time, the kids started calling it the PopCycle Bridge,” Kids on Bikes Executive Director Nikki McComsey said.

The improvements include asphalt, colorful benches along the trail, and getting rid of wired fencing. Phase 2 will include decorative railings, bike racks and a “fix-it” station. It should be completed early next year.

On Sunday, Kids on Bikes will host a ride to celebrate the completion of Phase 1.