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I am all for cyclists riding along Monarch, but are you aware of the frequency in which they cross the white line and cross into traffic? Someone is going to get hurt and it will be a tragedy. - Joe Musso, Hidden Pointe

Dear Joe:

We contacted the Douglas County Public Works (DCPW) Department for guidance on this issue. 

Prior to the re-striping of Monarch Boulevard from Castle Pines Parkway to the north through the community last summer, the striped shoulders were approximately two-feet wide.  The shoulder was widened to four-feet (and travel and turn lanes were narrowed) in part to accommodate the high use by bicyclists along this roadway.

The striped shoulders are not bike lanes.  In fact, there are no designated bike lanes along Douglas County roadways.  The County is considering preparing a bicycle master plan; however, that is a policy change that has not been implemented.  No further changes to the striping along Monarch Boulevard are planned at this time.

Following the winter months, areas where bicyclists ride along Monarch often have gravel debris and sand.  The CPN Master Association has requested DCPW sweep Monarch frequently to remove sand and gravel and eliminate the need for bikers to cross the white line.

When traveling along Monarch, make sure to continue to watch out for both bikers and pedestrians. Serious incidents can be reported to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Hotline at 303-660-7539.  The number is a voicemail hotline, but leave a detailed message with dates, times and locations.