Denver: 15 Tricks to Navigate the City
Sprawling for some 15 miles north to south on the main highway alone, Denver gets bigger each year. The city doesn’t have a great public transport system, and most people drive, but follow these 15 tricks to navigate the city as efficiently as possible.
Avoid the Boot
The boot was invented in Denver, and parking inspectors have no problem clamping one on your car should you park illegally.
The boot was invented in Denver, and parking inspectors have no problem clamping one on your car should you park illegally.
Read the signs
Check the signs before parking as hundreds of thousands of tickets are written each year for parking in street-sweeping or resident parking zones.
Check the signs before parking as hundreds of thousands of tickets are written each year for parking in street-sweeping or resident parking zones.
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Aggressive Train at Denver International Airport
f you travel through DIA, you will take a train to baggage claim and passenger pick up. When a recording inside the train says “The Doors Are Closing” you have a few seconds to make sure you are not in the doorway. If you are, the doors will shut on you.
Don’t Be Shy
But don’t let a feisty train scare you. Denver is one of the friendliest cities. When it comes to asking for directions, you will find most locals are ready and willing to get you on track.
Be Courteous
Make sure to say thank you if someone stops and guides you in the right direction. Even if you are in a hurry, locals always appreciate the friendliness to be returned.
Don’t Jay Walk
You may pin Denver as a slower paced city but that doesn’t mean you can walk towards a stopped red hand at a pedestrian crossing. There is a lot of traffic in the city and drivers won’t be shy with the horn.
Parking Meter Warning
Denverites used to feed 2-hour meters throughout the day. Now, savvier meters with motion sensors have been installed. If you are parked past the two-hour limit, even if you feed the meter, expect a ticket.
Denverites used to feed 2-hour meters throughout the day. Now, savvier meters with motion sensors have been installed. If you are parked past the two-hour limit, even if you feed the meter, expect a ticket.
Move That Car
You must move your car at least 100 feet after you’ve used up the max allowed time on the meter. This is not posted anywhere, but should you just move up to another space less than 100 feet away you can still get a ticket.
You must move your car at least 100 feet after you’ve used up the max allowed time on the meter. This is not posted anywhere, but should you just move up to another space less than 100 feet away you can still get a ticket.
B-Cycle
Blend into the fitness scene and rent a Bcyle from the bike share program. Docking stations are found all over the city.
Blend into the fitness scene and rent a Bcyle from the bike share program. Docking stations are found all over the city.
Pedi Cab
Or, let someone else peddle for you and hop in a pedicab. If you are traveling within a 10- block radius this can cheaper than a cab. Plus, it’s a fun way to get to chat with a local.
Or, let someone else peddle for you and hop in a pedicab. If you are traveling within a 10- block radius this can cheaper than a cab. Plus, it’s a fun way to get to chat with a local.
The Mall Ride
Make it up and down the 16th Street Mall for free. Busses stop at every block every few minutes.
Make it up and down the 16th Street Mall for free. Busses stop at every block every few minutes.
16th Street Mall Bus Warning
Don’t walk in the bus lane- yes, people have done this and have been bumped. Make sure you have plenty of space between you and the bus lane and stay on the sidewalk.car2go
Don’t walk in the bus lane- yes, people have done this and have been bumped. Make sure you have plenty of space between you and the bus lane and stay on the sidewalk.car2go
This is a great option to have a car without renting one for a full day. With Car 2 Go, a car share program, you can sign up for a membership and navigate the city for as little or as long as you would like. You can check rates here:https://www.car2go.com/en/denver/what-does-car2go-cost/
Avoid Colorado Boulevard
This is one of the highest trafficked areas in the city at all times of the day. If you must use this road, try during mid-day but you will still likely be moving at a slow speed.
This is one of the highest trafficked areas in the city at all times of the day. If you must use this road, try during mid-day but you will still likely be moving at a slow speed.
Light Rail Is Evolving
Don’t depend on light rail as your main source of transportation. Denver doesn’t have a connected subway system like New York, Chicago and Washington D.C.
Don’t depend on light rail as your main source of transportation. Denver doesn’t have a connected subway system like New York, Chicago and Washington D.C.
Walkable City
And that’s ok because Downtown Denver is very walkable and bike friendly with some great paths. So why not enjoy the outdoor views?
Cherry Creek Bike Path
This is a great alternative for getting from one side of the city to the other. It is literally a bikeway with actual entrance ramps that keeps you completely off the road and away from cars. If biking at night, make sure to have a flashing light on the rear of your bike. It is illegal not too.
This is a great alternative for getting from one side of the city to the other. It is literally a bikeway with actual entrance ramps that keeps you completely off the road and away from cars. If biking at night, make sure to have a flashing light on the rear of your bike. It is illegal not too.
Getting to The Airport
The Lightrail doesn’t run to the airport, though plans are in the works. The best way to get there is to take shuttle, cab, Uber or Lyft.
The Lightrail doesn’t run to the airport, though plans are in the works. The best way to get there is to take shuttle, cab, Uber or Lyft.
