Hundreds of cyclists to pass through Pagosa Springs

The Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado State Patrol urge drivers to be prepared to share the road with bicyclists during the annual Colorado’s Ride event.

The event began Monday in Durango.

Approximately 350 bicyclists will ride along several highways and county roads between Durango, Silverton, Pagosa Springs and Wolf Creek Pass. The event is taking place over five days (Aug. 19 to 23) between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day.

Dates and highway locations

• Monday, Aug. 19: U.S. 550 — Durango to Silverton.

• Tuesday, Aug. 20: U.S. 550, U.S. 160, Colo. 172 and several county roads — Durango.

• Wednesday, Aug. 21: Colo. 151 and U.S. 160 — Durango to Pagosa Springs.

• Thursday, Aug. 22: U.S. 160 — Pagosa Springs to Wolf Creek Pass.

• Friday, Aug. 23: U.S. 160 — Pagosa to Durango.

View times and exact course details on Colorado's Ride Course Description webpage.

Safety tips for drivers and riders

Motorists are encouraged to stay alert and share the road with cyclists:

• Focus on driving and avoid using cellphones and other personal devices.
• Slow down and keep your eyes on cyclists and pedestrians.
• Cyclists have a right to use all the roads in Colorado unless expressly prohibited.
• Pass with care and keep track of cyclists in your rear and side mirrors.

Cyclists shall obey traffic laws

• Ride with the flow of traffic.
• Ride single file at all times and pass other bicycles quickly.
• Scan the road, anticipate hazards and communicate your moves to others.
• Use hand signals to alert nearby vehicles to turns or lane changes.

For more information about Colorado’s Ride event, visit the event website: www.coloradosride.com.