5 Ways to Get Around Fort Collins, Ranked
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If you’ve been trying to get somewhere in Fort Collins, you’ve had to use some mode of transportation. Of course you have. Otherwise you wouldn’t really be going anywhere, you’d just be staying where you were. But, of course, you may think “there are just so many options to transport myself,” and “if only there were some kind of list out there which could tell me which ones are the best methods for if I want to get somewhere.”
Lucky for you, there is some kind of list out there.
5. Travel by Car
Now, cars are a wonderful invention. They allow us to get places quicker and easier than we could have imagined in the days of horse-led buggies. I have nothing against cars.
That said, driving is the worst in Fort Collins.
As the Coloradoan reported in July of 2016, “traffic congestion has never been worse.” Ask anybody who drives, and you’ll hear stories of near-misses and crashes, of difficult-to-find and expensive parking as they approach the area around campus and Old Town, and of terrible traffic in mornings and afternoons. Cars may be the most reliable option for regular travel like getting to work, but there are better solutions out there if you just want to go somewhere.
4. Travel by Ride-Sharing Services
This may be one of the most convenient options on the list, given that ride-sharing apps like Lyft and Uber offer pick-up from anywhere, no matter where you are or how drunk you are. It’s like a more easily attainable taxi service.
However, of the options on this list this is the one that I use the least. It’s expensive. A 3-mile drive will wind up costing you around 10 dollars (plus tip, if you want to be nice to your driver). Ride-sharing is sort of like eating Hot Pockets for dinner— it’s convenient, but it’s definitely a sometimes food at best.
3. Travel by the Power of Your Own Two Legs
For every road in Fort Collins, there’s also likely a sidewalk. If you’re stuck in traffic, you may be tempted to just walk next time. There are several downsides to it, but it’s got to be better than the traffic, right? Well… sort of.
Fort Collins can get cold. The kind of cold that the majority of people would rather not be walking in. Snowstorms and wind in the winter months combine and create generally unpleasant days to be outside. According to the Colorado Climate Center’s data on climate normals, the average high temperature for Fort Collins for the months of December, January and February hovers around the 40 degree mark. The low plummets well below freezing into the ‘teens. However, climate change may have altered that somewhat.
According to Russ Schumacher, a climatologist interviewed by the Coloradoan, “We’re trending warmer in general, so it’s easier to have a warmer winter than in the past.” Don’t expect to be sunbathing in January, but do consider this information when you’re planning on a stroll.
If you can brave the elements, getting in a bit of exercise by walking or jogging is certainly an option. That is, if you don’t mind arriving at your destination a bit sweaty. And despite my complaints, walking is my most common choice for getting around the city.
2. Travel by Bus
If you’ve spent time in Fort Collins, you’ve likely noticed the incredible number of bus stops around the city. The program is called Transfort, and it’s probably one of the most reliable bus systems that I’ve ever dealt with.
Transfort’s website is very user-friendly and provides schedules that are relatively easy to read and understand. From Vine to Harmony, buses run down nearly every major street, making it a breeze to get where you’re going.
The fares aren’t too bad either, with monthly passes being offered at a price of $25 and annual passes set at $154. Students can scan their student IDs to ride any bus for free, and the MAX line runs down College from Old Town to Harmony Road for anybody to ride free of charge.
The only major downside is that the routes are on strict schedules. If you get unlucky, your fate may be missing your bus and being stuck waiting for the next one.
- Travel by the Power of Your Own Two Legs - But Faster!
In case it wasn’t obvious, I’m talking about biking. “But Graham,” you cry, “Didn’t you already talk about how walking in Fort Collins is inefficient and unpleasant while it’s cold? How is biking any better?” Yes, I did, but there’s one other factor that knocks walking down the list: it’s slow.
Bikes are on average faster than just walking, provide good exercise, and in Fort Collins, they’re supported by the city itself. Most major roadways have bike lanes, and places to chain up your bike are common. The League of American Bicyclists in the spring of 2017 gave Fort Collins a platinum award for following their Bicycle Friendly America program.
The Spring 2017 report card given to Fort Collins reads as follows: “Fort Collins continues to play a leadership role in creating and promoting best practices related to creating a safe, comfortable, and accessible bicycle network.”
I’m a bit of a shut-in and don’t really go out on the town very often, but I know this: when I feel the urge to get out into Fort Collins, the infrastructure is in place for me to get there by bike.
