COLORADO SPRINGS — There are some new rules of etiquette added to this weekend's Motorless Morning at Garden of the Gods. It is the result of the event’s growing popularity. What started with close to 500 people a little over year ago, attracted around 3,500 people the last time it happened.
Organizers noticed some conflicts between user groups. "We do not want this to go away not matter what," said Ryan Vollmer with 719 Skate Squad. Colorado Springs Parks managers called on hikers, bicyclists and skaters to join a focus group working together on a better way to share the park. "If we want to keep this event going, we need to find a way to kind of help everybody exist at the same time," SOCO Velo, Board Member, Adam Jeffrey. The hope is shared ideas will result in shared self-policing.
"There'll be slow zone areas where there'll be park staff and volunteers to encourage people to slow down," said Gardne of the Gods, Park Manager, John Stark. One of the main ideas from the collaboration is to borrow some ski area etiquette. Anyone downhill has the right of way. People approaching from uphill need to slow down and let them know you are passing.
The goal is getting back to the original intent of Mortorless Mornings. "That's to give the park the chance to slow down, take a breath, enjoy the park free of cars," said Stark
Motorless Morning is on the calendar for Sunday October 6th. From 6:00 a.m. to noon motorized vehicles are blocked from the park.
