It’s Monday, August 19, 2024.
Good morning, Boulder, and happy Monday.
John Herrick reports today on Boulder’s overabundance of parking. A new study shows that most parking spots in town remain empty much of the time. Although this may seem convenient, excess parking drives up housing costs and contributes to urban heat.
In a city that urgently needs more housing, the current requirement for an off-street parking space for every housing unit can increase construction costs. Also, asphalt lots intensify heat, making some areas nearly 20 degrees hotter.
To address these issues, Boulder planners are considering eliminating parking requirements citywide, going beyond a 2024 Colorado law that prohibits cities from enacting or enforcing parking minimums near bus and train stops.
Plus, David Roche, a Boulder trail runner and coach, made history over the weekend by shattering the 19-year-old Leadville 100 course record in his first-ever 100-mile race, just months after recovering from a serious bike accident. Also included: this week’s BRL to-do list of events happening this week and weekend.
— Tim, reporter
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Featured stories
Boulder planners explore elimination of parking minimums across entire city starting next year
Boulder’s parking challenge is having too much of it, new data from the city reveals. Changes are on the way. Continue reading…
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In other news
More 90-degree days
A few years ago, my brother-in-law got married here in mid-September. The temperatures during the outdoor ceremony were well into the 90s and uncomfortable. “Everyone said, ‘Have a fall wedding,'” he muttered to me. “‘It’ll be beautiful,’ they said.”
Those temperatures are not going away. Climate models predict that Boulder will see 90- or 95-degree days extending further into late August and September. As such, today through Wednesday will be in the low 90s. If you want to go hiking or mountain biking, continue to do so early in the day, or head deeper into the mountains.
Boulder trail runner breaks historic Leadville 100 course record
David Roche, a trail runner and coach from Boulder, made history on Saturday by running the Leadville 100-mile race in 15 hours, 26 minutes and 34 seconds, breaking a 19-year-old course record in one of the nation’s oldest ultramarathons.
Roche, a two-time national champion in sub-ultra distance trail running, had never competed in a 100-mile race before Leadville. Remarkably, in April 2024, he was hospitalized after being struck by a driver while riding his bike on Nelson Road. About a week later, he was back running with his arm in a sling.
The previous Leadville 100 course record was set in 2005 by Matt Carpenter, who completed the race in 15 hours and 42 minutes. Read on BRL.
Meet the finalists for Boulder police chief
Boulder residents can hear from the finalists for the police chief position on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The event will take place in city council chambers at 1777 Broadway and will be livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel and Boulder Channel 8.
The finalists will deliver brief remarks and participate in a Q&A session. Residents can submit questions online until noon on Aug. 26. Feedback on the candidates’ performances can be provided both in person and online after the event.
The finalists have not yet been announced, but their names and bios will be posted on the police chief recruitment webpage once available.
Boulder residents invited to join new group rooftop solar program for major discounts
Boulderites can learn about the benefits of installing solar panels as a group next week. The Solar Switch program will be discussed on Thursday, Aug. 29, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the main Boulder Library, and on Friday, Aug. 30, at 6 p.m. at the Lafayette Public Library or via Zoom.
Solar Switch is a collaboration between Solar United Neighbors (SUN), a national nonprofit that helps communities negotiate bulk discounts on solar panels, and iChoosr, an independent group-buying specialist. SUN previously hosted the Boulder County Solar Co-op, a similar effort that helped 170 Boulderites install solar panels.
The key difference between the co-op and Solar Switch is that, in the co-op, residents collectively chose the solar installer. In this new program, iChoosr will select the companies for the installations. By purchasing as part of a large cohort, participants can enjoy significant discounts. During the co-op, SUN estimated that members could save 10% to 20% compared to individual purchases from Front Range companies. Similar savings are expected with Solar Switch. Read on BRL.
Hiker found deceased at ‘The Slab’
A 57-year-old male hiker was found dead on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 17, at the base of “The Slab” rock formation near the intersection of Shanahan and Mesa Trail, after being reported overdue from hiking. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office are investigating to determine the cause of death. Multiple local agencies assisted in the search and recovery efforts.
Mpox cases on the rise
Mpox cases are increasing in Colorado. The state health department reminded over 4,000 residents to get their second vaccine dose for best protection. Free vaccines are available to anyone who thinks they may be at risk, requiring no ID or insurance. Symptoms of mpox include a new rash, bumps and flu-like symptoms. Anyone with symptoms should seek testing and treatment, even if vaccinated.
Study: Free RTD bus fare didn’t cut ozone pollution
Grant Webster, a Ph.D. student in economics at CU Boulder, found that Colorado’s “Zero Fare for Better Air” summer campaign — offering free public transit — did not significantly reduce ozone pollution during its inaugural run in August 2022. Despite a 15-20% increase in public transit ridership, car traffic remained unchanged. The state revived the program in 2023, expanding it to include both July and August, but ended it in 2024.
Webster’s research, published in “Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice,” found that while ridership increased, it wasn’t enough to impact ozone levels due to the small proportion of commuters using public transit.
“The increase in ridership doesn’t seem to be reducing the number of cars on the roads,” he said. “It might just be transit users taking more rides, or people using RTD who weren’t going to take the ride to begin with.”
To lower Colorado’s ozone pollution by just 1%, Webster said, public transit ridership would need to increase by 74% to 192%.
“Even with a significant increase in ridership, the proportion of commuters using public transit is still too small to result in a major decrease in ozone pollution overall.”
Webster concluded that if policymakers want to change commuters’ behavior, it will take much more than just lowering fares.
BRL’s to-do list: What’s happening this week and weekend?
Explore ALL upcoming events in Boulder. If you have something to promote, use the self-submission form on our events page, for free.
Monday | The Arts HUB Presents: Alice By Heart | 7:30 p.m.
“Alice by Heart is a musical with music by Duncan Sheik, lyrics by Steven Sater, and a book by Sater with Jessie Nelson. The musical is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
Thursday – Sunday | The Dover Road by A.A. Milne | 7:30 p.m.
“The Dover Road is a comedy about marriage and divorce. A.A. Milne is, of course, best known for his stories and poems for children (e.g., Winnie-the-Pooh), but he also wrote humorous sketches, novels, and plays, and worked with Leslie Howard in the early days of the British film industry.”
Thursday, Friday | Sullivan King at Fox Theatre | 8 p.m.
“Sullivan King defies boundaries as he fuses dubstep and rock, carving himself a place within both the electronic and metal scenes. His unique live show is a display of shredding guitar riffs, vocals, Djing, and diving into the pit.”
Saturday | 19th Annual Mapleton Hill Rummage Sale | 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
“Stroll the shady tree-lined streets of Boulder’s favorite historic district while finding great deals! Over 50 houses are participating for our 19th annual celebration, with rummage sales, lemonade stands/bake sales, homemade art & craft sales, and even front yard massage!”
Saturday | “On the Rise” Concert Series – the Hill | 4 p.m.-11.30 p.m.
Roots Music Project, a non-profit music community advocate, is thrilled to announce the On the Rise Concert Series. This series will honor Boulder’s past, present and future as a mecca for musical creativity and expression.
Saturday | Summer Harmony Fest | 7 p.m.
“Get ready for a toe-tapping, finger-snapping good time at the Summer Harmony Fest: A Cappella in Boulder! Join us at the Canyon Theater – Boulder Public Library for a day filled with amazing a cappella performances under the summer sun.”
Sunday | Standing for Humanity in Gaza and Israel | 7 p.m.
“The haunting 20-minute play opens with two prologues set on the morning of October 7th. It then sharply transforms into a ‘how to’ course in maintaining humanity in the aftermath of barbarism; poignantly capturing the moment when everything changed for the people of Israel, Palestine/Gaza, and way beyond.”
Sunday | Opera in the Park 2024 | 7 p.m.
“Join us for an enchanting evening under the stars with Boulder Opera’s annual ‘Opera in the Park’ concert … The concert will feature selections from Handel’s Giulio Cesare, Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier, Verdi’s Nabucco and Macbeth, and Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
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