new students - getting around..

One of the best things about Boulder is the ease of getting around the number of places worth getting around to. And most of the times, getting there is as simple as hopping on a bicycle or on a bus. For the nature-lover, Boulder offers a myriad of beautiful hikes and getaways. For the shoppaholic, Boulder's Pearl Street Mall is the place to hang out. Charming by day, extravagant by night, Pearl Street Mall is also the hub of Boulder's nightlife, where youth congregate on Friday nights for robust revelry. The extrovert will feel at home 'on the hill' - the haunt and habitat of University folk. And for the intrepid desirous of broadening their reach, the bustling city of Denver with its museums, cafes, shops and nightlife, is only an hour away by bus.

Avenues of Ambulating:

The University of Colorado is the heart of Boulder City. For getting around Boulder, you have five main avenues. The North-South routes: Broadway, 28th street and / 30th Street. The East-West routes: Arapahoe and Pearl Street.

Modes of Mobility:

Bicycle Blitzkrieg: The best way of getting around Boulder is by bicycle. Bike-paths along the roadsides make 'biking' a safe and pleasant experience. REMEMBER TO ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. It's your best insurance! Boulderites take their bicycling very seriously. It is not unusual to see a gang of bicyclists clad in jazzy spandex, pedaling in intense concentration. Many people own bicycles more expensive than their cars! But for simply getting around, cheap Chinese-made bicycles are available in supermarkets such as 'Target' and 'K-Mart'. Because Boulder is not flat, all bicycles are equipped with gears. Most of the bikes fall under the category of 'mountain bikes'. These are robust, somewhat heavy and have thick tires. A good bike will cost around $100/- new. Bicycles with shock absorbers and lightweight construction cost more. Pro mountain bikes start at $200/- and can cost as much as $5000/- or more. If you've made money on dotcoms, maybe these are the bikes for you. On the other hand, if you've lost money on dotcoms, the $100/- bicycle may be just right for you.

Things to remember:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Register your bicycle with the University.
• Use bicycle path wherever available.
• Keep to right side of the road.
• Be considerate of pedestrians and other bicyclists.
• Follow traffic lights at intersections and traffic signs.
• Buy a good bicycle lock and USE IT.
• Ready to blitz on your bike?
One more thing: buses are equipped with bicycle racks so you can carry your bicycle with you on the bus. Even to Denver.

Bus:

If you prefer to be chauffeured around, then you should consider commuting in buses. The bus pass is paid in your fees, so you should receive a pass sticker from the Buff One Card office. Otherwise, the fare is $1.10. Make sure to ask for a transfer ticket which you can use for the return trip. There are four major bus routes for getting around Boulder, and the good news is that you can get on any of these from the University Campus. These routes are:

• Skip on Broadway (for going to the University Hill, the Table Mesa shopping arcade, Base Mar shopping arcade)
• Bound on 30th (for Crossroads Mall, K-Mart, Albertsons, Diagonal Plaza)
• Jump on Arapahoe (Mann Arapahoe Cinema)
• Hop on Pearl (Campus to Pearl Street, Crossroads Mall and the Hill)

• B to downtown Denver (Not DIA)
• AB (Skyride) to Denver International Airport (not to Denver)
• N to Nederland

Few Tips: