Fort Collins has always been a forward-thinking city when it comes to transportation. From building out one of the most connected trail systems in Colorado to investing in bike-friendly infrastructure, the city has long been known as a place where walking, biking, and now rolling on two (or four) wheels is part of daily life. But as technology changes and new ways of getting around appear, the city is asking a big question: Which Wheels Go Where?
This isn’t just about bikes anymore. It’s about e-scooters, e-skateboards, and other lightweight electric vehicles that are becoming part of how people move around. Fort Collins is looking to update ordinances so the rules match today’s realities while keeping safety, accessibility, and climate goals front and center.
A Little History
For decades, Fort Collins has built a reputation as a bike town. We’re consistently ranked among the top bike-friendly communities in the country, and the city’s 45 miles of paved trails (with plans for over 70 more in the next two decades) show just how much active transportation is part of the culture. Add in Colorado State University’s student population and the entrepreneurial push for sustainability, and you’ve got a community where alternatives to cars aren’t just nice to have—they’re expected.
The Changing Landscape
In the last few years, the way people get around has shifted quickly. Nationally, the number of micromobility trips surpassed 130 million in 2023, and locally, Fort Collins has seen the same trend. People want options that are affordable, quick, and fun.
A city survey found that users of human-powered and lightweight electric vehicles overwhelmingly prefer facilities separated from cars. On the other hand, pedestrians—especially older adults, children, and people with disabilities—want sidewalks and trails to remain safe for walking and slower biking.
In short, not everyone agrees on where scooters and boards should go.
Current Rules and What’s Changing
Right now, the city’s ordinances don’t fully reflect the explosion of new devices. The Which Wheels Go Where? project is tackling this head-on. Fort Collins is exploring updates to the rules for where bikes, scooters, skateboards, and other lightweight vehicles can legally operate:
- Streets & bike lanes: continuing to prioritize safe travel alongside cars.
- Sidewalks: possible restrictions on faster-moving devices to protect walkers.
- Paved trails: clearer guidance on speed, etiquette, and which devices belong.
The proposed updates aim to balance freedom of movement with safety. Instead of banning new forms of transport, the city is leaning toward education campaigns and investments in separated infrastructure—think protected bike lanes and expanded trail systems.
Why This Matters
At first glance, this might seem like just another round of city code changes. But it’s bigger than that. This project connects directly to Fort Collins’ long-term goals:
- Vision Zero: eliminating serious injury and fatal crashes.
- Our Climate Future: reducing carbon emissions by supporting mode shift.
- The Active Modes Plan: making walking, biking, and rolling easier and safer for everyone.
With the population expected to grow significantly in the next 25 years, transportation decisions made today will shape how livable the city feels tomorrow. If done right, these changes will make it safer for a kid to scooter to school, a CSU student to skate to class, or a retiree to enjoy a peaceful walk on a trail without worry.
The Bottom Line
“Which Wheels Go Where?” isn’t just a catchy name. It’s the city recognizing that transportation isn’t one-size-fits-all anymore. Cars, bikes, scooters, skateboards—they all have a place, but that place needs to be clear, fair, and safe.
By updating ordinances and continuing to invest in infrastructure, Fort Collins is making sure the future of mobility fits with the city’s values: safety, sustainability, and respect for every resident’s way of getting around.