06/15/2026
This month’s “Word on the Street” — a series part of Littleton’s Safer Streets initiative focusing on people who walk, bike, roll, or work on the transportation network in the city — features Mark Stookesberry:
“I teach after-school guitar lessons at several elementary schools and the East Community Center. I’m a big fan of the High Line Canal – I can commute to most of the schools where I teach via the canal. I also do bike racing, so I consider my bike commutes to be a bit of daily training. Not to mention it’s better for the environment and traffic congestion, too!
On the High Line Canal or the Mary Carter Greenway, you experience nature in a way you never could in a car. There are deer and bobcats, and all kinds of birds. I saw a big snapping turtle on the path. It’s like my daily micro-adventure.
The improvements the City of Littleton is making to pedestrian and bike infrastructure are really helpful. The new crosswalks with rapid flashing beacons are really important for less-experienced riders.
I started teaching learn-to-ride classes when my sons were in elementary school. When a kid is learning to ride a bike, there’s this moment where it just clicks. It was an amazing experience when it happened with my boys. Sometimes I almost feel like I’m robbing other parents when I have that moment with kids in the classes I teach, but these are kids who just haven’t had the opportunity.
Biking means freedom and independence to kids. There are fewer options and places for them socially these days, so biking gives them something to do and places to go.
Not to mention, if you’ve ever had to drop kids off at school in a car, it’s bonkers. It can take half an hour from when you pull your car in to when you pull out. Biking bypasses all of that.
I’m really excited about the new Practice Park at the East Community Center. It’s going to be a fantastic resource to get kids on bikes and learning safety. We have so much opportunity at our fingertips right now.”
Learn more about the Safer Streets Littleton program at LittletonCO.gov/SaferStreets
