Bicyclists and pedestrians just got a new, and safer, way to get from one of the longest trial systems in the state to one of the south metro Denver’s largest shopping centers. 

The C-470 Trail Connector to the Park Meadows Retail Resort and the RTD light rail station there in Lone Tree opened Thursday. 

Elected officials cut a ribbon to mark the occasion, and welcomed the first biker to cross on the new section of trail. 

The year-long quarter-mile project managed by Senior Engineer Angela Hager connects the shopping center’s RTD station with the 35-mile trail extending west to Golden and east to Parker.

“The project included construction of a high ease-of use, grade-separated bikeway that will greatly improve access to regional transit, major employment centers and retail destinations,” according to a Lone Tree spokesperson. “This trail connector aims to foster economic and job growth, alleviate traffic congestion, and enhance air quality, encourage more cyclists and pedestrians to abandon their single-occupancy vehicles in favor of a healthier, more active lifestyle.”

The cyclist, who gave his name as Joel, arrived as officials were cutting the ribbon for what they call a multimodal link that could encourage users to abandon their cars in favor of healthier modes of transportation.

Additional project funding for $3.62 million trail section came from Colorado Department of Transportation, Douglas County and the Park Meadows Metro District.