Outrage over plans to turn wealthy Denver suburb into gated town to try and curb bad driving, with neighbors saying they’re just trying to keep out ‘peasants’
Bow Mar, an affluent suburb of about 830 people south of Denver, has unanimously approved moving forward with engineering work for a gate at one town entrance. Residents say drivers cutting through at speed put children and pedestrians at risk, while neighbouring officials argue that gates would send an exclusionary message and leave Bow Mar residents free to use other cities’ roads.
A town traffic study found about 2,000 vehicles entered Bow Mar on an average day last year, most believed to be non-residents. Since early 2023, police have issued 1,260 traffic violations, around half for speeding; residents say they have already tried lower speed limits, speed bumps, narrower roads and more enforcement. The initial proposal included two gates and closing a third entry, but leaders now plan to assess a gate at Sheridan Boulevard before deciding whether to add more.
- Bow Mar approved engineering work for a gate at one entrance.
- Residents cite speeding and pedestrian safety concerns.
- Neighbouring officials say the plan is exclusionary.
New here? Start with this
Bow Mar is a small, affluent town south of Denver, in Colorado. It is surrounded by other communities, and some drivers use its roads to cut through the area.
Town officials say the traffic is putting people walking and children at risk. Residents say they have tried measures such as speed bumps and narrower roads, while neighbouring officials question whether gates are fair when Bow Mar residents also drive on surrounding towns’ roads.
The proposal concerns a gate at one entrance, with more possible later. It has drawn attention to how towns manage traffic and who can use local roads.