Littleton Builds Safer Streets Practice Park in Memory of Local Teen

In the heart of Littleton, Colorado, a new park is helping residents of all ages ride with confidence—and honoring a young life lost too soon.

Earlier this month, the City of Littleton unveiled its Safer Streets Practice Park at the East Community Center. Designed to teach and reinforce bicycle safety, the park features miniature roads, bike lanes, and real traffic signs, offering a hands-on way to learn the rules of the road before venturing into busy streets.

A Park Built with Purpose
The idea for the park was born out of tragedy. Two years ago, Liam Stewart, a local teenager, was killed while biking to school. His passing galvanized city officials to take action.

“It really invigorated us here at the city,” said Emily Kleinfelter, a transportation planner with Littleton. “We wanted to create a space where people could learn to ride safely and confidently.”

The park isn’t just for kids. While its primary goal is to help younger riders build skills and awareness, the city emphasizes that bike safety is for everyone—whether you're 7 or 70.

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Learning to Ride, Again
Julie Newsom, a longtime Littleton resident, hadn’t been on a bike since the 1970s. “I used to ride a Stingray with a banana seat and monkey handlebars,” she laughed. When she saw a post about the city’s “learn to ride” classes, she decided to give it a try.

“Safety is really important for any age,” Newsom said. “You don’t want a concussion or broken bones. You want to go out and have fun safely.”

More Than Just a Ride
Benedict Wright, Education Manager for Bicycle Colorado, sees biking as more than just transportation. “It gives children their first sense of independence and freedom,” he said. “And it gives adults a chance to explore their neighborhoods in a new way.”

Whether you're new to biking or just brushing up on your skills, Littleton’s Safer Streets Practice Park is a welcoming space to learn, grow, and ride with confidence.

A Community Moving Forward
By turning grief into action, Littleton is creating a safer, more connected community—one pedal stroke at a time. The park stands as a reminder that safety starts with education, and that every rider deserves the chance to feel secure on the road.

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