Noticed the roads getting busier lately? Blame it on the back-to-school season! As students of all ages return to classrooms, traffic patterns take a hit, and here’s why:

1. School Drop-Offs: Parents and buses are flooding the streets during peak hours, causing bottlenecks around schools.
2. More Pedestrians: With students walking or biking to school, drivers need to be extra cautious in school zones.
3. Shifted Schedules: Many parents tweak their work hours for school runs, adding to the morning and afternoon traffic crunch.
 

When college students return to campus, traffic dynamics in college towns and cities often undergo noticeable changes:

1. Increased Vehicle Volume

a) Student Cars: Many students bring their own cars to campus, leading to more vehicles on the road, especially around campus areas and popular student housing complexes.
b) Parents: The start of the semester sees a surge in vehicles as parents help move students into dorms, contributing to temporary congestion.

2. More Pedestrians and Cyclists: Walking and Biking: College students often walk or bike to campus, increasing pedestrian and cyclist traffic. This demands extra caution from drivers, especially in and around campus areas.

3. Changes in Parking Demand: Parking Challenges: The return of students often leads to a scramble for parking spaces, both on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods, which can cause frustration and further slow traffic.

4. Increased Activity in College Towns: Busy Local Roads: With students back, college towns see more activity in local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, leading to busier streets and intersections.

Tips for Navigating the Change:
Plan for Delays: Expect longer travel times, especially during peak hours.
Use Alternative Routes: Avoid campus areas during busy times if possible.
Be Alert: Watch for increased pedestrian and cyclist activity, especially near college campuses
 

With these back-to-school dates in mind, you can expect traffic to increase in waves throughout August:

August 12th: Greeley schools start first, so expect traffic to pick up around that area as parents and buses hit the road.
August 15th: PSD, Thompson, and CSU (with move-ins) will see a significant surge, particularly around Fort Collins and Loveland. CSU move-ins will add extra congestion around the campus.
August 16th: University of Northern Colorado’s move ins start and continue until August 21st. 
August 19th: As CSU classes begin, the area will be particularly busy, with more students driving to campus and increased pedestrian and bicycle activity.
August 26th: Windsor schools start later, so traffic will spike around this date in that region. Classes begin at UNC.

So, the next time you’re stuck in gridlock, remember: it’s just the back-to-school hustle making its annual return and we are lucky to live in beautiful Northern Colorado.

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