Steamboat Springs, Colorado-July 1, 2026- The safest move on Yampa Street starts in reverse. Back-in angle parking along portions of Yampa Street was designed to improve safety for everyone using the corridor, including motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
"Yampa Street is a busy corridor used by motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike," said Public Works Director Jon Snyder. "Back-in parking improves visibility when drivers leave a parking space, helping create a safer experience for everyone."
While it may feel different than traditional angled parking, backing into a space helps drivers leave more safely and reduces potential conflicts with people walking, biking, and driving along the street.
Unlike traditional angled parking, the spaces on Yampa Street are designed to be entered by backing in. The configuration was selected because of the on-street bike lane and allows drivers to exit the parking space facing forward with a clear view of approaching cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles.
When drivers back into a space upon arrival, they do so from the travel lane where they have the best visibility of their surroundings. When it is time to leave, they can pull forward into traffic rather than backing blindly into the roadway and bike lane.
Studies and experience from communities across the country have shown that back-in parking can improve safety by increasing visibility and reducing conflicts between roadway users.
How to Back Into a Parking Space
Signal as you approach the parking space.
Pull slightly beyond the space.
Shift into reverse and back into the stall at the marked angle.
Drivers are asked to follow posted signs identifying these spaces as back-in parking only. Community Service Officers with the Steamboat Springs Police Department monitor parking throughout the city, and vehicles parked incorrectly in designated back-in spaces may be subject to a citation.
Additional information on parking regulations, public parking lots, and seasonal parking restrictions is available on the city website.
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Contact
Email Jon Snyder, Public Works Director, or call 970-879-2060
Email Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Supervisor, or call 970-871-7031
Email Michael Lane, Marketing & Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220