BOULDER, Colo. -- Starting Monday at trailheads all over Boulder, dog owners will be required to put their pet on a leash before exiting the vehicle.

The dogs can be unleashed at a designated point on the trail.

In a city where it seems everyone -- and their dog -- walks the dozens of trails, David and Marsha Budz keep their Labradoodle puppy leashed for now, but they have no problem with all the free-roaming Fidos.

"They need a little freedom to stretch their legs," said Marsha Budz. "If you have a dog that’s obedient, I just don’t think you need it (a leash)."

But Julie Johnson with Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks said, even if it's only 20 feet, requiring leashes from the car to the voice-and-sight control signs prevents unwanted encounters or accidents with cars and bicycles.

"It's a safety issue for people and also for the dogs," said Johnson.

Dan Reagin rides the trails all the time and agrees.

"People don't pay attention, their pets run free. And I've actually hit a dog before on a bike path," said Reagin. "I mean, if people would control their pets, we wouldn't need to legislate that."

The new restrictions are an expansion of a pilot program started three years ago at five Boulder trailheads.

Johnson said the city had so much good feedback in those areas, they decided the leash law should apply for all the trailheads.

Rangers will give people warnings for the first two weeks during an educational phase, but starting Aug. 4, a ticket will carry a $50 fine.