(By Gabby Robinson) Promotions manager Hunter Jupiter could not have summed up his company better: “Bicycle Village is a leader in community support.” And that is why we have selected Bicycle Village as our August Bike Friendly Business!
The business started in 1974 in a small warehouse in West Denver, and has remained Colorado owned and operated ever since. It expanded into five locations around the state, and each store continues to uphold the founder’s guiding principles: great service, great selection and great prices. It’s no surprise that they boast the title of the largest bicycle retailer in the Rockies! Not only do they cater to the needs of kids, pros, and recreational riders alike, they also live up to their moniker. The “Village” in their name is no coincidence; from charity rides to product donations, Bicycle Village supports various organizations in the name of bicycling! You can participate by joining them in a ride for a cause, or by donating your old bike. Their partnership with Recycle Bicycles allows volunteers to fix up your unwanted bike and redistribute it to those who cannot afford them. Who else do they partner with? BikeDenver, of course! Plus they fundraise for the American Diabetes Association, Bikes Belong, World Bike Relief, Livestrong, and Team in Training for Leukemia, just to name a few.
As if they didn’t already have the credentials to be one of the most bike-friendly businesses this side of the Rockies, Bicycle Village recently added a special story to their resume when they helped a victim of the Aurora shooting. Stephen Barton of Connecticut had stopped in Aurora on his cross-country bicycling trip to view the midnight premiere of the new Batman movie. As a gunman opened fire on the theatre, Stephen suffered injuries that inhibited him from completing his trek to California. Bicycle Village stepped in, shipping his riding companion’s bike and personal items back to his home for free. Next year, Stephen hopes to finish his ride, starting in Aurora. Naturally, Bicycle Village will be there to send him off!
Bicycle Village is truly a two-for-one: they are your friendly neighborhood bike shop doubling as a charitable, community-involved business. With their excellent service and commitment to so many causes, BikeDenver is sure that Bicycle Village has soared above and beyond their mission to “get more people riding bikes more frequently!”
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BikeDenver’s Bicycle-Friendly Business (BFB) of the Month Award highlights organizations that are making standout contributions and offering great success stories from among BikeDenver’s Bicycle-Friendly Business (BFB) Program members. The BFB program, with more than 140 honorees to date, recognizes businesses, organizations and workplaces that are leading the way to make bicycling an easy and accepted form of transportation in Denver. Nominate a workplace as a Bicycle-Friendly Business here.
BikeDenver is Denver’s bicycle advocacy organization. BikeDenver promotes and encourages bicycling in Denver and works to make Denver a better place to ride your bike. Why? Because more bicycling has great benefits for you, and for Denver! www.bikedenver.org
Clif Bar & Company started on a bike ride. Founder Gary took a bite of another energy bar and thought he could make a better bar. Today, Clif Bar is a leading maker of all-natural and organic energy and nutrition foods and drinks.www.clifbar.com
Bicycle Friendly Business of the Month Awards: Since partnering in July of 2009 to launch the monthly awards program, Clif Bar and BikeDenver have recognized over 35 work places for their bicycle friendly practices.
April 2012 – Cactus Advertising
February 2012 – Cake Crumbs Bakery
December 2011 – greatBIGcolor, Inc.
November 2011 – Kentwood City Properties
October 2011 – Gates Corporation
February 2011 – Snooze a.m. eatery
December 2010 – Grand Hyatt Denver
November 2010 – Holland & Hart
October 2010 – Solera Green Living
September 2010 – REI Denver Flagship Store
June 2010 – Sweet Action Ice Cream
May 2010 – Denver Regional Council of Governments
March 2010 – Little Man Ice Cream
February 2010 – Salvagetti Bicycle Workshop
January 2010 – The Alliance for a Sustainable Colorado
December 2009 – Denver Pavilions
November 2009 – Human Powered Transit Authority
October 2009 – Jones Lang LaSalle
September 2009 – Downtown Denver Partnership & BID
August 2009 – Historic Denver’s Story Trek
July 2009 (Inaugural) – Watercourse Restaurant
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It’s uplifting to read about businesses like Bicycle Village, especially participation in American Diabetes Assn. fundraisers. Wishing them all success.