(by Gabby Robinson) Here is a game for you! Seriously, it’s fun: in the Google search bar, type in “Why are people in [your home state] so” and check out the most popular auto-fills for the end of that sentence. For Colorado, the 2nd most common ending to that question is “healthy.” Several websites post that Coloradans’ exceptional health comes from our love of the outdoors. Now try Googling “What do people in Colorado,” and the 2nd auto-fill response is “do for fun?” Thingstodo.com suggests “outdoor activities, national parks, state parks…” You get the point. Coloradans really love the outdoors! And travelers to our state love to come here for outdoor activities. Luckily Frontier Airlines understands Coloradans and all who make our great state their destination. It’s why they deserve the honor of February Bike-Friendly Business!
In 2011, Frontier introduced a new baggage policy for bicycles (and other sporting/outdoors equipment). The policy, which still holds today, is that bikes do not cost more than a checked bag, which on Frontier costs only $20. And, if you purchase a Classic or Classic Plus ticket, your bike flies free! This sets them apart from other airlines that charge extra fees for odd or oversized items. Don’t forget to pack your bike appropriately though! It will be handled like all other luggage, so fix the handlebars sideways and remove or pad the pedals with bubble wrap (or similar material). Beware of extra charges for overweight baggage too – if your bike and its bag weighs more than 50 pounds, prepare to fork over $75. The Pika Packworks bag is lightweight, and many local bike shops rent out bags for airplane-bound bikes! Travel smart and you and your bike will arrive happy and ready for adventure.
As the hometown airline, Frontier embraces the hometown bike community too. They support Ride the Rockies, the MS150, and the USA Pro Challenge. Look for their logo on those cherry-red bikes around town this spring too, as Frontier will sponsor B-Cycles! Maybe you will spot their logo in a more unlikely location, like on their bike team’s jersey. Yes, Frontier Airlines has a bike team! It’s comprised of employees and their families and friends. They ride the Elephant Rock ride, Courage Classic, and the Tour de Cure. Their signature ride is the Bike MS Ride, which benefits research to fight MS and families affected by MS. The team has raised more than $150,000 for the MS Society in the last eight years. Way to go!
Who would ever have thought an airline has its own bike team? Then again, this is Colorado, and we did say Frontier knows a thing or two about our population’s habits…thanks Frontier!
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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.
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.
January 2013 – Alchemy Bicycle Co.
December 2012 – Denver Beer Co.
November 2012 – Whole Foods Market Capitol Hill
October 2012 – The Nichols Partnership
September 2012 – Downtown Denver YMCA
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
This program is generously sponsored by Clif Bar & Company. Clif Bar 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
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You can help make Denver a better place to ride a bike by becoming a BikeDenver member: Join us!
Find out more information about BikeDenver in our “About” section!
