Having been born and raised in Denver, Alex now works as the Master Electrician at the Garner Galleria Theater at the Denver Center Center for the Performing Arts. He’s also a stage carpenter who maintains the sets and runs the automation for “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!”. As Master Electrician, he’s the guy in charge of maintenance and installation for the stage light of the various shows.

But Alex is also a true cyclist… and he has the bike collection to prove it. Alex started biking as a kid and since growing up now has about 16 bikes in total. Though it seems there’s just too many to choose from, he does have three favorites:

1. his Batavus BUB “with burley everything”

2. his oldie but a goodie stretch cruiser

3. and his 1936 Rollfast cruiser that’s “pure Rat Rod with sharp rusty edges everywhere rolling on modern wheels with an early thirties Marrow coaster brake.”

Clearly, biking is a big part of Alex’s lifestyle. Aside from saving tons of money by biking (not having to pay parking, maintenance, insurance, gas…), his choice of transportation lets him arrive awake and in a good mood – “being on a bike is like therapy, and bike therapy is awesome.”

[Submitted by Courtney Burkett]

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Bike Hero of the Month Awards highlight different people each month, and help encourage other people to bike by telling the Hero’s personal story. The goal of the Bike Hero Awards Program is to showcase the diversity of citizen-cyclists and the people who support them in Denver.

BikeDenver’s Executive Director Piep van Heuven says: “We introduced the Bike Hero awards because we want to encourage a friendly environment for and public image of bicyclists in Denver. One of the ways we can do this is to showcase the different faces of and great stories about people in our community, like Chris, who ride bikes or help others get out there and ride. Through the Bike Hero awards, BikeDenver honors bicyclists of all ages and walks of life, from the first time bicyclist to the rain or shine bicyclist!  We all know people (our neighbors, co-workers, family members or community leaders) who inspire us to reach for the handlebars instead of the car keys. Take a moment to look around you and help BikeDenver recognize the people in our community who are making a difference for Denver, one ride at a time!”

Our April Bike Friendly Business is well recognizable thanks to its advertising jobs all over the city. Cactus Advertising “is committed to working with companies, brands, and causes that move the world forward. And through this commitment they’ve created advertising for numerous well-known clients including: Colorado Lottery, Smashburger, Illegal Pete’s, the Denver Zoo, Project Health Colorado, and many more.

But the folks at Cactus aren’t all business. For instance, the Bike From Work Bash, an extension of Bike to Work Day. Mike Lee, the PR & Social Media Director, explained that “like all great ideas, Bike From Work Bash was born over beer.” And with the joint effort of some the the Cactus workers, this party that includes food, drinks, and music has grown from a crowd of 700 its first year, to 1,400 the second, and to 3,000 the third. The bash is awesome for not only encouraging people to bike that day, but they also honored BikeDenver as their beneficiary the second year!

So how did this event end up growing so much? Well thanks to the help of a talented art director, Allie Edwards, the Cactus team gets together each year and comes up with a series of promo videos. Most popular? Why the Sexy Bike Wash of course. That’s right, a Sexy Bike Wash. If you haven’t seen it, check it out HERE.  Luckily for us, Mike says we can expect some more fun stuff later this year.

BikeDenver doesn’t just love their enthusiastic efforts in the Bike From Work Bash, we love Cactus’s “bike-friendly business” initiatives, too. Many employees bike to work and are greeted at work by bike parking and showers. Cactus also offers a loaner fleet of Kona Africa Bikes which are great for two main reasons: they’re easy to grab for trips around town and the Africa Bikes donated one bike to a community in Africa for every two that Cactus bought.

[Submitted by Courtney Burkett]

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BikeDenver’s Bicycle-Friendly Business (BFB) of the Month Awardshelp highlight 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 125 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 o n 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 25 work places for their bicycle friendly practices.

March 2012 – Denver Bike Cafe

February 2012 – Cake Crumbs Bakery

January 2012 – Hi*Rise Bakery

December 2011 – greatBIGcolor, Inc.

November 2011 – Kentwood City Properties

October 2011 – Gates Corporation

September 2011 – Wash Perk

August 2011 – TIAA CREF

July 2011 – Pedal Hopper

June 2011 – Illegal Pete’s

May 2011 – Primal Wear

April 2011 – eGo CarShare

March 2011 – Tony’s Market

February 2011 – Snooze a.m. eatery

January 2011 – The Bike Depot

December 2010 – Grand Hyatt Denver

November 2010 – Holland & Hart

October 2010 – Solera Green Living

September 2010 – REI Denver Flagship Store

August 2010 – Quiznos

July 2010 – MIGHTYkarma

June 2010 – Sweet Action Ice Cream

May 2010 – Denver Regional Council of Governments

April 2010 – Denver Water

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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More about BikeDenver:

See BikeDenver’s PSA’s and learn about the great reasons to ride in Denver: “Priceless”“Why I Ride”

You can help make a better place to ride a bike by becoming a BikeDenver member: Join BikeDenver!

Want to hear our zippy new radio PSAs? Click to hear them here.

BikeDenver wants you to eat at Watercourse for lunch, & dinner (or both!) on Monday, April 30!  Why? Because we’re the Non-Profit Monday Fundraiser beneficiary and a portion of the restaurant’s proceeds that day will go to benefit BikeDenver!

We’ve been partners with Watercourse for quite awhile, and we know Watercourse is a favored stomping grounds for many of you – they’ve got GREAT food, and they helped pioneer the concept of giving bicyclists discounts. Please show your appreciation to Watercourse and BikeDenver on the 30th  by showing up, bringing your family & friends, and spreading the word!  Also, we recommend dessert – treat yourself, and treat BikeDenver too!

We’ve a long history with Watercourse Restaurant.  In fact, we chose them  as the first Bicycle Friendly Business of the Month honoree (July, 2009).  Owner Dan Landes said: “Watercourse Foods has been offering a 10% discount to bike riders for the past 14 years. Our motivation was to encourage alternative transportation from outside of walking distance, to alleviate parking congestion and provide a benefit and incentive to our clientele. We were honored to be the first recipient of BikeDenver’s Bicycle Friendly Business Recognition Program in 2008 and display our decal with pride. I believe being a BFB has worked wonders for our restaurants and I would encourage other businesses to consider what they can do to make their operation more bicycle friendly.”

Check out the menu at Watercourse Restaurant

Learn more about how to become a recognized  Bike-Friendly Business

(Courtesy Fort Collins Bike Co-op) The Fort Collins Bike Co-op is sponsoring a League Cycling Instructor seminar at the Bike Co-op in Fort Collins May 4 – 6, 2012.   The coach for the seminar is nationally recognized League Cycling Instructor, Preston Tyree.  League Cycling Instructors are certified by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) to teach bicycle safety.

According to League of American Bicyclists, “Becoming a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) certified to teach Smart Cycling is a great way to help cyclists in your community. Certified instructors can teach Smart Cycling classes to children as well as adults. Help bring the joy of safe cycling to others. If you are an experienced cyclist and would like to teach others please consider taking the next step towards certification. Becoming a League member and taking Traffic Skills 101 are prerequisites for a certification seminar. Instructors are trained at seminars held periodically throughout the year.”

To register for the Fort Collins seminar visit the web site of the LAB:   http://members.bikeleague.org/members_online/members/calendar_of_events.asp

Space for this seminar is limited to 15.  The Bike Co-op has 8 scholarships available to cover the $200 registration fee for this seminar for local residents who will commit to helping build our safe cycling program in Fort Collins.  Participants must pay the $200 fee and the $35 LAB membership fee themselves.  The $200 registration fee will be reimbursed after the new LCIs assist with at least two Smart Cyclng classes.

For further information contact Rick Price (970-310-5238).  Or check the Education Programs on the Bike Co-op web site:  http://fcbikecoop.org/programs/education/index.php.

For information about the LCI program at the national level visit:  http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/

The beginning of every season in the Mile High City has its own unique charm when you’re on a bicycle. That’s why we at BikeDenver go on a ride to celebrate each new season.

On Saturday, April 28^th we’re observing two seasons: Spring and BIKE SEASON!

What better way to enjoy the sunshine and usher in the Denver biking season than with a fun city ride finished with a cold beer?! (Trick question. We already know there is no better way.)

This year we’re enhancing our spring ride by partnering with the Denver Beer Co to proudly present a BikeDenver specific beer! We cordially invite YOU to come out and ride with us Saturday, April 28^th at 11:30 am at Wash Park and then join us for a post-ride social at the Denver Beer Co where you will be able to try the refreshing BikeDenver Incredible Pedal IPA.

Ride Departs: 11:30am from Washington Park’s Dos Chappel Bathhouse at the North end of Smith Lake. The BikeDenver Incredible Pedal IPA Release Party begins at Noon at Denver Beer Co (1695 Platte Street Denver)

 Ride Route & Pace: Our ride is fun, slow and social.  We obey all traffic laws.  Helmets are strongly recommended.  We’ll have a few ride guides at the front, middle and end of the ride to keep you on the right track.

 How to ride via B-cycle: Acquire your B-cycle at any kiosk. Our ride route will take us past multiple B-cycle kiosks so that you can check your bike in and back out when you are approaching the 30 minute free mark.  There’s a B-cycle kiosk a few blocks away from Denver Beer Co.

 Post-Ride Social: We’ll congregate at the Denver Beer Co at noon for the release of the BikeDenver Incredible Pedal IPA. A portion of the beer proceeds will go to BikeDenver to ensure that you have an advocate for safe and accessible bicycling so that you can confidently enjoy Denver on your bike.

RSVP on the BikeDenver Incredible Pedal Ale Facebook Event Page, and come out and join us on the 28th!

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Thursday April 12 (Denver):  Denver Public Works has announced that the long-awaited bicycle and pedestrian access bridge at Colorado and I-25  is scheduled to begin construction in early 2013.  The bridge will connect SE Denver neighborhoods including Virginia Village and University Hills and  provide safe access for people who walk and bike to the Colorado Center light rail station.

The access bridge was identified as a need as far back as 1999 and resulted in the Southeast Corridor EIS Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan including the following text: “As a result of the poor conditions along Colorado it has been suggested that a separate pedestrian overpass be constructed from the Colorado Center to Jewell, north of I-25.”  While there are sidewalks on both the Colorado Blvd. and Evans Ave. bridges, both of these bridges are at I-25 interchanges with high speeds and volumes of traffic that many people find daunting (including people with disabilities).   The Denver Bicycle Master Plan also identifies connectivity across I-25 to the Colorado Center and RTD Light Rail Station as a major missing link in the bicycle system.

BikeDenver, Denver’s bicycle advocacy organization,  identified the access bridge project as a major priority over a decade ago.  Executive Director Piep van Heuven says:  “This is terrific news for Denver!  It’s so important to see these connectivity projects through to completion.  It improves the quality of life for all us when we take these important steps to create more walkable and bikeable communities.”

ONLINE AUCTION:  We put a few very popular items up for auction online.  You can BID ONLINE FOR HIGH VALUE ITEMS HERE, or bid at the event on April 25th.  Check back frequently – we are loading photos of all auction items on this site!  BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE:  Online ticket sales are now closed. Please purchase your ticket at the door.

Tickets: General admission tickets (limit 75)  include a free drink ticket and are $15 pre-paid or $20 at the door.

VIP Tickets: VIP Tickets include two free drinks and pre-admission to the auction area to view the items beginning at 5:30pm. VIP Tickets are $40 pre-paid or $50 at the door.

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What: Handle Bar Moments: An Auction to Benefit BikeDenver

When:  Wednesday April 25th 6:30pm

Where:  Breckenridge Brewery (2220 Blake Street)

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About the Event:

Love to ride your road bike? Remember the early days of the Coors_Classic and the 7-Eleven Team?  Remember that great cycling memorabilia featured on the walls and ceilings of the former Handle Bar & Grill on Downing Street? Do you wonder what happened to all the cool framed jerseys and bike frames?  Breckenridge Brewery bought Handle Bar & Grill and these special items were saved. Breckenridge Brewery honored BikeDenver with the opportunity to host a special event and online auction that will support BikeDenver’s advocacy efforts. Want a piece of the action?  Buy your tickets today and save the date for April 25th!

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About Breckenridge Brewery: Breckenridge Brewery was founded in 1990 in Breckenridge, Colorado. In the past two decades Breckenridge Brewery has grown from a small 1,000-barrels-a-year brewpub to one of the most successful craft beer and restaurant companies in the nation. It now handcrafts 41,000 barrels of fresh beer annually and owns and operates five brewpubs and ales houses in Colorado.

Denver Parks & Recreation’s Park Rangers are looking for a few good bicyclists this summer.

Are you friendly? Do you love Denver’s parks and trails?  Planning to be on your bicycle enjoying the outdoors this summer?   Apply by April 18 to become a member of the Volunteer Courtesy Patrol! Volunteer Courtesy Patrol Application

BikeDenver and Denver Parks & Recreation’s Park Rangers want YOU to apply by April 18 for selection to a  high-profile volunteer program that will help take good care of some Denver’s  favorite outdoor spaces! This is a great opportunity to meet others who love Denver’s parks and trails as much as you do and be part of very fun group!

The Volunteer Courtesy Patrol needs 45 bicyclists over the age of 18 this summer.  The patrol has been expanded this year and the Park Rangers are recruiting more volunteers to help in more areas.  Volunteers will assist Park Rangers in six or more of Denver’s most popular spaces, including; the Cherry Creek Trail, South Platte Trail, Bear Creek Trail (NEW),  City Park, Washington Park, and Cheesman Park (NEW).   Bike jerseys will be provided by Primal Wear.  Volunteers will provide their own bicycle and helmet.

BikeDenver and Denver Parks & Recreation  teamed up to launch the Volunteer Courtesy Patrol to expand the reach of the Park Ranger program and help educate users about basic park & trail safety rules and courtesies.  Volunteers will assist in pairs 3-4 times a month, primarily on weekends from mid-May to mid-September.

Volunteer Courtesy Patrol Goals:

• Increase the Denver Park Ranger’s presence and visibility in six of Denver’s most popular parks and multi-use trails
• Educate trail and park users about basic safety rules and courtesies
• Model safe riding behavior for bicyclists
• Assist residents and visitors by providing directions and information
• Report on conflict areas, and physical safety issues

Let’s get rolling!  Fill out this easy online form by April 18 to submit your application: Volunteer Courtesy Patrol Application

Hear what the program organizers have to say:

BikeDenver Executive Director Piep van Heuven says: “We were very pleased with the success of Volunteer Courtesy Patrol program in it’s inaugural year in 2011.  Volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to help steward some of Denver’s most popular outdoor places and help the Denver Park Rangers address conflict areas and model responsible use on shared paths and trails.”

Denver Parks and Recreation Lead Park Ranger Jacob Wells says: “Using volunteers on bicycles helps extend our ability to service the public.  The partnership with BikeDenver helped us to launch this important new volunteer program last year and we’re looking forward to expanding the program with their help again this year.”

Key Information:

You’ll find detailed information in the sign up form and we’ll be in touch about the process, but you might want to note these key dates:

March 16: Recruitment Begins

**April 18:   Application Deadline**

April 23: Notification

April 30/May 1: Volunteer Training (attend one session)

May 7/8: On-Bike Volunteer Training (attend one session)

May 11: Pre-Launch Volunteer Meeting & BBQ

May 12: Program Launch

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BikeDenver is Denver’s bicycle advocacy organization.  We work to promote and encourage bicycling in Denver for recreation and transportation.

The Department of Parks and Recreation stewards Denver’s legacy and is dedicated to customer satisfaction and enhancing lives by providing innovative programs and safe, beautiful, sustainable places.

The Denver Park System includes more than 240 urban parks totaling more than 3,700 acres and more than 240 miles of trails and walks.

The Park Ranger Program provides daily patrol of the urban and mountain park systems and focuses on visitor contact and assistance, park rule and regulation enforcement/education, protection of natural and built resources, environmental education, emergency response and visitor safety.