BikeDenver.org » BikeDenver Newsletter, August ‘07

We hope youâ€™re having a great summer full of bicycling adventures! We hope you enjoy our fresh newsletter format. Expect hear from us every couple of months as we get back into the newsletter swing of things.

BIKEDENVER NEWS

Bike to Work Day

BikeDenver President David Rapp led a delegation of bicyclists from various groups on a bicycle ride around downtown Denver with Mayor Hickenlooper. The group rode through several trouble spots around downtown where cyclists have historically had issues. The Mayor was very receptive to the groupâ€™s suggestions, especially when he was able to view them firsthand. After the ride, the Mayor was presented with a list of issues that were discussed during the ride, and BikeDenver will be following up to ensure that progress is made in resolving the problems at hand.

Tour de Fat

Saturday, July 7 was a lucky day for bicycle advocacy in Denver—promoting pedal power and celebrating sustainable energy—by attracting cycling crazies and commuters alike. New Belgium Brewing Company’s 7th annual cycling circus helped put Denver bicycle advocacy on the map among a dozen Western cities, and boosted better bicycling with proceeds from parade, beer sales and philanthropy at the City Park event.

A hot day saw a mellow crowd convene on the grass near 20th Ave. & York Street in City Park for a peaceful yet passionate demonstration of two-wheeled mobility and sustainability. A centrally-located corral boasted bikes of many mutations available to test-ride, with helmets provided. One in particular had wheels made of sneakers—a creative, if bumpy, alternative to tires.

Proceeds from beer sales and merchandise, along with generous donations from attendees, went to the non-profit groups to further their missions of promoting cycling safety and self-sufficient transportation in the Denver Metro area.

Next year, BikeDenver is expected to be the main beneficiary of this event, and New Belgium is forecasting the number of participants here to triple. So, if you missed this yearâ€™s event, be sure to join the fun at next yearâ€™s Tour de Fat!

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Join BikeDenver! If youâ€™re already on our mailing list, we encourage you to become a member with whatever time, money, and energy you can. Memberships start at $35 (Individual), and $50 (Supporter). Want to give more? Other membership levels are available at the $100.00 (Advocate), $250.00 (Champion) and $500.00 (Elite) levels.

What will membership get you?

› Better advocacy for bicyclists in our city. BikeDenver will corral volunteers and members and engage local government to promote the healthy bike lifestyle and get more cars off the road.

› Regular newsletters to keep you up-to-date and invite/remind you of events and important meetings and issues needing bicyclistsâ€™ input.

› Regular meetings with interesting presentations to mingle with other two-wheelers, prioritize, and plan.

› Events like organized [theme] rides, bike-in movies, repair clinics, and safety classes.

› Website that is up-to-date and useful.

› Bike Parking at more city-wide events.

Join online. Or, you can mail a check if youâ€™re Paypal averse. Mailing instructions can be found on the webpage listed above.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We need volunteers for the following upcoming events:

Taste of Colorado, Labor Day weekend, Aug 31-Sept 3

Veloswap, Saturday, Oct 27

For more information on volunteering at these events, contact bikeparking@bikedenver.org.

MBAC NEWS

In June, members from the Mayorâ€™s Bike Advisory Committee met with Bill Vidal, Denverâ€™s Director of Public Works, and Lesley Thomas, City Engineer, to discuss bicycling conditions in Denver. The meeting was a positive one, and the MBAC is encouraged that there are opportunities for MBAC involvement in the planning process and for incorporating bicycling improvements into City projects. The City is already approaching Strategic Transportation Plan (STP) projects in a manner similar to Complete Streets policiesâ€”in other words, making our streets usable for ALL users, but there is still a need for incorporating bicycling culture into the way the City approaches projects. This is a cultural shift that has enjoyed much success in other cities such as Portland, OR and Tucson, AZ. The MBAC hopes to continue these meetings with Public Works on a quarterly basis.