RSSThu 1 Sep 2005
The mission of Bike Denver is to promote and encourage bicycling as an energy efficient, non-polluting, healthy, and enjoyable transportation alternative within the City and County of Denver.
NEXT MEETING: October 13, 6-7pm, Bicycle Colorado’s office, Room 236 in Union Station
JOIN AND SUPPORT BICYCLE ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
We are indeed fortunate to live in a city and state with so many bicycle paths, trails, and street accommodations. This didn’t happen by accident but is the result of many years of dedicated work on the part of local, state, and national cycling advocacy organizations and their members. In return, those of us who enjoy the fruits of their labors have an obligation to support these organizations at each and every level.
BikeDenver (www.bikedenver.org), a local group, is involved in Denver specific efforts as exemplified by our current efforts to get better access for cyclists to the new light rail stations. Bicycle Colorado (www.bicyclecolo.org) is the only advocacy group with a statewide Colorado focus and their recent legislative successes have improved cycling safety for all of us. On the national level, a number of bicycle and trails organizations have diligently and successfully lobbied over the years for a greater share of the federal transportation dollars. Examples include IMBA (www.imba.org), League of American Bicyclists (www.bikeleague.org) and Rails to Trails Conservancy (www.railtrails.org).
But so much remains to be done – bicycle friendly streets, maintained trails, children able to ride to school – so join now, at each level, and know that you are doing all you can to ensure and expand safe and accessible cycling opportunities.
ITEMS IN THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER:
** Volunteers Make A Difference At The Taste Of Colorado
** BikeDenver Action Plan Update
** Bicycle Touring Class Offered
** Katrina Evacuee Rides Bike To Baton Rouge
VOLUNTEERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE AT THE TASTE OF COLORADO
This event wouldn’t have been the success it was, without the extra effort made by BikeDenver’s core members, their family and friends, and other dedicated cyclists. We parked about 1200 bikes over the 4 day Festival and collected approximately $850 in tips.
Special thanks go to the large number of volunteers who worked more than one shift. It makes it so much easier for us knowing that we have experienced and reliable help covering the next shift. Don L, Thomas L, and Richard G all worked multiple shifts. A wonderful turnout by DBTC members really made a difference along with the great cast members from Shocking Beyond Belief Productions and members the Scum of the Earth Church congregation. Everyone enjoyed the youthful energy of students volunteering from Skyland High School in Denver.
Finally, Russell, who was in town visiting from Sterling, CO and helped out, would definitely get the “going out your way to help” award!
BIKEDENVER ACTION PLAN FOR 2005
ADVOCACY
BikeDenver has been informed that the RTD Board 2006 budget includes a Colorado Boulevard Station Access Study. This will be a joint study with the City and County of Denver to determine the design, placement and cost of “potential pedestrian/bicycle bus access improvements”. The City is matching RTD’s $38K and they are also submitting a $75K CMAQ grant request. CMAQ stands for “congestion mitigation air quality” – one of the programs funded within the federal Department of Transportation.
This study will be an important one as Denver continues to move ahead on the Strategic Transportation Plan. You can make your position known regarding the need for bicycle friendly access and accommodations and have an impact on the decisions made by taking a simple survey online at: www.keepdenvermoving.org/survey/individual
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Volunteers helping out with bike parking will be given free admission to this year’s VeloSwap, October 22, at the National Western Complex. Only 12 volunteer time slots are available so it will be a “first come, first chosen” policy.
BikeDenver has agreed to provide two secure bicycle corrals. The one outside at the southeast corner of the building will offer free parking for those biking to the event. Inside there will be an attended storage area where buyers can leave any large purchased items while continuing to browse the many available bargains.
If you want to help out send an email with your name and phone number to: bikeparking@bikedenver.org.
REDESIGNED WEBSITE
We have redesigned and upgraded our website so check it out at www.BikeDenver.org for useful information. Among the many helpful links to other cycling websites you will find there is one for registering your bike – a good idea and you will be glad you did if it is ever lost or stolen.
http://www.denvergov.org/BikeRegistration.asp or from our links page: http://www.bikedenver.org/links.htm
BTWD-BD SURVEY RESULTS
During the recent Bike to Work Day, BikeDenver distributed a short questionnaire to riders stopping at our booth in Civic Center Park. Over 100 responses were collected and some of the results were:
Why do you ride a bike?
51% said that health was the most important reason
25% cited recreation as the major reason
21% said it was primarily for transportation
What mode of transportation do you use most often to get to work?
36% used their bike
35% drove or rode in a car
20% rode the bus
52% used a commuting mode other than driving 16 or more days per month
NEWS FROM MAYOR’S BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
PARK AND BICYCLES
There was considerable discussion about the fact that bicyclists riding within Parks are impacted by dogs on leashes longer than 3′ long, children, pedestrians on the bicycle side of the road, etc. Previously the committee recommended trail user ordinance to Parks – in 1998 – with no subsequent action. The gates that Parks installed across bike route D-8 within City Park create hazards for bicyclists, including routing them over a drainage grate. These and other topics have never been resolved. There is a need to enforce all rules or provide a park for high speed bicycling.
DENVER MULTI-MODAL ACCESS PLAN (DMAP)
Future provisions of FasTracks facilities will result in increased transit user traffic between Union Station and Civic Center RTD stations. The FasTracks initiative can provide a shuttle bus on 18th and 19th Streets, where bike lanes are currently in place. Accordingly, a shared bus/bike lane concept has been developed. One proposal would replace existing on street parking on 18th Street with a transit facility. Improvements need to be in place by 2013 for the opening of the West Corridor. Currently, the estimates are eight years for process, design, construction, purchase of special vehicles, etc. The MBAC endorsed the concept of a combination bus/bike lane on 18th and 19th Streets.
WEST HARVARD GULCH TRAIL PROJECT
Currently the trail ends immediately west of the BNSF railroad tracks (just east of Pecos St.). This project will complete the trail to reach the Platte River Trail, immediately south of the Xcel Cherokee power plant. The new portion will be 10′ wide concrete, with 2 low flow crossings of the creek and a new culvert underpass beneath the railroad tracks. A significant portion of the funding is coming from the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD). The total project cost is approximately $800K.
BEAR CREEK TRAIL
Due to deteriorated pavement conditions is recommending that bikes be rerouted onto Dartmouth Street between the bike shop just west of Sheridan to Webster St. (just east of Wadsworth). Bike lanes could be provided on Dartmouth St.
Source: Draft minutes of the Sept. MBAC meeting, James Mackay, Denver Bicycle Program.
NEWS FROM BICYCLE COLORADO
After a two year delay, the federal government passed its five-year, $286.5 billion transportation funding bill with an original name we won’t soon forget- SAFETEA-LU. We will spare you the acronym definition but transportation groupies may get the full scoop on our website.
FOUR BILLION FOR BIKES
The bill authorizes as much as $4 billion in new federal spending on bike paths, trails, and related programs, a $1 billion increase over the last bill in 1998. Gains for bicyclists resulted from multi-year efforts by the America Bikes coalition and grassroots bicycle advocacy groups across the nation like Bicycle Colorado. Additional national information is available at www.americabikes.org.
RESULTS FOR COLORADO BICYCLISTS
Bicycle Colorado led several meetings with Colorado’s federal senators and representatives during the bill’s debate, paying dividends for bicyclists in Colorado. Bicycle business leaders, bicycle advocates, and transportation leaders all played a significant role expressing the value of bicycling. By encouraging more trips and recreation by bike, Colorado will improve health, safety, and the environment while saving employers, households, and the government money. More details on funding for bicycle related programs are at www.BicycleColorado.org/for/safetealu
COLORADO SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL FUNDED
A major benefit for our state is the funding of the Safe Routes to School program. The program will be administered by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and, based on the Colorado Safe Routes to School Act passed in 2004, will direct the federal Safe Routes funds to communities across the state. Information on program details and grant guidelines will send out as soon as they become available. www.ColoradoSafeRoutes.org
Source: Bicycle Colorado – www.bicyclecolorado.org
BICYCLE TOURING CLASS OFFERED
Do you yearn for adventure beyond the interstate? Why not consider a road trip by bicycle? Colorado Free University (CFU) will offer a class Saturday October 8 from 9-11:30 AM entitled “On the Road Again-by Bicycle”, to help you select an affordable outfitter or plan your own long-distance bicycle trip. To register, visit the CFU website, www.freeu.com or call 303-399-0093. For more information on the class, call 303-368-1136.
KATRINA EVACUEE RIDES BIKE TO BATON ROUGE
Steve Godfrey, who does not drive a car, rode his bike to Baton Rouge to escape Hurricane Katrina. Godfrey is a bicycle advocate and his only available means of escaping the city before the hurricane was via his bicycle. He rode out of New Orleans sometime Sunday morning and arrived in Baton Rouge Sunday night. Those who know him are not only overjoyed by his safe evacuation, but are thoroughly inspired by his courage, his perseverance, and his can do attitude. We need more like him.
UPCOMING EVENTS – ADVANCE-PLANNING CALENDER
October 22
17th Annual Veloswap and Sports Expo
www.VeloSwap.com
National Western Complex
Denver, Colorado
MEMBERSHIP IN BIKEDENVER means:
1. We have your email address. We send you action alerts and a monthly newsletter.
2. You act on BikeDenver action items, as you feel willing and able.
3. You recruit other bicyclists to join BikeDenver. Membership is FREE!!!
To join BikeDenver send an email to info@bikedenver.org and write “subscribe” in the subject.