BikeDenver Newsletter, Summer ‘07

We look back at a successful ’06 and we’re making BIG plans for the rest of ’07. BikeDenver is going full-time for the bike this year! Our number one priority shifts to getting our Fair Share of public space and funding. Why? Without a strong, unified voice from bicyclists, the City of Denver will probably not prioritize making biking safe and easy, making the streets safer for kids riding to school & play, commuters pedaling to work, and everyone in-between. Transforming BikeDenver into a fun and active community of bicyclists, not just a lobbying organization, is what we envision for 2007 and beyond.

To make this happen, we are asking email subscribers to become a member with whatever time, money, and energy you can. Memberships start at $35 (member), and $50 (supporter).

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 bicyclists’ 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.

What are your priorities? More bike lanes? Traffic calming? Bike Safety classes? We’re asking for your top 5 concerns and will read all and work toward as many as possible. Most importantly, we need your energy! Volunteer to park bikes, prepare mailings, coordinate events, pour beer at this summer’s Tour de Fat, become a liaison with your local bike shop and local government. Indicate what you want and what you can do on your membership form, and we’ll keep in touch.

Bike Denver’s Board of Directors will prioritize campaigns based on members’ concerns, but here are some of our current projects:

• Getting our Fair Share of transportation funding
• City-wide bicycle network
• Partnerships with like-minded organizations
• Ensure the Bike Station gets built as part of Denver’s Union Station redevelopment plan

Successes in 2006

• Parked over two thousand bikes at four events.
• Hosted the Thunderhead Alliance training in July for advocacy leaders from around the West.
• Provided critical input to the Strategic Transportation Plan, Downtown Multimodal Access Plan, Infrastructure Task Force, Cheesman Park Master Plan, DRCOG, and the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee.

The Highlands Bike-Ped Bridge is open!

Spring and early summer Riding Tips

• Get fenders or a rear rack to avoid the butt-stripe.
• Waterproof, breathable clothes are better than a plastic poncho.
• Wash off the grime and lube your chain more often (once a week if you ride daily).
• RTD has bike racks on every bus, and bikes are allowed on all light rail trains (with a valid bike on light rail permit, get yours at www.rtd-denver.com); try biking one way and taking transit the other.
• Use the Platte and Cherry Creek bike paths with caution. Waters are running high this time of year, and the Spring run-off is faster than usual, causing extremely deep puddles below the underpasses. When in doubt, dismount and push your bike around or through the puddles.

Bike to Work Day

Don’t forget about Bike to Work Day! The official Bike to Work Day is Wednesday, June 27th. Check out the DRCOG website to learn more about the day and how to enjoy it… there’s free stuff to be had!

Check out BikeDenver’s new and improved website!

Online signup forms are now in place, enabling volunteers to choose bike parking shifts for the People’s Fair, City Park Jazz, pouring beer for the Tour de Fat, and more. We’re gearing up for a busier summer than ever and need all the help we can get!

Stay tuned for upcoming newsletters in a new format.

From your friends at BikeDenver…

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