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Denver Biking on the Move

Denver is called the Mile High City because it has an average elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level. Despite that elevation, people ride all over the city. Denver really wants to be a great city for bicycles, and is getting better all the time. Groups like Bike Denver, Bicycle Colorado, and Team Evergreen are working with the Mayor’s office to make Denver better for bikes.  Denver recently announced that it is joining the Vision Zero Initiative with the goal to eliminate fatalities for cyclists and pedestrians.

Denver boasts about 850 miles of bicycle paths. The bicycle paths are a great resource for residents and visitors.  Also noteworthy, Denver also has a very good bike share program called the B-cycle. The B-cycle is great for visitors who do not have a bike with them on their trip to Denver.

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Denver is following Boulder’s lead in becoming a hub for bicycle-oriented businesses. Primal Wear, Inc. makes the highest quality cycling apparel for all types of cyclists from racers to cruisers.   Not only does Primal make great clothes for biking, it is leading the way for other bike-minded companies to make Denver home through the Denver Cycling Collective. The Denver Cycling Collective houses other local bike companies, including: Alchemy Bicycle Company, ROL Wheels, and The Pro’s Closet.

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Primal Meeting with Bike Law Brian and Team Evergreen Cycling at the Denver Bicycle Collective.
from left:  Tim Baker, Primal’s Marketing Director, Bike Law Brian Weiss, Hutch, Primal’s Sales Manager, Team Evergreen (TE) Executive Director Jennifer Barbour, TE Board members Kelly Garrod and Bob Campbell.

But it is not all good news and there is certainly room to improve. While plans may be in place to add more protected bike lanes and ideas for safer bicycle commuting, Denver has not made the changes to its infrastructure to make its roads and urban areas bike friendly.  Many of the bike paths in that 850 mile network are in rough shape and need maintenance

Also, although people are riding all over the city, you cannot just ride anywhere.  Denver has its own rules for bicycles in the City. For example, bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks in Denver. For specific rules that may affect you, please look here.

 

Comments

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