Full disclosure: My spouse is on the Mayor's Bicycle Advisory Council in Denver. So you tell me: am I biased when I say that this bicycle extension of the My Denver program is the warmest fuzziest thing to happen all summer? (YES, this is an invitation to try to one-up me with even better programs, cycling-related or otherwise! I can't get enough Denver warm fuzzies.)
The My Denver Card gives kids free access to city recreation and cultural centers. With the addition of My Denver Bikes, young'uns are hitting Denver's bicycle paths with knowledge about basic bicycle maintenance. Thanks in advance, Mayor Hancock, for training the kid who will help me change a flat on the path someday! I have little doubt they'll have the confidence to offer help after putting in the hours to earn their very own bike.
There are so many things that are so right about this program. I've experienced first-hand the independence that comes with possession of a bicycle and the confidence to use it. These kids earned that independence, and our whole city will benefit as they take their skills, knowledge and confidence into our community.
I can't wait to see what the future holds for this program and how it continues to expand and improve.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Sunday, January 29, 2017
"Stop As Yield" Law in CO? Let's Make This Happen!
Coloradans, it is time to figure out who your state senators and representatives are and call them to ask them to SUPPORT Senate Bill 17-093! Remember to tell them that you are a voting constituent and/or how the bill affects you personally. This is a great way to get younger folks involved in civics! Remember, anyone who turned 14 prior to November 3, 2016 will be of voting age for elections in 2020. Anyone who turned 16 prior to November 3, 2016 will be of voting age for elections in 2018. More importantly, cycling laws affect everybody who cycles, regardless of their voting status.
Why are "Idaho Stop" laws a good idea? Here is a thorough explanation by Idaho Bike Law attorney Kurt Holzer. Here is a post regarding "Stop As Yield" (also known at the Idaho Stop or Rolling Stop) including video and fleshing out the argument that it is important to regulate a 30 pound bicycle differently than a multi-ton automobile. That said, I urge you to sit at an intersection with all-way stops and see how many cars come to a COMPLETE stop before proceeding through the intersection. There is no way police could ticket every driver who treats a stop sign as a yield sign, frequently putting other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.
It is time to acknowledge that bicycles function differently than cars, and that assisting cyclists in an easier commute is better for public health and safety, tourism, and the environment. Residents who cycle regularly are getting healthy, low-impact exercise. Tourists who use services like the Denver B-cycle will enjoy their experience more. Laws that already benefit recreational cyclists in Breckenridge, Dillon, and Summit County can be enjoyed statewide. Lastly, if people are safe and happy on their bicycles, they are more likely to choose cycling over motorized transportation with a high environmental cost.
Why are "Idaho Stop" laws a good idea? Here is a thorough explanation by Idaho Bike Law attorney Kurt Holzer. Here is a post regarding "Stop As Yield" (also known at the Idaho Stop or Rolling Stop) including video and fleshing out the argument that it is important to regulate a 30 pound bicycle differently than a multi-ton automobile. That said, I urge you to sit at an intersection with all-way stops and see how many cars come to a COMPLETE stop before proceeding through the intersection. There is no way police could ticket every driver who treats a stop sign as a yield sign, frequently putting other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk.
It is time to acknowledge that bicycles function differently than cars, and that assisting cyclists in an easier commute is better for public health and safety, tourism, and the environment. Residents who cycle regularly are getting healthy, low-impact exercise. Tourists who use services like the Denver B-cycle will enjoy their experience more. Laws that already benefit recreational cyclists in Breckenridge, Dillon, and Summit County can be enjoyed statewide. Lastly, if people are safe and happy on their bicycles, they are more likely to choose cycling over motorized transportation with a high environmental cost.
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| 10 ways riding a bike can save the world from http://www.movoto.com/blog/opinions/10-ways-riding-a-bike-can-save-the-world/ |
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