get involved
bicycling benefits and safety
The League of American Bicyclists has been sponsoring National Bike Month and Bike to Work Day since 1956. In Colorado, the annual Bike to Work Day event takes place on the fourth Wednesday in June. Participants who go car-free for the day can enjoy giveaways from local merchants and free breakfast stations, such as the popular one at Denver's Civic Center Park shown here. Photo credit: Denver Bicycle Program.
Get Fit and Help the Environment
Bicycling is a great way to get exercise, lose weight, strengthen your muscles, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve your heart and lung fitness, relieve symptoms of depression, and improve your mental health and overall well being. But did you know that it's a great way to save money, too? The average annual price of keeping an automobile running is at least $3,000, but the cost of running a bike for a year is less than $300.
Bicycling also helps prevent greenhouse gas emissions, reduce air pollution, and relieve traffic congestion. According to the 2001 National Household Travel Survey, 41 percent of urban trips are two miles or less and 28.3 percent are one mile or less -- 18.6 percent of those are made by automobile. By bicycling, even just short distances, you and our community become healthier.
In early 2008, Denver adopted a goal to triple bicycle commuting by 2012, saving at least 510,183 pounds of CO2 each day. Help us reach that goal by bicycling more often instead of driving. An easy way to start is by converting short trips and errands into bicycle trips: consider taking your bicycle the next time you go to the grocery store, to the gym, to the post office or to work.
Bicycling Safety Tips
In Colorado, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Under state law, bicycles are considered vehicles. Cyclists should obey all traffic laws, signs and signals -- follow these "rules of the road" and additional safety tips provided by the Denver Regional Council of Governments:
- Always ride with the flow of traffic. It's the law, and safer for you.
- Ride as far right as is safe and reasonable. You may move toward the center of the lane when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards or obstacles, or riding at the same speed as traffic. Before moving out into the roadway for any reason, always look behind you, signal and yield to traffic.
- Use hand signals to indicate turns, lane changes and stops. Signal before, not while you make your move. Pass on the left side of slower bicycles as other vehicles do.
- Follow lane markings. When approaching an intersection, make sure you're in the appropriate lane for your direction of travel. Never go straight through in a turning lane; turn left from the right lane or ride between lanes.
- Use a headlight, taillight and reflectors. Remember, pedestrians have the right of way when they are crossing the street.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Be alert at intersections. Make your presence known! Signal your intentions!
- Make eye contact with drivers. Never assume motorists see you or that you have the right of way. Expect the unexpected; your first responsibility is to avoid a crash.
- Leave room for right-turning vehicles when stopped at a red light. Look behind you to see if a driver is signaling and move your bike to the left if necessary.
- Be visible! Wear bright colors during the day and white or reflective clothing at night. Headlights and a rear reflector are required.
- Use caution at railroad intersections. Cross railroad tracks perpendicularly to prevent catching a wheel and falling.
- Be aware of changing road conditions. Make turns and stops gradually on loose or slippery surfaces, or when riding in the rain. Slow down on unfamiliar streets. Be cautious when riding at sunrise or sunset. Watch your balance when riding in a crosswind.
- Announce your presence. Give an audible signal when you pass a pedestrian or someone traveling more slowly than you are, whether you are on the street or a path.
- Respect and be considerate of other road, path and trail users. Remember, courtesy is contagious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to take it farther, get out of the car, and become a bicycle commuter? Here are some tips that might get you rolling:
- Q: I live 25 miles from work, how can I commute?
- A: Do a Park 'n Ride. Get a bicycle system map, a car carrier, and find a convenient place to park near a bicycle route that is close enough for a comfortable commute. RTD lots, lighted and patrolled shopping center lots, and golf course parking lots are good candidates.
- Q: I can't commute because I have to work in business clothes, right?
- A: Most employees have book shelves that can be converted to clothes closets by dropping a couple of shelves and hanging an automobile clothes rod for the clothing and using the top shelf to store shoes. If that isn't an option, bicycle shops and outdoor stores sell bicycle clothes carriers that are mounted on the carrier rack or attach to your backpack. They are portable and keep the clothes from wrinkling or getting exposed to the elements. If all else fails, bring in some clothes on the days you drive.
- Q: I feel uncomfortable riding when it's dark or in areas where there aren't many people. How can I commute by bicycle?
- A: Ride with a buddy. Sign up with (or start) a "Bicycle Buddies" list in your place of employment to find other employees with whom you can ride to and from work. If your coworkers don't ride, try reaching out to other nearby businesses.
- Q: I can't commute because I don't have a bike and can't afford one.
- A: You can get a serviceable bicycle at the City and County of Denver's Bicycle Auction for well under $100. Get dates and times from the Denver Auction Gallery. Local colleges and universities also host bike auctions, and Craigslist or Ebay can produce bargain-priced bikes. Additionally, many area bike shops offer closeout sales and online discounts.
- Q: I don't know how to fix a bicycle. What happens if I break down?
- A: Bicycle maintenance and repair classes are available free, or for a minimal charge, through bicycle clubs and bike shops. Oftentimes, you can purchase a low-cost toolset that includes a bicycle repair manual with detailed, step-by-step instructions and photos. Maintenance costs are quickly offset by savings on gasoline, wear and tear, and parking fees for your car. And don’t forget the health benefits that car or mass transit commuting don't provide.
IN-DEPTH:
- Bicycle safety: How not to get hit by cars.
- Purchase Denver bike maps to find paths and trails.
- Help track your bike if lost or stolen -- register your bike online.
- Learn about RideArrangers and other transit options.
