[BikeLongmont] News from Bicycle Colorado 3-15-04

[Nenad]

News from Bicycle Colorado 
March 15, 2004 

In this issue: 
COLORADO SAFE ROUTES BILL PASSES HOUSE (63 to 2) 
BICYCLISTS MEET COLORADO LEADERS IN DC 
MAY 1  SAVE THE DATE  GALA CELEBRATION 


COLORADO SAFE ROUTES BILL PASSES HOUSE (63 to 2) 

63 in favor, 2 against--Wow! 

Here we go folks. This was a huge show of support from the
Representatives in the Colorado House. Plus 23 additional
Representatives added their names as co-sponsors of the Safe Routes bill
after learning more about the program it would create. 

Our grassroots phone calls and emails reached elected officials.
Examples of dangerous highway crossings, shoulder-less roads, and
missing sidewalks rushed in from districts around the state. Unsafe
conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians around schools are a problem
throughout Colorado. Our leaders are looking for solutions and putting
their votes behind programs like Safe Routes to School. 

Big thanks go to Safe Routes leaders in the House for their expert
guidance and belief in what this bill is trying to accomplish: 
Sponsor: Greg Brophy (R);Co-sponsors: Bob Briggs (R) and Mike Merrifield
(D) 

Now the bill heads over to the Senate and into the hands of Sponsor: Ron
Tupa (D) and Co-sponsor: Ken Chlouber (R) 

We will keep you informed on the next steps in the Senate and how to
keep our momentum high. Thanks for your help! 


BICYCLISTS MEET COLORADO LEADERS IN DC 

Colorado bicycle advocates joined over 350 colleagues in Washington DC
for the National Bike Summit, March 3-5.  Our state delegation met with
the offices of Colorado's federal Senators and Representatives urging
them to support the inclusion of bicycle improvements in the federal
transportation bill. 

We spent much of our time discussing the importance of building Complete
Streets, which are safe for all road users including bicyclists and
pedestrians. Building a Complete Street is cheaper than going back to
retrofit one that is unsafe. 

We have photos and more details from the Summit on our website. Be sure
to check out the shots of American cycling legend and Durango resident,
Ned Overend, as he stresses the importance of bicycling to elected
officials. 

Follow the latest details of the federal transportation bill at
www.americabikes.org



MAY 1  SAVE THE DATE  GALA CELEBRATION 

Who says we can't have a little fun while trying to make the state
better for bicycling? 

The Bicycle Colorado Gala Celebration promises to be the bicycle event
of the season. This year we have a splendid new location in Denver's
historic ballpark district.The festive evening will provide a change to
mingle with several big-name cycling celebrities, and willfeature
delicious food, an open bar with wine and beer,lively music, and asilent
auction. Best yet, every penny raised goes toward better biking in
Colorado. 

Tickets and full details will be announced shortly on
www.bicyclecolorado.org/4/gala. Check back later, but mark your
calendars now! 

Bicycle Colorado Gala Celebration 
Saturday, May 1, 7 p.m. 
Downtown Denver 

Look forward to seeing you there. 



Thank you for subscribing to Bicycle Colorado's free email newsletter. 

Bicycle Colorado information programs like this are supported through
paid memberships from individuals, clubs, organizations, and businesses.

If you want to help improve cycling in Colorado, please contribute to
our efforts. Memberships may be purchased at
www.bicyclecolorado.org/2/join, or by phone, mail, or fax. 

Dan Grunig 
Executive Director 
Bicycle Colorado 
1701 Wynkoop Street, Suite 236 
Denver, CO  80202-5924 
303-417-1544 phone 
303-825-1038 fax 
www.bicyclecolorado.org

Please forward freely, just credit Bicycle Colorado. Let me know if you
would like to be removed from this list.