Gear up for 2018 Colorado Bike to Work Day
By Patte Smith
It is no surprise to the Castle Pines and surrounding area residents that Douglas County was recognized as the healthiest county in Colorado. With that in mind, tune up your bikes, put air in your tires, fill up your water bottles and join family and friends to celebrate Colorado Bike Month in June. All levels and abilities of cyclists can enjoy bike rides around the neighborhoods or cycling to nearby businesses. How about deciding to ride a bike one day a week to work?
The 10th Annual Bike to Work Day in Colorado will be held on Wednesday, June 27, promoting cycling and commuting to work on bicycles. While most of the country celebrates Bike to Work Day in May, Colorado’s weather is unpredictable, so bicyclists take to the streets and trails in June for Colorado Bike Month and the fourth Wednesday of June for Bike to Work Day.
In Douglas County, it may take some planning to bike to work, depending on where you live, so be sure to check both the on- and off-street bicycle maps that are shown on the Douglas County bicycling map that was updated in 2016. Visit www.douglas.co.us/documents/dc-bicycling-map.pdf to zoom in for a closer look at the bike trails. For the northwest area map, visit www.douglas.co.us/documents/northwest-dc-bike-map.pdf. The map can be printed on legal-size paper if needed.
Free copies of the map are available at Douglas County municipal facilities and bicycle shops. Please contact Douglas County Public Works Engineering at 303-660-7490 for information on unincorporated areas.
For bicyclists planning on riding in Castle Rock on June 27, stop by the Bike to Work station at the newly renovated Festival Park, 300 Second Street, from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. for breakfast.
The Colorado Department of Transportation plays a key role in Bike to Work Day by encouraging cycling novices and enthusiasts to experience the fun and freedom of safely riding a bike to work, to school and doing errands. For information on cycling to work and a bicycling safety checklist, visit, www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped/information-for-bicyclists/colorado-bike-month.
Important links for June 27 Bike to Work Day
Bike Stations for Denver Metro/Boulder: biketoworkday.us/stations.
Douglas County street and trails maps: www.douglas.co.us/documents/dc-bicycling-map.pdf, www.douglas.co.us/documents/northwest-dc-bike-map.pdf.
Colorado Department of Transportation:
www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped/information-for-bicyclists/colorado-bike-month.
Denver Regional Council of Governments “Way to Go” promotion and registration: biketoworkday.us.
