Broomfielders participate in Bike to Work Day's return
Sep. 24—Hundreds of Broomfielders jumped in the saddle Wednesday for this year's Bike to Work Day.
The event was canceled last year and rescheduled this year from its usual June date, both because of pandemic concerns. Still, working from home didn't stop cyclists from going for a spin before logging on to work from their kitchen table, living room or home office.
Commuting Solutions Executive Director Audrey DeBarros said about 5,000 commuters in the Denver region registered for this year's Bike to Work Day, and it's estimated 8,000 cyclists participated region-wide. She said about 100 cyclists filtered through the breakfast station at Interlocken East Park Station, hosted by Commuting Solutions, which is roughly one-third of the site's typical participation. The breakfast station at Arista Place served about 150 cyclists, DeBarros added.
"Bike to Work Day is a long-standing statewide event that encourages commuters to trade four wheels for two when they commute to the office," DeBarros said. "With transportation being the largest contribute to (greenhouse gas) emissions in Colorado, every trip counts. The event celebrates the cyclists who commute by bike regularly, and inspires infrequent cyclists to give it a try."
John Hubbard, with the organization Broomfield Bikes, stopped by both the Interlocken East Park and Arista Place stations Wednesday morning. Both stations had food, music, vendors and good vibes, he said.
Hubbard said the annual event is a great way for community members to try out a bike commute.
"Bike to Work Day is an important community event because it encourages hesitant or first-time bike riders to give bicycling a shot without an expectation of being a professional," Hubbard said Thursday. "There is a sense of camaraderie that lasts through the whole day, from the breakfast stations to the after-work parties.
"If folks feel more empowered, confident and comfortable to bike to work — or to bike anywhere around Broomfield — and they carry that with them to adopt an additional method of transportation, then the event was a success."
The event is organized by Way to Go, a program of the Denver Regional Council of Governments. Kallie Fallon, Way to Go outreach specialist, said 19% of Bike to Work Day participants were first-time bike commuters. Across the Denver region, there were 125 stations, ranging from breakfast, water and bike home parties, she said.
DeBarros said she's looking forward to Bike to Work Day returning to its full experience next year.
