Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper speaking at a press conference for the Freewheelin bikeshare project on Sunday (Photo by Ron S. Doyle)
“Our goal in the next ten years is to get ten percent of our total commuters metro-wide to be on bicycles,” said Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper on Sunday at a press conference for Freewheelin, a bike share project bringing 1000 bikes to the Democratic National Convention this week.
Sporting a blue polypro shirt emblazoned with the Freewheelin ensignia and black dress slacks strapped at the cuffs, Hickenlooper opened his speech with a quote from H.G. Wells: “When I see an adult on a bicycle I do not despair for the human race.”
Hickenlooper said Denver has over 2000 miles of bicycle friendly paths, when including designated bike lanes and street paths. He also quoted statistics regarding the health, psychological and financial benefits of bicycling instead of driving, claiming commuters can save almost $2000 per year on average.
“You have a choice–you can sit in traffic in your car and be frustrated and get wound up or you can bike and actually cleanse your soul,” said Hickenlooper to the roughly 100 political dignitaries, corporate juggernauts and cycling activists in attendance.
With 50% of all car trips in the Denver metro area under three miles, Mayor Hickenlooper resounded his confidence that Denver residents, once they try bicycling, will choose it as an alternative for their quick trips to the grocery store and visits to friends.
Following his speech, Mayor Hickenlooper led the peloton on a ride into downtown Denver, stopping at the DNC’s Green Frontier Fest stage for a speech to a larger audience.
