Tim Blumenthal addresses Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper at a press conference on Sunday
A collection of Colorado politicians, corporate leader, cyclists and activists joined on Sunday to mark the beginning of this week’s Freewheelin bike project.
“Today is the beginning of a new era for bicycling in big U.S. cities,” said Tim Blumenthal, Executive Director of Bikes Belong, during his opening remarks from the loading bay of their warehouse in north Denver.
“Forty percent of the trips Americans make … are two miles or less,” he added, repeating the projects primary message, “bicycling is a wonderful way to get around for short trips.”
Freewheelin will bring 1000 bikes, helmets, locks, and bags to the Democratic National Convention for free use by any adult–delegate, media or general public–that wishes to try bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation for the event.
The morning press conference was followed by an inaugural ride from the warehouse to Sculpture Park in Denver, site of the DNC’s Green Frontier Fest. Nearly 100 riders completed the 3.3 mile trip.
Riders in attendance included Blumenthal, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Boulder Mayor Shaun McGrath, Director of Governor’s Energy Office Tom Plant, Greenprint Denver Director Michele Weingarden, Denver City Council members Chris Nevitt and Carla Madison, Specialty Sports Venture President Ken Gart, Sportif CEO and Director Jonathan Vaughters, Bicycle Colorado Executive Director Dan Grunig, dozens of representatives from Humana, Inc., media personnel and members of the cycle sport community.
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak talks with volunteer Philip Thomas at Freewheelin VIP ride on Sunday (Photo by Ron S. Doyle)
Specialty Sports Venture President Ken Gart chats with Boulder Mayor Shaun McGrath on Sunday (Photo by Ron S. Doyle)
