Thousands of commuters in metro Denver used two wheels instead of four Wednesday as they embraced Bike To Work Day 2024.
As of Wednesday morning, more than 10,800 cyclists registered to participate, according to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG). Riders enjoyed 255 aid stations throughout metro Denver set up strategically along bike trails and paths, doling out free water, pancakes, breakfast burritos, energy bars, stickers and bicycle-related schwag. About 531 companies signed up with teams.
“We estimated more than 18,000 riders in 2023,” said Charmaine Robledo, spokesperson for DRCOG, noting that most cyclists don’t register and simply participate.
“It’s great all these aid station sponsors really take care of the riders — they deserve it,” she said.
Denver Police Department set up a tent to remind bicyclists to register their bicycles with the department’s registry, 529 Garage, which is “designed to enhance bicycle theft prevention, lost/stolen bicycle recovery, bicycle theft investigations and more,” according to a news release.
One of the biggest stations was at the foot of the Denver City and County Building, where tents were set up from Mike’s Bikes, DRCOG, the city of Denver and groups like Bicycle Colorado.
Two cyclists even came down from Evergreen, Elevation Dave and Gaspar from Team Evergreen.
“This is a good turnout. There appears to be more riders this year,” Gaspar said.
The pair does the Triple Bypass ride every year, which covers three mountain passes and more than 120 miles. So Wednesday’s ride was relatively tame.
“It’s such a beautiful day, and there’s just a great vibe here,” said Elevation Dave. “Look at all these smiles.”
Cyclists get free breakfast, information, bicycle schwag and drinks from the stations set up in front of the City and County Building Wednesday for Bike to Work Day 2024.
One rider was overheard saying, “I’m just riding around to all the stations. Then I’m going to work from home the rest of the day.”
So, it is in the post-COVID pandemic world of remote workers.
David Hawkins of Denver and his 4-year-old daughter Maya were at the Bicycle Colorado tent getting a temporary tattoo.
“We ride pretty much every day,” Hawkins said.
DRCOG, through its Way to Go program, emphasizes the day is all about hopping on a bicycle.
“Bike to Work Day represents a grassroots effort by people in the region who care about educating residents and businesses on the benefits of using two wheels to get to work,” the council said in a news release.
Sponsors included the Regional Transportation District, the Regional Air Quality Control, Air Care Colorado.
