Title
A Resolution designating the Month of June to be Bike Month in the City of Colorado Springs
Presenter:
Kate Brady, Senior Bicycle Planner
Body
Summary:
The City of Colorado Springs enjoys a strong culture of cycling. From recreational cyclists enjoying our urban and back-country trails to committed bicycle commuters riding to work and school, we are blessed with an active population that takes advantage of the many biking opportunities in our city.
Cycling in Colorado Springs benefits more than our citizens’ wellbeing; it also benefits the region’s economy. A recent Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments study found that the local cycling industry employs more than 370 residents annually; that 80,000 cyclists visit and stay overnight in our region each year; and that the direct economic impact of cycling in our region is $27,850,000 per year. Anecdotal evidence suggests that more and more primary employers and the well-paid, highly educated workforce those employers need, seek bicycle-friendly communities when choosing to expand or change locations.
The City will apply this summer to renew its “Bicycle Friendly Community” designation at the Silver Level, by which the League of American Bicyclists has recognized the City’s strong cycling culture and expanding bicycle infrastructure network. Our city now has over 150 miles of off-street bike paths, 200 miles of mountain bike trails, and 120 miles of on-street bike lanes. Additionally, Colorado Springs is the official training site for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic track cyclists, home to several nationally renowned cycling companies and is the chosen city for many world-class cyclists.
Building upon our culture of cycling, the City has initiated an update of the Bicycle Master Plan that will support further development and improvement of cycling infrastructure across Colorado Springs. This plan will augment the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments’ Regional Non-Motorized Transportation Plan of a few years ago. These documents, along with the enthusiasm, support, advocacy and knowledge of bike riders, will help to guide the continued development of cycling in Colorado Springs as the city seeks to compete for primary employers, employees and tourists with other bicycle-friendly communities across the Front Range.
This Resolution designating the month of June to be Bike Month in Colorado Springs is therefore a celebration of cycling in Colorado Springs. It celebrates the wonderful cycling assets the City currently enjoys, it applauds the contributions cycling can make to health, economic development and quality of life in the City, and it recognizes the support given by so many citizens to make Colorado Springs a great bike city.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
Colorado has declared June to be Bike Month at the state level. For many years the City of Colorado Springs has taken part by supporting Bike To Work Day events and celebrations across our community. This year’s Bike Month in Colorado Springs will kick off with the inaugural Colorado Springs Bike Summit on June 3 and wrap up with the Bike To Work Day events and rides on June 22, 2016. In celebration of these events and in support of the continued growth of bicycling in Colorado Springs, it is proposed that City Council designate June to be Bike Month in Colorado Springs.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal relating to building community and collaborative relationships. Celebrating and raising awareness that bicycles are a viable transportation choice will improve biking mobility options in existing neighborhoods of the City.
Financial Implications:
N/A
Board/Commission Recommendation:
This resolution will be brought before the Active Transportation Advisory Committee at their May 17 meeting.
Stakeholder Process:
For many years the City of Colorado Springs has participated in Colorado Bike Month and has helped to organize a very popular Bike To Work Day bike ride each year. This year’s Bike To Work will take place on June 22, 2016. Additionally, the City has initiated an update to the Bicycle Master Plan to support continued development and improvement of cycling infrastructure across Colorado Springs. In recognition of stakeholder support for these initiatives and to celebrate the continuing contributions of our many citizen cyclists, this Resolution proposes to declare June as Bike Month in Colorado Springs.
Alternatives:
Council is being asked to pass a Resolution designating June Bike Month to support and celebrate the contributions of cycling in Colorado Springs. Council may alternatively elect not to pass this Resolution.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Move approval of the attached Resolution designating the month of June to be Bike Month in the City of Colorado Springs.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A