Local and State Policy Makers To Take a Bike Ride Together, Plan for New Bike Routes

Larimer County – Several local officials will be taking a ride together – a bike ride that is.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Coalition (BPEC) has invited local and state leaders on a bike ride to occur Friday, June 8, 1:30-3:30pm.

The goals of the ride are to:

• Raise awareness about the Bicycle Ambassador Program, co-managed by BPEC and the Fort Collins FC Bikes program • Help nurture good will among our communities’ leaders • Demonstrate how trails and infrastructure work together to create safe routes for bicycling • Show where more connectivity – especially between Fort Collins and Loveland – could enhance our region’s bike-ability.

The last point will be fleshed out at the end of the ride when BPEC will facilitate a mapping session with the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Participating leaders and community members will have the opportunity to lend their input about the regional bike plan being developed by the MPO. The mapping exercise will take place from 4-5pm in the Coors/HP Room at McKee Medical Center. The mapping exercise is open to the public.

The route will begin at the Poudre Fire Authority Station #3, 2000 Mathews Street, Fort Collins, and include multi-use trails, bike lanes on city streets and county roads. The route is approximately 16 miles (one way). Experienced cyclists and BPEC members will lead the ride, which will be fully supported by electric-assisted bike trailers (Ridekicks), e-bikes from Small Planet e-Vehicles, sag wagons (VanGo vans) and more.

Participants include State Representatives Randy Fischer and John Kefalas, Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat, Fort Collins City Council Members Gerry Horak, Ben Manvel and Lisa Poppaw, Loveland Transportation Board Member Irene Fortune and Loveland transportation planners.

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The BPEC, through education and encouragement, works to reduce the number of motor vehicle/bicycle/pedestrian crashes in our community, and increase knowledge and awareness about how to safely share roads. The BPEC works to increase the number of bicycle riders and pedestrians in the community, nurturing health and wellness.

Kim R. Sharpe, Coordinator Healthier Communities Coalition of Larimer County 1024 S. Lemay Avenue Ft. Collins, CO 80524 970.495.7503

krs4@pvhs.org

facebook.com/healthylarimer

@healthylarimer