8 Apr, 2013

Denver Is Crowned Cycle Town, USA

=========

DENVER, April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The people have spoken – and Denver has emerged triumphant in REI’s hotly contested Cycle Town Showdown, which pitted several U.S. cities against each other in a battle to see which city was the most bike-friendly.

Of course the outcome was no surprise to anyone who has enjoyed The Mile High City’s 850 miles of paved, off-road bike paths, scenic beauty, and more than 300 days of sunshine every year.

It’s not just for locals, either. Visitors can experience this two-wheel paradise for themselves by using the pioneering bike share system, Denver B-cycle, which was introduced in 2010. The first widespread bike share program in a major U.S. city, B-cycle features 56 B-stations located in convenient spots near downtown hotels, on the 16th Street Mall, by museums, at the Colorado Convention Center, in parks – including City Park – and at shopping centers. The innovative program will increase to 86 stations by the end of 2013, connecting many of Denver’s most unique and fun neighborhoods.

All B-cyclists have to do is purchase a pass (online or at a station), pick a bike and start exploring. Daily passes are just $8. When they’re done, they can drop it off at any station. Download the Denver B-cycle app or learn more about the program at denver.bcycle.com.

Cherry Creek Trail: Shop, Cycle and See the Sights

Pick Up A Bike At: 2900 Cherry Creek N. Drive (Cherry Creek Shopping Center)
Where To Go: After shopping at the upscale Cherry Creek Shopping District, roll onto the Cherry Creek Trail for an off-road ride. Bikers can follow the (mostly downhill) trail six miles all the way to the Riverfront neighborhood, home to such attractions as The Downtown Aquarium, The Children’s Museum of Denver, REI Flagship Store and Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park.
Drop Off Your Bike At: 1416 Platte St. (REI)

City Park: Explore Denver’s Very Own Central Park

Pick Up A Bike At: 2001 Colorado Blvd. (Denver Museum of Nature & Science)
Where To Go: Cycle east on E. 21st Ave. towards the enormous City Park, a perfect place for a two-wheel adventure. Ride around Ferril Lake and be treated to sweeping views of the Denver skyline. During summer nights, the Prismatic Electric Fountain in Ferril Lake wows with columns of water colored red, white and blue. Visit the Denver Zoo or the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Drop Off Your Bike At: 2300 Steele St. (Denver Zoo)

Washington Park: Take A Lakeside Spin

Pick Up A Bike At: 1280 S. Washington St. (Louisiana/Pearl Light Rail Station)
Where To Go: Ride east on E. Louisiana Ave. to Washington Park (Wash Park to locals), where you can coast around two lakes and kick back amidst flower gardens, big green lawns and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Take Exposition Ave. east out of the park to Old South Gaylord St., a small but vibrant neighborhood with shops, art galleries, cafés, restaurants and taverns.
Drop Off Your Bike At: 1280 S. Washington St. (Louisiana/Pearl Light Rail Station)

Golden Triangle Museum District: Discover Arts & Culture On Two Wheels

Pick Up A Bike At: 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway (Denver Public Library)
Where To Go: View the architecturally stunning Denver Art Museum from every possible angle. Take a spin around Civic Center Park, with the gold-domed Colorado State Capitol Building on one side and Denver City & County Building on the other. Head east on 13th Ave. to the Kirkland Museum or the Molly Brown House Museum to explore two of the city’s most interesting hidden gem museums.
Drop Off Your Bike At: 1291 Pearl St.

16th Street Mall & LoDo: Cycle Your Way Through Downtown Denver

Pick Up A Bike At: 1550 Glenarm St. (Denver Pavilions)
Where To Go: (Note: Bikes are only allowed on the 16th St. Mall on Sundays) Head northwest on the mile-long 16th St. Pedestrian Mall, passing the iconic Daniels & Fisher Tower and Skyline Park.  Explore LoDo (lower downtown), home to the Tattered Cover Bookstore, Coors Field and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (MCA), not to mention dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars.
Drop Off Your Bike At: 15th & Delgany (MCA Denver)

How To Get A B-cycle

Denver B-cycle charges a fee for access to the system for the duration of your chosen period, as well as a time-based usage fee that varies according to how long you keep the bike on each ride. You can buy a pass for 24 hours ($8), 7 days ($20), 30 days ($30) or one year memberships ($80). All passes and memberships can be purchased at http://denver.bcycle.com, and 24-hour passes can also be purchased at the kiosk that is part of all 56? Denver B-stations. With your pass, the first 30 minutes of every B-cycle ride is no charge! After 30 minutes, there is a small usage charge for each additional 30 minutes you have the B-cycle checked out. As a member, you can check out a B-cycle multiple times within your pass period.

SOURCE: VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tourism is the second largest industry in Denver, generating $3.3 billion in annual spending in 2011, while supporting 50,000 jobs. Learn more about Denver at VISITDENVER.com, on Twitter @IKnowDenver and Facebook.com/VisitDenver, or by phone at 800 2 DENVER.