DENVER — Bicycle Colorado and BikeDenver are merging, the two organizations announced today. BikeDenver’s executive director, James Waddell, is joining Bicycle Colorado as mobility programs director.
Bicycle Colorado and BikeDenver have worked together closely for many years—BikeDenver’s work began nearly 20 years ago when Bicycle Colorado’s leadership foresaw how active local voices in the state’s capital can transform bicycling. Today’s merger consolidates the two groups’ statewide and local efforts under one roof, and strengthens the voice of bicyclists across Colorado.
Since 2015 Bicycle Colorado has led a successful campaign of bicycle programming and advocacy in Denver. Going forward, the campaign will expand as the Bike Denver Initiative. The organization will act with renewed influence and momentum to raise Denver’s stature in Colorado and around the nation as a benchmark community for bicyclists while continuing to work around the state and at the Capitol on bicycling-related issues big and small.
“Our ultimate goal as an organization remains unchanged: to make Colorado the undisputed number one state in the nation to ride a bicycle,” said Pete Piccolo, executive director of Bicycle Colorado. “The lessons we learn and the successes we achieve in Denver will help us continue to strengthen our statewide work.”
“Joining forces with Bicycle Colorado means our voice—the voice of people who ride bikes or want to ride bikes in Denver—is stronger,” added Waddell. “In the end, when our capital city leads and becomes more bike-friendly, all of Colorado benefits.”
With its Bike Denver Initiative, Bicycle Colorado will continue to lead the Denver Streets Partnership; challenge the city to adopt a complete streets policy; initiate a two-year effort to increase biking on the city’s seven Active Bike Corridors; launch a new neighborhood navigator program, a “bike-hailing” service led by Waddell for those who want to get out and ride; build on the education programming Bicycle Colorado and BikeDenver have offered in Denver; work to accelerate the expansion of Denver’s bike network, including protected lanes, and so much more.
“I want to thank each and every one of BikeDenver’s supporters over the years,” said Waddell. “I’m proud of the work we did at BikeDenver, and excited to build on it with Bicycle Colorado.”
“Together, we’re making Denver—and all of Colorado—a better and safer place to ride,” added Piccolo.
You can learn more about Bicycle Colorado’s Bike Denver Initiative at www.bicyclecolorado.org/initiatives/bike-denver/.
Bicycle Colorado is a member-supported 501(c)3 striving to make Colorado the best place to ride a bike. Their mission is to lead a passionate and growing movement that champions the interests of everyone who rides or wants to ride a bicycle in the state.
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