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 purchase 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 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.