Overland Park

Letter to the Mayor about the Iliff Bike Bridge

Copy it, customize, then email to milehighmayor@ci.denver.co.us

"Make Bicycles a Bigger Part of Greenprint Denver"


Dear Mayor Hickenlooper:

I'm a member of the Overland Neighborhood Association, which is near Overland Golf Course and the Evans Light Rail Station. The new bike/pedestrian bridge planned at Iliff across Santa Fe is high on our list of priorities. The light rail station is virtually inaccessible from half the neighborhood because the Evans bridge is quite dangerous to cross without a car. This bridge would also be a huge benefit to the Platt, University and Wash Park neighborhoods because it would give them their only safe access to the Platte River bike trail.

You announced Denver's Greenprint Initiative in the State of the City Address on July 12, 2006. The Greenprint action agenda includes decreased reliance on automobiles as well as enhancement of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

Last year, Denver was downgraded from a Silver bicycle-friendly status to Bronze by the League of American Bicyclists. One of the reasons cited for the downgrade was that a number of decisions, policies, programs and choices being made by agencies in Denver indicated a diminished commitment to making Denver a more bicycle-friendly community. As an example, Denver's 2001 Bicycle Master Plan update has been largely unimplemented. Greenprint could be a major factor in reversing this trend.

The Denver bicycling community applauds the Mayor's vision. We look forward to the implementation of the Greenprint Initiative and the opportunity it provides for ensuring that bicyclists are included in all aspects of transportation and the planning process. We pledge our
continued support and involvement in creating a more sustainable, attractive and livable Denver. Many cities have experienced the economic benefits of encouraging non-motorized transportation. Investments in bicycle facilities and programs now will ensure that Denver remains an attractive and viable place to live in the future.

Sincerely,



Denver Resident