Announcements: Bill Dailey HRMD Open Space Manager reported on the private road crossing on the
C-470 trail, on Friday 6/11 HRMD scraped up all the crusher fine material that did not set up as planned and replaced it with a road base that was compacted. Cyclists who used this crossing this weekend noted the improved surface. HRMD needs to do some more sweeping of the loose gravel, and long range plans being researched for some form of hard surface (paving).
CDOT’s 3rd round of Open House for the C-470 is coming up on June 29th at 5:00-8:00 pm at Ken Caryl Ranch House, 7676 S. Continental Divide Rd., Jefferson County; or June 30th at 5:00-8:00 pm at Highlands Ranch Metro Districts Office, 62 Plaza Dr., Highlands Ranch. It is very important for EVERY cyclist who uses the C-470 bike trail or as a motorist who drives C-470 to give your feedback on the plans to expand from 4 lanes to 8 lanes. Please take 15 minutes to drop in and give them some feedback, they have noted on their current flier of comments regarding traffic noise, impact on the bike/ped. trail and need for improvements. Questions to ask: How will 8 lanes and increased noise affect the quality of your ride? Will there be a sound wall between the lanes and the bike trail? Is there planning/space for the bike trail, 8 lanes, and future light rail all in this current space? Bicycle Douglas County is doing some fact finding with Bicycle Colorado and Douglas County Public Works before this Open House and will get the most up-to-date information to you!
Guest speaker: Larry Johnson, member of BDC and bike commuter for 10 years after trying it once on “Bike to Work” day gave us some wonderful insights to the benefits of becoming a daily/year round bike commuter. Benefits include fitness and fun on the way to work, decrease $ on car maintenance, extending your riding season to all 4 seasons and seeing wildlife on your route. Recommended equipment include: an inexpensive all round commuter bike, fenders, bell, light, backpack or bike pack, kickstand, reflective tape, storing extra clothes for changing weather on both ends of route, & bright visible clothing. During winter months a mountain bike and tires are useful. Route selection is important to avoid high traffic, to enjoy your commute and be safe.
Club business: Bike route connecting Castle Rock to the northern county would be a great addition via Plum Creek. Bicycle Douglas County needs to start requesting/working with the Parks and Open Space Dept. for a route/trail to connect the great cycling in southern and northern parts of our county.
Elephant Rock BDC had 6 volunteers on the course as road marshals, short of the 17 requested.
Thanks to our volunteers! The BDC booth at the Elephant Rock party made 26 new contacts, 2 new members and $25 donations for the free CO bike map we handed out at the party in Castle Rock. Next year we will only do the booth since that we made more contacts and impact in this location.
Election candidate survey mailed on 6/1/04, so far only 1 response received from Bill Henry. Guests Bill Henry, Candidate for County Commissioner Dist.2 and Jim Miller Candidate for State Senate each gave us why they are running for office and solicited support.
July 4th BDC will be providing bike parking at the Highlands Ranch celebration at Eastridge Rec Center from 1:00-5:00 pm. Janet Slate will be coordinating this project. Please contact Janet at jslate@ultrasys.net or 303-683-6128 if you can supply BDC with saw horses or poles/2x2 to use as bike stands or volunteer to help for 2 hours at this event.
Upcoming Douglas County Town meeting: 6/19 Cherry Valley, 6/24 Castle Rock/Sedalia/Larkspur, July 8th Roxborough, or July 22nd Acres Green/Lone Tree. Check this website for exact location and time: www.douglas.co.us
Next month: NO meeting on July 12th.
BDC picnic/fun bike ride is being planned for Sunday July 18th at 4:00 pm. Details coming soon!