Local Representative Urges Council to Support Bike Sharing, by JoJo Cuchiaro

A Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) board meeting was held on Friday, February 4th. The primary topic discussed in the meeting was Denver Bike Sharing. A representative, Parry W. Burnap, gave a detailed presentation on the work of the organization to the board of RAQC representatives. She did so in hopes that that the council will allow the association to include air quality alerts in their “B-cycle” media. Also, fundamentally, it is important to have big names in the community (such as the RAQC) in support of up and coming public businesses in order to gain more popularity and federal funding.

Ms. Burnap used a PowerPoint presentation and introduced a strong argument for how the organization has and will continue to better the city of Denver. Denver Bike Sharing is a Colorado non-profit corporation that has been organized and will be operated to promote health, quality of life and preservation of the environment in Denver. Denver Bike Sharing is a 501 (c) 3. By building and operating a comprehensive, city-wide bike sharing system, Denver Bike Sharing is offering residents and visitors an alternative form of public transportation, which is both environmentally-friendly and affordable. Denver B-cycle will complement and be integrated with the City’s overall transportation system.

Burnap emphasized what Denver Bike Sharing can do for our city. She mentioned how the system is a perfect example of urban planning at its best. The system stimulates the city’s economy, while promoting both community and sustainability. She persuaded the audience with the statement, “The City’s vision is to change the culture of transportation in Denver by implementing bike sharing, reinforcing the innovative and environmentally focused way Denver and its leadership work toward solutions to reducing obesity, lowering carbon emissions, and providing affordable transportation.” Why not help this organization, and ultimately help contribute to the bettering of our community?

Furthermore, Ms. Burnap adds to her argument that, “Public bike sharing is a personally and environmentally healthy solution that will improve our traffic congestion and showcase Denver’s recreation/health-related lifestyle.” The City has made and continues to make strides to improve the infrastructure for safe cycling. Bike sharing will support the City’s Strategic Transportation Plan and be integrated into the larger multi-modal transportation system, including buses and the light rail, which makes Denver one of the most accessible downtown areas of any city in the U.S.

At the conclusion of Ms. Burnap’s informative presentation, the board took a vote on weather to be in support of Denver Bike Sharing. The Regional Air Quality Council voted unanimously in favor of the new organization, and expressed their excitement for helping with future endeavors and cross promotions. Parry W. Burnap did an excellent job of informing her audience of the many benefits of having her organization in the City of Denver. Through rhetoric, she successfully persuaded the RAQC board to support Denver Bike Sharing. The partnership will without a doubt make a positive impact on our already wonderful community.