Economic downturn means spokesmen -- and women -- could roll

October 8, 2:55 PMDenver People ExaminerErnie Tucker

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NBC's Tom Brokaw at the RNC
(Freewheelin blog)

Tough times and global warming could mean bikes.

And when I last dismounted from the Trek Lime I borrowed as part of the Freewheelin bike "library" during the Democratic National Convention, backers were hopeful that the program would return in 2009.

And after having more success in St. Paul during the RNC, including attracting riders such as Tom Brokaw, it only makes sense. Having just visited Munich, where just about everyone seems to ride (and there are plenty of bike rental programs), it may be time to pump up the cycle option.

And organizers have some good news. During the eight days of the two conventions, riders (including me) tallied  7,523 bike rides
            41,724 miles ridden
            1,293,429 calories burned
            14.6 metric tons of carbon offset
            $151,414 raised at the RNC for hurricane relief based on miles.

Tim Blumenthal, executive director of the Bikes Belong Coalition in Boulder, and one of the organizers of the Freewheelin effort, says all those rides were accomplished with only a handful of bikes lost and no reported injuries or accidents.

"We heaved a sigh of relief," Blumenthal says. "This exceeded our expectations."

He notes that if this option is to return next year, a workable 1,000-bike system would probably cost some $2.5 million or so.

"I think it would have to be a public-private partnership." And while sponsor Humana and Denver's Mayor John Hickenlooper have expressed interest, there still is no timeline. Yet it's undeniable, Blumenthal notes, that in terms of taking cars off the street, reducing pollution, and bettering health and the quality of life, having Denver take the lead along with other American cities such as Chicago and Minneapolis, would be great. And we might get guys like Brokaw back.