Colorado Invests $100 Million in Bicycle Infrastructure

Bicycle lovers might want to consider relocating to Colorado after state governor John Hickenlooper announced plans to invest more than $100 million in cycle infrastructure.

Speaking at the Interbike annual bicycle trade show, Hickenlooper announced the money would be spent over the next four years. The unequivocal show of support for cycling and cyclists might go some way in encouraging other politicians to invest in an increasingly popular form of transport.

Hickenlooper revealed his wish for Colorado to become the No. 1 state for cycling, and claimed improvements to infrastructure could encourage economic growth, tourism and environmental benefits. He told the press he was inspired by bike-friendly programs in Denmark, which has benefitted from long-term investments in cycling.

Of course, financing infrastructure projects is only one part of the puzzle for cycling advocates. Counting on politicians to support proposed projects is essential, and in Shailen Bhatt the Colorado Department of Transportation now has a pro-cycling executive director that can facilitate lasting changes in policy.

The next challenge for cycling advocates is convincing other politicians cycling merits their attention and investment. Hickenlooper has shown the way in Colorado, but it is only the first step toward making cycling safer and easier throughout the United States.