Article Contributed on: 6/25/2009 3:58:46 PM
Helmets and bike shorts were the accessories of choice as Castle Rock residents pedaled their way to work June 24 during Bike To Work Day.
The Denver Regional Council of Governments has promoted the annual event since 1995 as a way to spread the word about bicycle commuting.
Castle Rock Mayor Randy Reed led a group of cyclists on a ride from Douglas County Fairgrounds to the site of the breakfast station in Festival Park, 2nd and Perry Streets.
"What makes this so good is the partnership between so many departments," Reed said. Town departments such as parks and recreation, public works and police worked to organize the event, he said.
Since 1995, the Denver Regional Council of Governments has been promoting Bike To Work Day in local governments across the metro area.
At Castle Rock's breakfast station, cyclists were able to fuel up on orange juice, breakfast burritos, muffins and other goodies on their way to work, as well as learn more about the town's trail system.
The theme for this year's event was "Share The Road. Don't Be Road Hog," promoting cooperation between cyclists, motorists and pedestrians, said Ann Skinner, transportation planning analyst for the town. Through a grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), the town was able to hand out T-shirts with "Oink" across the front and information on sharing the road.
The campaign is designed to promote awareness of the shared responsibility of safety among all users of roads, Skinner said.
About 75 residents and town employees participated in the event.
Castle Rock resident Mike Montero said he is an avid bike rider and has participated in Bike To Work Day the last couple years. He works at the Castle Rock Bank, so he rides to work often, he said.
"And when you get a morning like this, it is just beautiful," he said. "There are such great trails in Castle Rock."