| Federal Bicycle Commuter Bill Passes |  The federal bicycle commuter tax provision recently was passed into law recognizing bicycling as a major method of work commuting trips. Set up like existing tax incentives for commuting by transit or parking your car, this act provides an employer tax break of $20 a month to reimburse employees for bicycle commuting expenses. Some examples include the purchase of a bicycle and bicycle improvements, repairs, and storage.
The act takes effect for tax year 2009 beginning January 1. We will share information on how businesses can begin implementing once the I.R.S. issues program details. Thanks to everyone who contacted your congressperson to request this program. | | Share the Road Reaches 3,000 | |  Bicycle Colorado is proud to announce reaching the landmark 3,000th Share the Road certificate purchased, putting us halfway to our goal of 6,000.
Thanks to all who have supported the Share the Road license plate program and education outreach. If you have not yet redeemed your certificate for your new plates, do it now! You don't have to wait until your registration expires - you can get your new plates at any time and received credit for the unused months on your current registration.
If you have not purchased your certificate yet, please do so and spread the message of sharing the road safely. For only $25, the Share the Road certificate also is a great holiday gift for the special bicyclist in your life (certificates are transferable).
Information and Order Form | | Veloswap is Coming Oct. 25 |  Mark your calendar to attend the 20th anniversary Veloswap, the world's largest consumer bicycle and sports expo.
Receive FREE admission to VeloSwap by joining or renewing your Bicycle Colorado membership at the door (an $8 value). Look for us at the blue tent outside for membership and admission. Also visit the Bicycle Colorado booth inside and pick up one of our popular "I bike Colorado" stickers.
Volunteer opportunities also are available at the Bicycle Colorado booth for people who are excited about bicycling in Colorado. If you are interested, email Jannell at jannell@bicyclecolorado.org.
Veloswap is in Denver at the National Western Complex on Saturday, Oct. 25, 9am - 4pm. | | Transportation Town Meetings with Blue Ribbon Panel |  Gov. Bill Ritter's Blue Ribbon Transportation Panel is beginning a five-week community outreach effort across Colorado. The panel hopes to raise awareness about Colorado's transportation funding issues and engage the public in the debate over possible solutions.
The panel and a special working group have identified key recommendations to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
Bicycle Colorado encourages you to attend one of the 25 scheduled meetings in your area to provide feedback on including safe bicycle accommodations in every road project.
Photo: Express the need to fix state roads and bicycle paths like in the photo above and include bicycle needs in new projects. | | Bicycle-Friendly Communities Grow in Colorado |  Three Colorado communities received acknowledgment for efforts to make their towns' more bicycle friendly.
Boulder gained the rating's highest honor moving to the prestigious Platinum level. Fort Collins also improved this round advancing one level to Gold, and Arvada was included for the first time at the Bronze level.
Colorado now features eight cities recognized through this League of American Bicyclists' program. Congratulations to all the local governments and advocates working to make their home town wonderful places to bike.
| | | | | | Support Protection for Colorado Trails | | 
Bicycle Colorado joins IMBA and the Outdoor Alliance in urging Colorado mountain bikers to support strong Roadless Area protection. This effort preserves important open space which allows human-powered recreation opportunities. A proposed Forest Service rule contains too many exemptions for development, impacting important mountain biking trails. Areas of focus include Hermosa Creek, Monarch Crest, Rabbit Ears Pass and more.
Distinct from designated Wilderness, Roadless Areas are important for mountain biking because they are accessible and open to a variety of sustainable recreational pursuits. Your support is vital to ensure the character of Colorado roadless areas remains intact.
Take Action! Tell the Forest Service you support strong protection for bicycle-friendly Roadless Areas. The deadline for comments is Oct. 23. Photo: Matt McFee - Colorado Trail in Hermosa Creek Area near Durango | | |
