Ride the Rails

Mass-transit advocates will rejoice today as bicycles and trains come together for Tour de FasTracks, a six-mile bike ride along the path of RTD's West Rail Line expansion. Cyclists will begin at the 13th Avenue and Oak Street station in Lakewood at 9 a.m. and end at the Decatur-Federal station...

By Bree Davies

September 13, 2012

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Mass-transit advocates will rejoice today as bicycles and trains come together for Tour de FasTracks, a six-mile bike ride along the path of RTD's West Rail Line expansion.

Cyclists will begin at the 13th Avenue and Oak Street station in Lakewood at 9 a.m. and end at the Decatur-Federal station in west Denver, where there will be free trolley rides, a complimentary lunch, a bicycle rodeo and more. "We see this as an opportunity to show the first piece of a whole line, as well as to show off new infrastructure," says RTD's Brenda Tierney.

That infrastructure includes new bike-safe routes, relocations of old routes and two new pedestrian and bicycle bridges. Riders can also take advantage of "whistle stops" along the way, which will be manned by members of the community offering additional information on FasTracks projects. New to riding the rail? Safety experts will be on hand to show proper loading and unloading of bicycles onto light-rail cars.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. at the 13th and Oak station; the ride is free and all-ages, but riders must check in to participate. For more information, visit www.rtd-fastracks.com.
Sat., Sept. 15, 9 a.m., 2012

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Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

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Twitter: @cocodavies