Black Hawk’s Board of Aldermen has made it clear they don’t want bicyclists or bicycle events in town. The Board approved an ordinance banning bicycle riding on almost every street in Black Hawk. This includes the only paved street (Gregory Street-formerly State Highway 279) connecting the Peak to Peak Highway with the Central City Parkway.
Black Hawk police are now issuing a ticket to anyone “caught riding” through town.
Bicycle Colorado formally asked Black Hawk City Council to lift the ban during the June 9th City Council Meeting. Council made it clear that they had no intention of changing their ordinance. Now we need the help of the Colorado bicycling community to get their attention.
Bicycle Colorado doesn’t think this is right or legal. We are working diligently on the legal side but here is how you can help today:
1. Rally to End Bike Bans on June 29th
Join other Colorado cyclists on the west steps of the State Capitol on Tuesday, June 29 for a rally to keep roads open for bicycling! Be there from 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. and arrive early to help make signs.
Adventure Cycling has updated their route alert for riders using their Great Parks Route. The Black Hawk Bike Ban severs the route and the nearest detour is over Berthoud Pass.
2. Email or Call the Black Hawk City Council
CityClerk@CityofBlackHawk.org Council phone: 303-582-2212
To: Mayor David D. Spellman and Aldermen Linda Armbright, Paul G. Bennett, Diane Cales, Kathleen Doles, Tom Kerr, Greg Moates
Please restore bicycle access to Gregory Street and all Black Hawk streets. Your ban is closing a major cross-state route to bicyclists preventing residents and tourists from biking.
3. Donate to the legal efforts
We are in the midst of a legal and legislative campaign to overturn this ban and prevent it from spreading to other cities in Colorado. Your donation is the only way we can afford to do this.
Please join our campaign or make an extra financial gift today!
4. Spread the Word
Get the latest news by subscribing to our eNews and fan our Facebook page.
See a map of banned streets by clicking on “Press Releases” on Black Hawk’s website.
Image Credit: Bicycle Colorado
