Our Active Living program, in collaboration with LCDHE Built Environment, and the Fort Collins Bike Co-op hosted a biking to open streets event for the Poudre Valley Mobile Home Park. And while we had several participants, attendance was lighter than anticipated due to the Father’s Day holiday, but it allowed us to focus on the experience and ensure that everyone felt comfortable with the ride.
There were two bilingual volunteers that came to the event. They had never been down the Hickory Spur trail, so it was a great experience for them as well. We also had two volunteer mechanics help with the event. And, Liz Young, from Larimer County Department of Health and the Environment, led the group ride while Sarah Grace Hafen, from Bike Fort Collins, provided translation.
Participants met at the Fort Collins Bike Co-op at 10am, where we did ABC Quick Checks for the participant bicycles. We then supplied the participants with helmets and did helmet fittings. Before leaving, we spoke about the route of the ride, potential safety concerns, and the basics of how to ride in a group. During the ride to Open Streets we stopped at the corner of Hickory and Mason St., at the Hickory Trail Spur, and at Lee Martinez Park. The group discussed their comfort in riding on the trail, the alley, and the street. At the end of the ride, we debriefed about the experience and discussed potential barriers participants have to riding on their own.