I think it came from the people who lived here. Denver isn't really known for being especially liberal, but with the access to the mountains it has attracted all sorts of people who are into the outdoors.

It's funny because I think this is an easy place to live in, but so many people think of it as being rugged and hardcore, with the altitude and the snowy winters (which aren't all that snowy), and the desert clime, too. So, the stigma is sticking from it's history: a gateway to the West.

When I lived in Michigan everybody had gone "out West" and they typically meant Colorado, and they typically came to ski or hike 14'ers.

That said, those types of people are going to be more into earth friendly enterprises and athletic ones as well.

I really think the bike boom happened with mountain biking. It was a fashion statement to own and ride a mountain bike, especially in Colorado, in the early to late 90's (still is, in some way). If you watch the industry, MTB sales have gone down while road bike sales have gone up. My opinion? Lance Armstrong. He made it fashionable and interesting and even acceptable to be a road cyclists.

So, we have athletic, outdoorsy, trendy people here that are driving the interest. The culture in downtown Denver has also taken on a sort of urban-chic atmosphere, with the coffee shop movement combined with hipster culture. They have embraced the bike as a symbol of their lifestyle, and Denver has embraced them especially because they're doing something athletic and outdoors (even if it's a fashion trend).

The interest is what drove the city to put in things like greenbelts and bike lanes...they were trying to attract the type of people that Denver attracts, but even moreso, and improve the quality of life for the types (many of the residents) that were already here.

I don't think it was top down, but bottom up. The way I see it, a city like Dallas or Atlanta would have a hard time doing the same because of the climate (Denver is very comfy most of the year for outdoor play) and because of the culture.

Trendiness is part of it, too. Grand Rapids, MI just started putting in bike paths and greenbelts everywhere. My first impression was that of shock, but I realize that it's a sign of the times and the majority of our consumer culture. Take Whole Foods and Starbucks for example.

Anyway, just my $.02

Good to see you somewhere other than ttips, mac!