Wow...seems to me Denver is taking an unfair hit here.
A couple of things worth mentioning:
First off, Denver was awarded (along with six other cities in Colorado) Bicycle Friendly Cities award. I think we received a Bronze while Boulder rocked a gold. Portland, incidentally, received Platinum status though I often hear that while their bicycle infrastructure is great their bikeability is overstated.
You ask why Denver is good for cyclists? What brought us here? I think there are a number of reasons:
Yes, paths make a difference, especially to new riders. So our system of paths is pretty good, we also have bike lanes and bicycle designated roads all through the city as well as maps that are available to cyclists that show off this planning. (some cities wouldn't waste time creating a map, much less an actual network) I think that the bicycle friendly cities award also has encouraged cities trying to draw larger populations/businesses/etc... now have guidelines with which to improve the cycle friendly nature of their cities and (hopefully) receive an award. Can you convince your local government that one of these awards is helpful for their economy?
I read about infrastructure and culture but I'm curious, why hasn't anyone mentioned advocacy? I am a little biased here, but Bike Denver and Bicycle Colorado are two organizations here in Colorado that are constantly on the lookout to improve conditions in Denver (and the state). If you don't have a well staffed organization like this who is watching the legislature for changes in the law that will affect bicycling, who is pushing for laws that will positively impact the cycling community? Who is educating drivers and cyclists on what they should be doing? Who is getting kids excited about riding and teaching them the skills they need to become part of the cycling army in your city?
Advocacy, Infrastructure, Culture, Education =More bikes on the road = safer cycling and improved conditions for cyclists = more bikes on the road = safer cycling and improved conditions for cyclists ad infinity
By the way, I work for Bicycle Colorado.
