Hello Everyone! This is Bill Spriggs and I have found several news articles, links and blogs that I wanted to share along THE BACK FENCE & beyond in this Sunday  Edition, May 20, 2012.   

West Corridor, Denver & Region

Opinion  

The lead photo in today's Sunday edition is just the beginning of a long effort by this organization to change the cultural nature of the car-dependent West Corridor by promoting bicycle usage in every form possible.  

It is the philosophy of THE BACK FENCE that the bicycle is more than just a very cool recreational vehicle; it is a tool of economic empowerment. Not only does this device help to reverse the childhood and adult obesity epidemic that is predicted for our entire nation, the device keeps money in the pockets of those who least can afford to part with this precious and highly transferable resource -- and don't get us started on the benefits surrounding sustainability and climate change.  

The Mission: To take advantage of the massive public works project of the Fastracks system and concentrate on the final mile that awaits the future transit riders when they board and exit the trains. These people need places to live, eat, work, and play.   

We intend to focus on the future youthful populations that will attend the six major educational institutions along the West Corridor and lure them to the inexpensive, funky, and bicycle friendly West Corridor. 

The Dream: To turn the entire West Corridor into a "very hip & very cool" place to live -- a sort of, Urban Boulder, West. 

As a starting point, we will begin with the City of Lakewood, which is the mid-way point between the two-destination points of the "W" Line. This city has a long history of "large horse properties," few and far in-between sidewalks,  and a stubborn conservative streak that believes the automobile represents "freedom."  What gives us hope? The new Lakewood Zoning Improvements ordinances that most likely will be passed later this year.   

In the coming months, TBF will be featuring bike path photos, searching for Bicycle friendly business owners, listing numbers to call for dirt and snow removal from bike paths, etc.

If any of our reading public has suggestions or know of a business owner that wants to be listed as "bicycle friendly" (within a 15 minute bike ride of a future "W" light rail station) then please contact Mr. Spriggs at  

wpriggs@thebackfence.info. 

Even though, TBF has no formal ties with the Fastracks system or RTD, we would like to, once again, bring your attention that RTD is conducting a:   

Name the Bike Event Contest

The RTD FasTracks West Rail Line is having a contest to name a bicycle event that focuses on the future bike path that is rumored to be opening sometime this fall.  

Please add your suggestion for the bike event contest  

National  

International (when available) 

Sunday's Film (when available) 

Things you need to know along the West Corridor

>Lakewood, Wednesday, May 23, 5:30pm to ? 

[Note: in just 12 short months West Corridor residents will be able bike to a West Rail Line station, jump on board with their bikes, get off at Union Station & cycle just six blocks to Coors Field and LEAVE THE CAR BEHIND.  But until then, those of you adventurous souls who commute downtown, check out the facilities in place this year.]

2012 schedule of Ride to the Rockies Games
May 20, June 03, July 01, Aug 05, & Sept 02. All games are Sunday Day games. 

Over the course of 20 games this season the Rockies along with media partners ROOT SPORTS, 850 KOA and The Denver Post will once again be enlisting players and fans toward making a positive impact on the environment through the 2012 Games of Green initiative.

WHEN: Sunday, May 20 for the game against the Seattle Mariners. Bike lot opens at 11:30 a.m. and closes 10 minutes after the game ends.
WHERE: Coors Field, the special Bike to the Game secure parking lot at 21st and Blake St., across from Gate C.
WHAT: Check in at the Bike to the Game Tent at the entrance to the bike lot at 21st and Blake to enter a drawing for great prizes, like a Rockies Batting Practice experience, Rockies tickets, autographed items and more!  

>Lakewood, Thursday, May 24, 2012, 6pm 

>Denver Union Station Historic Summer Tours Thursday, May 24, June 14, June 28, July 12, & July 26, 2012 at 4:30pm - 5:30pm  The Denver Union Station Project Authority (DUSPA) will be conducting free guided tours of the Denver Union Station redevelopment site this summer. This guided tour will emphasis the early station history and famous travelers who visited Denver by Train. The tour will also tell visitors about all the new features that will soon be part of, and surround, the historic station. The one-hour tour will start inside the Great Train Hall at the historic station, 1701 Wynkoop Street. Participation is limited to 35 people per tour. To reserve your spot, visit. RSVP  here  [Scroll down on left] 

>Lakewood, starting Friday, June 08, 2012, 5-9pm; June 09, 10-4pm; June 10, 12-6pm 

Preview of the new 40 West Studios at 7175 West 16th Avenue, Lakewood, Colorado 80214 starts June 08, 2012. The new art studio is located just 0.6 miles - an 11 minute walk, or a 6 minute bike ride from the future Wadsworth Light Rail Station. Click here to learn more

 JUNE 9-15th, 2012

 SEPTEMBER 21-23RD, 2012 

Wish You Could Find an Apartment/Condo near a Light Rail Station?  As part of TBF's continuing efforts to bring TOD's to the West Corridor & elsewhere, this link from Walk Score.com will now be a permanent feature.  Thanks.   

Please Note: Begining today, May 06, 2012, TBF will use the Sunday Editions of THE BACK FENCE to provide links to Real Estate agents who "get the big picture" of Transit Oriented real estate and walkability.

Stay tuned.

Residential Real Estate
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Please note: TBF receives no promotional fees for the placement of links to the various agents. 

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RTD West Rail Line video flyover (entire line from Union Station to the Golden Jeffco Station.

West Corridor Vision 

Things You Need to Know Around the Region