Head's Up, Denver! - A Word from Denver Police Chief Robert White
Bicyclists who ignore stop signs and stop lights are a problem in Denver. So are cars that block bike lanes or turn in front of cyclists without yielding. The number of pedestrians who blatantly ignore traffic signals in cross walks (sometimes even with uniformed officers standing next to them) number in the tens of thousands every day.
In the first quarter of 2013, Denver Police noticed a dramatic increase in auto vs. pedestrian and auto vs. bicycle accidents. In fact, auto vs. pedestrian/bicycle accidents are up 41% between January and May of 2012 compared to the same date range in 2013. This is even more alarming when you factor in that over the same time period accidents are down 7.2% overall.
Denver Police Traffic Investigations Bureau detectives have looked at the issue and have discovered many of these accidents are the fault of the bicyclist or pedestrian. In fact, up to 50% of auto vs pedestrian accidents are the pedestrian's fault (jay-walking or disobedience to traffic signals being the most common causes).
Mayor Hancock is also concerned, and has launched a city-wide campaign to raise awareness and public education to reduce future accidents called "Head's Up". You can find more information about this campaign on Facebook by clicking here.
Denver desires to be a "multi-modal" city, where commuters and citizens can choose to walk, bike, use mass-transit, or drive their cars to get where they are going. So it is an obligation for all of us to work together to improve road safety for all.
Without fail, this topic generates a huge citizen response. Every time a message is posted on our department Facebookor Twitter page, there are thousands of views and lively discussions about who is at fault and what should be done. The most common comment received is "Give the other guy a ticket". Much like the criminalization of drugs, the department has learned that it cannot "arrest" its way out of the narcotics problem, it also cannot ticket its way out of this one. The department could issue 1,000 citations a day for the violations described and not begin to touch the problem (and, as most of you are aware, the department does not have the resources to accomplish such a task).
The truth is the problem is a lack of respect. Many drivers don't respect bike lanes or riders, many bicyclists don't respect traffic laws, and most pedestrians feel they can walk wherever they want, when they want. This is a cultural issue and our entire transportation culture has to change.
What I am asking is that each of you take some time to examine your own behavior. Whether it's driving, riding or walking. Do you obey traffic laws? Do you wait at the crosswalk even when there is no traffic coming? Do you pay close attention to cyclists when you are driving? Have you stopped texting when walking/driving/riding? Do you take your headphones off when walking or riding in traffic? In short, are you treating others with respect and care?
It is my sincere hope that as more of us examine our own behavior and make a conscious effort to change it, we will see a reduction in accidents. I also think it will make Denver a better place to live, work and play.
Sincerely,
Chief Robert White, Denver Police |
New Walmart to Open on Corner of Evans and Federal
Construction has started on a new Walmart at Evans and Federal. The store will be just under 100,000 square feet with a full grocery selection including fresh produce, dairy and meat, along with general merchandise. It will also have a full-service pharmacy offering hundreds of generic prescriptions at $4.00. Work on the site is expected to continue through the winter with an opening date projected for Spring 2014.
A hiring center will be opened in early 2014 to fill over 200 full- and part-time positions in a variety of capacities throughout the store, including supervisors, sales associates, inventory managers, customer service associates, and pharmacy technicians. Stay tuned for more information about this hiring center to be opening early next year. |
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First Annual "Denver Days" - August 3rd to 11th
Believing that strong communities create a stronger city, Mayor Hancock has launched "Denver Days", a new citywide effort to help neighbors get to know each other and get involved with their communities by throwing block parties, organizing service projects and hosting neighborhood activities. Throughout the next week, dozens of volunteer events will take place to help neighbors become more acquainted, strengthen ties between residents, and provide opportunities for valuable community service projects. For more information on Denver Days, click here. You can also see a map of the all the incredible events taking place around the city by clicking here. |
Rock'n'Roll Marathon & Half Marathon - Saturday, October 20
Denver is, once again, ready to rock and run with the third Annual Rock'n'Roll Marathon & Half Marathon. The race is expected to draw over 17,000 runners and will feature live entertainment along every mile of the scenic course. Runners will start at Civic Center Park and run past many of Denver's major landmarks and parks including: the Denver Public Library, Denver Art Museum, Larimer Square, the Pepsi Center, Union Station, Coors Field, as well as City, Cheesman, and Washington Parks. For a complete course map and list of road closures click here. |
4th Annual Antique Row Summer Festival - August 17th
With over 100 merchants, Denver's famous "Antique Row," on South Broadway offers tons of good stuff -- quality antiques, garden supplies, wines, antique rugs, handcrafted picture frames, tiles, vintage lighting, fine food, and a tea room. PLUS the recently improved sidewalks, intersections, and streets make strolling and shopping a dream. Come check it all out at Antique Row's 4th Annual "Broadway Bash" on August 17th. For up-to-date information on the day's events, including live bands, great giveaways & special sales, visit www.Antique-Row.com. |
Denver County Fair - August 9th, 10th, 11th
Looking for more summer fun? Come check out the Denver County Fair. Eat strange fried food, enter a competition, watch a band, learn more about backyard farming, or your favorite craft. The fair offers loads of cool stuff to explore. Bonus: This year's tickets include re-admission for the whole weekend. Click here to buy your tickets now! |
Sign Up Today to Learn to How to Compost!
Did you know that organic materials like leaves, branches, grass clippings and food scraps make up more than half of what Denver residents send to the landfill every year? You can help reduce that amount by signing up for a free 'Learn to Compost' class where you'll see how easy it is to make your own compost from food scraps and yard waste.
Compost is a crumbly, nutrient-rich soil amendment that is great for your plants, lawn, and garden, especially during periods of drought when we all need to be cautious about how much water we use. Compost-enriched soil can hold its weight in water, which allows you to wait longer between watering and use less water overall. Compost also opens clay soils, allowing better drainage, and closes sandy soils, preventing water from leaching away too quickly.
Learn to Compost classes are offered through the middle of October at the Denver Compost Demonstration Site located in the Gove Community Garden at 13th Ave. and Colorado Blvd. Class registration is first come, first served. Registration for each class opens one month prior to the class date. Pre-registration is required to attend the classes. To review the class schedule and register for a class, visit DUG.org/Compost or call 303-292-9900.
Learn to Compost classes are sponsored by Denver Recycles (a program of Denver Public Works/Solid Waste Management) and Denver Urban Gardens. For more information about this program or other Denver Recycles programs call 311 or visit DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles. |
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Mile High Electronics Recycling Event - August 11th
Score one for the environment and recycle your electronics at the Mile High Electronics Recycling Event at Sports Authority Field on Sunday, August 11, 2013. This recycling event offers Colorado residents the opportunity to securely and legally dispose of electronics materials at discounted fees. As of July 1, 2013, the Colorado's Electronic Recycling Jobs Acts prohibits Colorado residents from disposing of electronic waste in their trash. But events like this offer a perfect opportunity for residents to legally and safely dispose of their electronic waste.
This is an appointment only event. To schedule your appointment go online to www.DenverGov.org/Ecorally and select your timeslot from 8 AM to 4 PM. The recycling fee for this event is only $5 per vehicle, which includes one screen (TV, monitor or laptop) and all your other electronic materials. Each additional screen will be charged at $10 each. Accepted materials include televisions, monitors, CPUs, laptops, printers, scanners, faxes, keyboards, mice, stereos, external hard drives and storage devices, cellular phones, telephones, DVRs, VCRs, digital cameras, video recorders, MP3 players, video game consoles, wires, cables and some small appliances such as microwaves. (NOTE: All hard drives will be shredded post-event to protect any private information). |
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Safely Dispose of Your Household Hazardous Waste
If you've recently cleaned out your garage or storage shed this summer you've probably come across various leftover chemicals and toxic materials. Although these materials are not safe to toss in the trash or pour down the drain or storm sewer, the City of Denver's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program can help you safely and conveniently dispose of these items while protecting our local environment.
- Drop-Off Options. You can take many of your household hazardous waste materials directly to several local retail drop-off locations for recycling and safe disposal. There are drop-off facilities for all types of materials including latex paint, motor oil, batteries, and compact fluorescent bulbs, and even expired medications. Services are free at many of these drop-off locations. For a list of options visit DenverGov.org/RecyclingDirectory or call 311.
- Make a Hazardous Waste Collection Appointment. City & County of Denver residents are eligible to schedule a household hazardous waste collection appointment once per year. Residents living in single family homes can schedule "at-home" collection appointments and Denver residents residing in apartments or condominiums can schedule drop-off appointments. There are specific requirements on the types and quantities of materials you have in order to qualify for an appointment. Call 1-800-HHW-PKUP (1-800-449-7587) or visit us at DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles to determine if you meet the program criteria and schedule a collection appointment. A $15 co-payment is required for each appointment.
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Cool Off At Home With a Free Energy Advisor More than 6,300 Denver residents have taken the Denver Energy Challenge and are cooler this summer because their house is no longer wasting energy. It's not too late to join them! Whether you are interested in reducing utility costs, improving indoor comfort, or improving indoor air quality, free Energy Advisors, provided through the City, are here to help. Thinking about replacing your AC system or want to prepare for the winter? The program also offers low-cost energy loans to pay for small or large projects and can connect you to all applicable rebates and tax credits out there. Contact a free Energy Advisor today and see what energy upgrades make sense for your home! Call 720-865-5520 or visit www.DenverEnergy.org. |
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New Training Subsidy Funds Available for Denver Businesses If you own a company and need help with staff recruitment, retention, and training, the City has a program to help you. Denver's "Training Subsidy" program offers money to qualified businesses to support new hires and current staff training. Click here to find out more. |
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Protect our Urban River Environment (PURE) Aims to Clean Up the South Platte River
Denver's Environmental Health, Public Works, and Parks and Recreation Department have joined the Greenway Foundation, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and others to launch a campaign to clean up the South Platte River.
A 2012 study by the Greenway Foundation identified trash as the primary issue impacting water quality in the South Platte. Protect our Urban River Environment (PURE) is implementing an EPA Clean Water Act grant that will lead to a long-term information and education plan to address non-point source trash pollution in the South Platte.
Over the next year, the goal of PURE is to reduce and ultimately eliminate trash in Denver's South Platte River, improving this vital resource both for the public, and for wildlife. This month, PURE is launching an email campaign to engage residents and other stakeholders in this effort. You can learn more by clicking here and joining the campaign to see what you can do. |
Old South Pearl Street Blues & Brews Festival - August 10th
What happens when you mix a warm summer afternoon, ice-cold draft beer, and some fun, funky music? You get the South Pearl Blues & Brews Festival - a fun-filled musical event that celebrates everything great about South Pearl Street with smooth tunes and craft brews! Check out the line-up below, and click here for more info:
8:45 - 10:00pm; Lil' Ed & The Blues Imperials
7:15 - 8:30pm; Mac Arnold & Plate Full O' Blues
6:00 - 7:00pm; Dan Treanor's Afrosippi band with Erica Brown
4:45 - 5:45pm; Delta Sonics with Ken Saydak
3:30 - 4:30pm; John Long Band
2:15 - 3:15pm; Jockamo
1:00 - 2:00pm; Bad Brad and the Fat Cats |
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Rosedale Harvard Gulch Neighborhood Association Summer Picnic
Bring your coolers, frisbees, and folding chairs and come meet new people in your neighborhood at the Rosedale summer picnic at Harvard Gulch Park, (corner of Logan & Iliff -- near the playground & pool), Sunday August 18th, from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. Everyone is welcome! |
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Athmar Park 21st Annual Neighborhood Picnic
Pack a picnic and/or bring a dish to share and head down to Huston Lake Park (at Ohio & Zuni, southeast corner of the park) from noon until 4:00pm on Sunday, August 18th for a day of fun with your neighbors. |
University Neighbors Annual Summer Social
Come enjoy FREE pie and ice cream with your neighbors at DeBoer Park (S. Vine St. at Harvard) on Sunday, August 11th, from 4:00pm. - 6:00pm. |
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