DENVER —The hassle of finding parking as the masses converge on any sports stadium can be a frustrating experience, especially for those who don't plan on tailgating.
For those who wish they could skip the traffic or who just prefer a scenic bike ride over driving their car to the game, the Broncos and Denver B-cycle have announced a new service to make the experience all the more enjoyable.
For home games this season, the team and Denver B-cycle will provide a free bike valet program for fans, allowing them storage for not only their bikes during the games, but also personal items like helmets.
"Biking to the stadium is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to get to the game and helps to reduce roadway traffic and congestion," said Andy Gorchov, general manager of Stadium Management Company. "By improving on-site services available to cyclists at the stadium, our hope is that more fans will consider leaving their cars at home and instead bike to the game."
The valet has a capacity of 500, and the secure area for personal items will be staffed and monitored by volunteers from Denver B-cycle.
The valet, located adjacent to parking lot J and outside Gate 4 at the stadium, will open three hours before kickoff and close an hour after the game ends. Naturally, the closer it gets to game time, the more busy the valet will be, so the earlier you can make it to the valet, the more likely it will be to have a spot. If the valet reaches capacity, there are still bike racks around the stadium area.
"Having a bike valet service at Sports Authority Field at Mile High encourages more people to ride to various events and will provide all B-cycle riders a seamless B-cycle parking experience by removing the worries of whether an open parking space will be available when they arrive," said Denver B-cycle Executive Director Nick Bohnenkamp.
The valet service is free and though a bike lock isn't required, it's definitely encouraged just in case. Other people-powered means of transportation like skates or strollers can be stored there, too, but bicycles are given priority.
Never has riding your bike down the South Platte River Greenway for a Broncos game been so easy.
BRONCOS BIKE VALET FAQ'S
Hours of Operation:
The bike valet will operate for Broncos games starting three hours before kick off until one hour after the game. Hours of operation for other events will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Who will operate the bike valet?The bike valet will be staffed and operated by volunteers from Denver Bike Sharing, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that owns and operates the Denver B-cycle program.
Where is the bike valet located?
The bike valet is located outside the stadium between gates 3 and 4 and adjacent to parking lot J.
How many bikes can the bike valet hold?
Approximately 500 bikes can be stored in the bike valet location.
How much does it cost to park my bike at valet?
The bike valet will be provided as a complimentary service to fans. Donations will be accepted and will go to Denver Bike Sharing, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that owns and operates the Denver B-cycle program.
Who operates the bike valet?
The bike valet will be staffed by volunteers from Denver B-Cycle.
How does it work?
Like a coat check, you sign a claim check and give us your bike. We give you the ticket stub. After the event, you return the stub and we return your bicycle.
Can I park a B-cycle at the bike valet?
Yes. Riders will be able to bring their B-cycles directly to Sports Authority Field rather than docking at the B-cycle stations closest to the stadium at 4th & Walnut (318 Walnut St) and 23rd & Clay (2301 Clay St). No extra usage charges will be incurred during the game and will be available for riders who rode in on B-cycles to ride home and return their bike to a station.
Can I check out a B-cycle at the bike valet?
No. If you did not ride a B-cycle to the game, you will not be able to originate a B-cycle trip as no kiosk will be in place to gather user information or credit card data.
Do I need a lock?
Yes. Although the bike valet area is secure and attended at all times and a lock is not needed at Valet, we strongly recommend you bring a u-lock anyway. We may be at capacity (and you might want to stop somewhere for a snack after the game).
Can I leave my stuff with my bike?
Yes (helmets and locks only please). Because we can't inventory your accessories, we can't be responsible for them, but anything securely attached to your bike will be safe. Per stadium policy, we cannot check bags of any kind.
What if I can't get back in time to pick up my bike?
You must retrieve your bike by closing time, which is 60 minutes after the end of the game. After that time, the valet will close. For Broncos games, we cannot be responsible for bikes left at Sports Authority Field at Mile High after the close of valet and we urge you to be prompt in exiting the stadium. If you are unable to pick up your bike after an event, you must contact the stadium lost and found office at 720-258-3889 to pick up your bike at a later time.
Will there be delays checking in at Broncos games?
In times closer to kickoff, we expect that there will be a rush of arrivals. We work quickly and keep the line as short as possible, though you may have to wait a little longer getting your bike back out. Once at capacity, cyclists will need to park their bikes at standard bike racks located around the stadium area.
Can I park my skates, jogging stroller, etc?
Yes. We'll park skates, strollers and other human-powered people movers, though bicycles take priority.
