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5,000 cyclists expected to take part in Winter Bike to Work Day amid Denver’s mild weather

Warmer-than-average winter coincides with 153% surge in bike commuting and increases in cost savings, carbon reduction

Cyclists gather with their bikes at an outdoor event with tents and information booths in a city plaza.

For immediate release
February 11, 2026 (Denver, Colorado): One of Denver's warmest winters on record has made a big impact on commuting trends, with alternative trips surging 103% over the same period last year, according to data from My Way to Go, a platform that lets commuters track their non-single occupancy vehicle trips to see the impact on their costs and local environment, receive rewards, and compete with other people in their area.

Bike commuting has increased 153% year over year, resulting in nearly 21 million grams of carbon dioxide reduced so far this winter. That reduction is equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of nearly 1,000 trees. Riders are also seeing financial benefits, with bike commuters saving more than twice as much on gas and vehicle-related expenses compared to last winter.

“With about 300 days of sunshine in the Denver region each year, winter biking is often more accessible than people expect,” said Nisha Mokshagundam, Way to Go program manager. “This winter’s warmer temperatures have helped more commuters realize that biking can be a practical option year-round. This shift saves commuters money on gas and parking, supports health and reduces stress, and cuts emissions and improves air quality with every trip.”

On Friday, February 13, Way to Go expects 5,000 cyclists to participate in Winter Bike to Work Day. Cyclists are encouraged to pledge to ride at BikeToWorkDay.co, and one grand prize winner will be selected after the event to receive a $250 cash card. Organizations across the Front Range will host 100 rider appreciation stations, offering free refreshments and giveaways, including marquee stations at:

  • Civic Center Station 
    1466 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80202
    6:30 – 9:30 a.m.
    Visit Way to Go and the City and County of Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s station for free burritos, hot chocolate, coffee and cool giveaways. Listen to cool tunes courtesy of DJ Willy Sunshine.
  • Colorado Department of Transportation Breakfast Station 
    1301 N. Alcott St., Denver, CO 80204
    6:30–10 a.m.
    Stop by the South Platte and Lakewood Gulch trail intersection for coffee, tea, breakfast burritos and snacks. Follow the music (and cowbells)!
  • Yoga Pod and Nude Foods Market
    1890 30th St., Boulder, CO 80301
    7–9 a.m.
    Enjoy complimentary vegan or wild boar burritos, gluten-free granola, yogurt and coffee, and get free class passes.
  • Raven Print and Marketing
    325 S. Union Blvd., Lakewood, CO 80228
    7–9 a.m.
    Get an exclusive 2026 Bike to Work Day decal, a hot drink and join a raffle to win a custom Yeti tumbler made just for you.
  • e-bike of Colorado
    544 County Road, Louisville, CO 80027
    7–10 a.m.
    Stop by for coffee, cocoa, Bloody Marys and mimosas, and enjoy pastries and bacon. Every rider who visits will be entered in a raffle to win two $100 gift cards.

Winter Bike to Work Day is an annual event organized by Way to Go, a program of the Denver Regional Council of Governments, in partnership with eight regional transportation management associations. Throughout the year, Way to go offers several signature events, including monthly challenges that encourage commuters to explore alternatives to driving alone.

If you would like to interview Way to Go Manager Nisha Mokshagundam prior to or on the day of Winter Bike to Work Day, please contact Steve Erickson at serickson@drcog.org or call 303-480-6716.

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Media Contact

Steve Erickson
Director, Communications and Marketing
303-480-6716