🚲 Why aren’t Denver’s new bike lanes working?

🔎 Have You Seen This LoDo Shooting Suspect?

Denver police are still trying to locate the suspect who shot and injured five people outside Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row in LoDo over the weekend. Reports say the female suspect was denied entry to the bar, then as she walked away, pulled out a gun and fired in the direction of the bar. Police are offering a reward for any information that leads to an arrest. You can call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers with tips at 720-913-7867. [Denverite]

⛽ Gas-Powered Lawn Mower Ban Faces Challenges

The Regional Air Quality Council’s (RAQC) proposal to ban the sale of gas-powered lawn equipment and limit its use in summer months in all nine Metro Denver counties is being countered with an alternate, much lighter proposition from state health department officials. Staff with the state’s Pollution Control Division are instead recommending a proposal that would not include a sales ban and would limit use of gas-powered lawn equipment only for government agencies. The Air Quality Control Commission is set to discuss the competing proposals sometime this month. [CO Sun]

🚧 Bike Lanes Continue to Divide Denver

Denver drivers, cyclists, and transportation officials continue to be at odds over bike-safety infrastructure popping up across the city. A new traffic diverter at East Seventh Avenue and Pennsylvania Street is just the latest installation creating controversy and confusion. The new flow of traffic at the intersection is drawing complaints from cyclists and motorists alike, citing a dangerous collision-prone merge situation. Westword reporters took video footage of some 40 cars using the new diverters incorrectly or ignoring them altogether. [Westword]

• But wait, there’s more: This debacle at Seventh and Pennsylvania may be the latest, but it certainly isn’t the first. We covered two other recent bike lane debates: first in the Country Club neighborhood, then in Cap Hill. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Hey loyal reader, what’s on your mind? 🤔

🍽️ After listening to the City Cast Denver team talk about the Michelin Guide on last Thursday’s food news episode, listener Stan P. wrote in to add his take:

• “I for one am glad that Marcos Coal Fired pizza got some love [from the Michelin Guide] … and I'm with Peyton being doubly shocked that Flagstaff House didn't get a star. Thank you for all the jaw dropping info on the apparent grift that is the Michelin Guide, so it sounds like I can just ignore the Michelin Guide and continue with Google and Yelp.

🥹 Surely you’ve heard about our new membership program that will help us keep doing what we do. Jenny sent us her support along with this amazing note:

• “I joined before I even finished listening to your announcement in today’s episode. Thank you for all you guys do! Truly exceptional and underrated journalism.”

🫶 Likewise, Grey also sent us some sweet words and support:

• “Quick hi to say thank you all, from the full-time team to the regular guest hosts, for what you all do for community informing, topical knowledge building, and local belonging. Quick decision with the subscription support, for as long as I can!”

🦫 When I shared some fun beaver facts earlier this week, Anna D. wrote in to say…

• “If folks want to do a deep dive into the importance of beavers for our ecosystems and our watersheds, I highly recommend a book called ‘Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter.’ I read it recently, and it changed my understanding of stream health and why beavers are a keystone species that support watershed and ecosystem resilience.”

⛰️ Regarding the news about Mount Evans being renamed Mount Blue Sky, Vicky R. wanted to make a suggestion to other readers:

• “I recently went to the History Center Colorado to view the Sand Creek Massacre exhibit and it was so impactful. It's such an important exhibit, especially because of the misinformation that was circulated for so long after the event. If anyone is seeking more information on why Mount Evans needs to be renamed, I highly recommend a visit.”

🍻 GABF Events | All Week | Times Vary

Pre-grame the biggest beer event of the year with parties and specials at bars and breweries  across the city. [Various locations; Prices vary]

💼 Denver Startup Week | All Week | Times Vary

With hundreds of workshops, seminars, presentations, and networking opportunities, there is something for budding entrepreneurs and seasoned business pros alike at Denver Startup Week 2023. [Various locations; Free]

🤣 Laugh Your Yas Off | Wednesday | 7:30-10 p.m.

Laugh it up with Denver’s longest running queer comedy showcase headlined by local legend Georgia Comstock, plus a killer line-up of some of the scene’s best comedic talent. [North Cap Hill; $5+]

💿 Open Decks One Year Anniversary | Thursday | 6 p.m.

Calling all amateur DJs: Bring your favorite music medium (MP3s, USB memory sticks, even CDs!) and plug right into the soundsystem at this weeknight hangout where anyone can create the party playlist. [West Wash Park; Free to stop by]

Should Denver Rename These 6 Parks?

What’s in a name? Turns out a lot, especially when it comes to who Denver has chosen to commemorate in our parks system. Today on the podcast, host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi parse through the list of greenspaces with potentially troubled namesakes (think Lincoln and Jefferson) and debate which ones are worth keeping and which ones should bite the dust.