🔎 CO’s Native American boarding school history revealed

🔎 Findings Revealed in Native American Boarding School Investigation

This week, History Colorado released the findings of a year-long, state-mandated investigation into two Native American boarding schools that participated in federal assimilation programs over a century ago. The 139-page report confirmed that at least 65 students died at the schools after being kidnapped or coerced and then abused while in residence. State lawmakers, historians, and other officials will now begin considering ways to offer healing and reconciliation to Indigenous communities who have faced decades of intergenerational trauma. [Denver Post 🔒; CPR]

💰 Sidewalk Fee Collection Delayed 6 Months

This week, city council unanimously voted to delay the implementation of Denver’s new sidewalk repair program until July 2024. Originally, the city was set to collect the first annual sidewalk maintenance fee from homeowners at the start of the new year. Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval requested the delay so a task force can fine tune the program’s fee structure, which critics say inequitably determines fee amounts based on property location. [Denverite]

🚘 Our Local Transit Questions Answered

Did RTD’s Zero Fare for Better Air program actually get more people on the bus? What about those new bike lanes — are they keeping cyclists safe or just confusing drivers? And why are so many people dying in transit-related accidents in our streets? An expert transit reporter weighs in. [City Cast Denver 🎧]

Forget your four-wheel gas guzzler — electric bicycles are the way of the future! Thanks to the city and the state’s e-bike rebate programs, now is the time to make the switch. Here’s what you need to know.

Denver’s Program

The city launched its e-bike rebate program to tremendous success last spring. Residents hoping to nab a voucher should set their alarms on application day — slots fill up in mere minutes!

• How much: Any Denver resident can qualify for $300-$500 off an e-bike. Low-income residents can qualify for $1,200-$1,400.
• What you need to apply: Proof of residency, proof of income eligibility (for low-income rebates), and an account at DenverClimateRebates.com.
• Where to buy: The voucher can only be redeemed at select local bike shops (don’t worry, there are plenty of options!). Here is a list of participating stores.
• Next round: The next chance to apply will be Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 11 a.m.
• More deets: Check out Denverite’s guide to Denver’s e-bike rebates.

Colorado’s Program

State officials followed Denver’s lead and launched a statewide rebate program (the largest in the country!) in August.

• How much: Unlike Denver’s program, only low- or moderate-income residents qualify for the state rebate. (See if you qualify.) Qualifying applicants can get $500-$1,100 off their purchase.
• What you need: At the time of application, all you need is an email address. If you’re selected, you’ll need to provide proof of residency and proof of income eligibility.
• Where to buy: Here is an expansive list of bike shops where you can redeem your voucher.
• Next round: The next chance to apply will be Monday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m.
• More deets: Check out CPR’s guide to Colorado’s e-bike rebates.

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

🚧 The city’s attempt to install better, safer traffic infrastructure around Denver has been falling flat. Here’s what some Denverites have to say about it:

• Russell J. laments: “I’ve lived in many cities and have never felt so unsafe behind the wheel in my life.”
• Lainie B. wants to know: “Why is this city allergic to 4-way stops? I live in Cap Hill and it drives me absolutely nuts that at best we get 2-way stops where drivers speed through the intersection to avoid colliding with the cars without a stop. This sets up a situation where cars aren’t even considering pedestrians.”
• Elizabeth S. is putting out a call to action: “Seventh and Pennsylvania is objectively very bad, speaking as both a bike commuter and a car driver. We need actual diverters like the one at 35th and Irving — Let’s advocate for real solutions, not half-baked ones that please literally no one!”

🏓 After listening to our recent podcast episode about Denver’s ongoing pickleball debate, listener Tom G. has some choice words for the anti-pickleballers out there:

• “Why the hate on pickleball? I'm not a player — tried it, didn't get the bug. But pickleball is a physical activity that can be enjoyed by old folks, young folks. The equipment costs almost nothing, so no financial barrier to participation. Why not give people a free place to play? Isn't that what a city is supposed to do?”

👻 Victorian Death Experiences | Thursday + Friday | 6-7 p.m.

This immersive experience at the Center for Colorado Women’s History will get you eerily acquainted with historic Victorian death rituals. Mourning attire encouraged. [Civic Center; $25]

🎪 Good Shepherd Fall Carnival | Friday | 4-7 p.m.

Celebrate the season at a family-friendly neighborhood carnival that will include games, food, and a fun run! [Congress Park; Free admission]

📚 Banned Books Week | All Week | Any Time

Oct. 1-7 is Banned Books Week, and the Little Free Library invites you to join them in promoting access to all books by sharing a banned book in your local Little Free Library, showing support for the cause on social media, and finding other ways to join the movement. [Citywide; Free]

RTD's Funding Woes, Front Range Rail, and Bike Lane Drama

New bike lanes are confusing both drivers and cyclists, the Johnston administration has proposed banning right turns on red, and Governor Polis is again pitching the dream of a massive, Front Range-serving rail system. CPR transportation reporter Nathaniel Minor joins City Cast Denver host Bree Davies to go behind the headlines of some of the big transit stories impacting the metro area.