The Idaho Stop Is About More Than Cyclist Safety. It’s About Racial Justice.

For Denver cyclist Marcus Robinson, biking equals freedom. It’s a chance to experience new things and reach places he’s never been able to reach before. It was this idea that was at the heart of his Ride for Racial Justice organization that started in 2020 amid the protests over the murder of George Floyd. He thought if he could get people talking to each other about race from the seat of a bicycle, folks might be more open to listen. Robinson has continued to push for racial equity from his bike, most recently by testifying in favor of the “safety stop” bill recently passed by the state legislature. The safety stop, or “Idaho stop”, would let cyclists roll through stop signs legally. It might seem like a small change, but producer Paul Karolyi chats with Robinson about how this is a big win in the fight for racial justice and safety.

We first heard about Robinson and Ride for Racial Justice from past City Cast Denver guest Nathaniel Minor. Check out his piece for Colorado Public Radio on the Idaho Stop here. 

Newsletter writer Peyton Garcia has a breakdown of Denver’s consideration of a concealed carry ban for its parks. Find today’s edition and subscribe to get future ones in your inbox here: https://denver.citycast.fm/newsletter/

Let’s be friends on Twitter! @citycastdenver