The following are the remarks delivered at the Colorado State Capitol on April 22, 2026, for an Earth Day gathering, hosted by Representative Junie Joseph.

Happy Earth Day! My name is Peter Piccolo, and I have the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of Bicycle Colorado, a nonprofit organization that has been advocating to expand access to safe biking and walking for over thirty years.

In Colorado, transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, which means how we get around matters. The electrification of our transportation system is critical, but this alone will not allow us to achieve our air quality goals. We need to shift mode share, especially in our more population-dense communities. One of the most impactful and affordable ways to do this–and one that brings many people joy —is the bicycle.

Every time someone chooses to ride a bike instead of driving, emissions drop to zero. And not only is riding a bike good for the planet, but it’s also good for our physical and mental health, and it builds community.

The average vehicle commute in many Colorado communities is six to eight miles. This can be a challenging commute for people riding a traditional bike, especially if there are hills. But on an e-bike? E-bikes are a game-changer. They flatten hills, shorten distances, and open the door to biking for thousands of Coloradans who might not otherwise consider it.

That’s why the work happening right here at the Capitol to expand access to e-bikes and safe places to ride for people of all ages and abilities is so important.

In recent years, Colorado has stepped up as a national leader by investing in e-bike subsidies and rebates, and passing laws that improve road safety, such as the safety stop, distracted driving, and automated enforcement legislation. 

So today, as we celebrate Earth Day, let’s commit to accelerating the implementation of solutions that expand access to safe biking. We need funding—much more funding—for safe streets infrastructure. We need to pass laws that prioritize the safety of all road users, especially the most vulnerable. And we need to do a better job educating people on how to safely use the public right of way, whether driving, biking, walking, or rolling.

Because when we make it easier to ride a bike, we make it easier to protect our planet.

Thank you.