City News
This is news from the city of Boulder, about the city or any of its departments
Boulder says pedestrians and bikers are safe, statistically speaking
Feb 7th
City releases 40-month report on biking and walking in Boulder
Between January 2008 and April 2011, only 7.8 percent of all collisions in Boulder involved a bicycle or pedestrian, according to the recently released Safe Streets Boulder report.
The report analyzes more than 8,000 collisions in Boulder – involving motor vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians – over a 40-month period. The main take-away: walking and biking in Boulder is safe, and these modes represent only a small percentage of all collisions reported on city streets.
The report also identifies the top 15 locations with the most motor vehicle collisions (with bicycles and pedestrians), the most common types of crashes and what the city is doing to help decrease collision rates. It also outlines collision demographics and at what time of day most accidents occur.
“Among many things, the report speaks to the safety of Boulder’s transportation system – specifically for walking and biking,” said Director of Transportation for Public Works Tracy Winfree. “Reports like this are powerful because the numbers help to identify successes and areas for improvement, as well as dispel myths.”
For instance, the safety of flashing crosswalks has been an underlying community conversation, but the results show that collisions in these crosswalks account for less than 1 percent of all collisions.
Boulder Police accepting applications for Victim Advocate volunteers
Feb 1st
The Boulder Police Department is seeking victim advocate volunteers to work closely with police officers, providing support and assistance to community members who have become victims of crimes, accidents, natural disasters or other critical events.
Applicants must be a least 21 years old and must be able to attend a required 40-hour training course covering crisis intervention, community resources, active listening and emotional responses to grief and trauma. The training will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It begins April 3 and runs through April 21.
Victim advocates are asked to make a one-year commitment and to be available for one shift per month.
For more information or to obtain an application for either volunteer opportunity, please contact Susan Townley at 303-441-4048 orTownleyS@bouldercolorado.gov.
The deadline to apply is Friday, March 30.
Boulder approves “incentive” for another innovative energy companyy
Jan 27th
City Manager approves business incentive for Eetrex
City Manager Jane S. Brautigam has approved a flexible rebate application for Boulder-based Eetrex Incorporated, for up to $26,000 in rebates. The rebates were authorized for sales and use taxes, and permit-related fees.
The flexible rebate program is one of the city’s business incentives, covering a wide range of fees, equipment and construction use taxes. Under this program, the city manager may consider a specific incentive package for tax and fee rebates to meet a company’s specific needs. The company is then eligible for the rebate after it has made its investment and paid the taxes or fees to the city.
“Eetrex is part of the new energy economy and is leading innovation in power electronics and battery systems,” Brautigam said. “The city is pleased that its incentives are helping Eetrex grow and stay in Boulder.”
Employees of the Eetrex Corporarion
Eetrex develops power electronics and battery systems for the electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles, telecommunications, and computing industries. The company is also the leading developer of on-vehicle inverter-chargers, known as Invergers™. Its battery systems are being used in demonstration projects to show how they can effectively store energy from wind and solar generation to offset peak loads and utilize clean energy more effectively. In 2006, Eetrex was founded in Boulder and moved into a larger 9,700 square-foot space at 4900 Pearl East Circle, Suite 110, in June 2011.
Kathryn Miles, president of Eetrex, said, “Eetrex is committed to supporting the community and establishing our business as an environmentally conscious company. Not only is our technology helping to green the transportation industry and support alternative energy, but we also encourage employees to ride their bicycles to work along with our zero waste practices. We are very pleased to receive this award in recognition of our efforts.”
The flexible rebate program uses social, community, and environmental sustainability guidelines. Companies choose the guidelines that best fit their circumstances, but must meet minimum requirements in order to receive the rebate. Eetrex has exceeded the minimum requirements of the community sustainability guidelines. Of note, Eetrex is implementing a zero waste policy through Green Girl Recycling and is a member of the 10 for Change challenge, which included an energy audit of its facility. The company also will request an EnergySmart training through the city’s Local Environmental Action Division.
Eetrex’s flexible rebate application is one of six submitted to the city in late 2011. Four 2011 applications are pending. The city’s approved 2012 budget includes $350,000 in funding for 2012 flexible tax and fee rebates for primary employers.
For more information about the city’s economic vitality program, go to www.bouldercolorado.gov, click on “Business,” or call Liz Hanson at 303-441-3287.
