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Cyclists have been reportedly threatening employees at STK Steakhouse as its valet service blocks a bike lane, according to the Denver Bicycle Lobby (DBL). The local advocacy group would rather see that anger directed toward something more effective, according to leadership, who aren’t exactly fans of the downtown steakhouse and DJ venue. “That’s disappointing. We shouldn’t be taking out anger in any way that’s violent or harassing,” DBL advocate David Mintzer says. “I don’t think that’s any way to gain support.” Beef has been simmering between cyclists and STK Steakhouse since owners of the restaurant at 1550 Market Street altered the front-facing bike lane to allow a valet service. The steakhouse used to operate its valet service a half block away from its entrance, but it moved it closer in the spring, when the city approved a new valet permit. The valet service is now forcing cyclists to briefly mingle with Market Street’s busy car lanes, Mintzer says. “It’s much safer and much more comfortable to be biking separated from car traffic, not mixing with car traffic,” he says. “Drivers also like not having to mix with people on bikes.” The ONE Group, the international company that owns STK, hasn’t responded to a request for comment. A ONE Group spokesperson said in August that the STK location was complying with the rules of the city’s permit. In July, the City of Denver removed flex posts, the short white bollards or columns meant to protect bike lanes from cars, in front of Market and Blake streets and replaced them with Zippers, which are short but heavy dividers. The project cost $200,000, according to the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI). According to DOTI, STK’s new permit was approved and flex posts were removed to help businesses. The flex posts were removed to create a clearer line of sight into storefronts while STK’s new permit was “intended to support downtown’s activation,” city documents show. For downtown Denver cyclists, the situation in front of STK is a merger of issues they have been decrying for months and years: the loss of flex posts, blocked bike lanes and poor connectivity across Denver’s lanes, on top of the ever-present fear of getting hit by a car. Even so, these frustrations may be taken too far as people have allegedly started threatening STK employees, according to an October 16 statement by the DBL. “Management at STK Steakhouse has received threatening emails regarding the removal of the protected bike lane in front of their business,” the bike lobby statement reads. “We condemn all forms of violence and threatening emails or calls. Threats of violence to employees or companies are unacceptable.” But DBL isn’t suggesting you make reservations for a $110 ribeye and side of house music, either: “That said, we support those choosing not to patronize STK Streakhouse,” the statement adds. “The removal of the protected bike lane in front of their business was made to accommodate valet parking,” the statement continues. “That has resulted in dangerous conditions for people who bike and scooter on Market Street.” Mintzer says that DBL isn’t calling for a boycott, “but we are very happy to spend our money at businesses that support safe streets and want us to get to their businesses safely.” According to DBL’s statement, its members also “question” the city’s decision to spend $200,000 to remove flex posts while dealing with a budget crisis, calling it a “poor choice.” The original STK valet permit was “adequate,” and other steakhouses in Denver, “like those on Larimer Square, have been successful in spite of their valet parking being a half-block away,” according to DBL’s statement, which goes on to say that the “convenience of steakhouse patrons should not supersede the safety of Denver residents who travel by bike.” Loren Hansen, the chair of the Denver Mayor Bicycle Advisory Committee (MBAC), has also asked DOTI to restore the original bike lane, and reported being told the changes were happening on a “trial basis.” Mintzer recommends cyclists upset with the STK try activism instead of intimidation and take a more civil tone when reaching out to DOTI planners, elected city leaders and business owners. He suggests that if they do reach out to STK or other businesses, to remind them that “they need customers to be able to arrive there safely.” Mintzer feels like he’s fighting a tide within the city, though. Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration seems to be moving away from building out bike infrastructure, he argues. Hansen and other members of the MBAC share the same opinion. “When he was a candidate, he complained that the city was delaying and canceling bicycle projects, and now we’re seeing even more of that,” Mintzer says. “I know the budget is tight, but bike lanes are cheap.”
