Denver: We'll pay you to stay off the roads

WE'VE MOVED! Democratic Convention Watch is now at http://www.DemocraticConventionWatch.com

Lets get those bicycles working:

Those who work in downtown Denver could get money or perks for taking public transportation or riding bikes during the month of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, courtesy of federal taxpayers.

Gift cards for $100, free and unlimited transit passes for the month of August, and even free bike locks, helmets and secure parking all are under consideration.

The Downtown Denver Partnership, which advocates for the area, has won a $173,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation that it plans to match with $43,000 to offer the program.

The goal is to "take advantage of the fear of extra traffic and added congestion" as well as the convention's "green" theme to spur the 110,000 downtown workers into alternative transportation, according to the partnership's project description.