10 NOVEMBER 6-12, 2025 westword.com WESTWORD | MUSIC | CAFE | CULTURE | NIGHT+DAY | NEWS | LETTERS | CONTENTS | A Biker Beef STK STEAKHOUSE CLAIMS CYCLISTS HAVE BEEN THREATENING EMPLOYEES OVER A BLOCKED BIKE LANE. BY BENNITO L. KELT Y Cyclists have been reportedly threatening employees at STK Steakhouse because its va- let service blocks a bike lane, according to the Denver Bicycle Lobby. 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 from its entrance, but moved it closer in the spring, when the city approved a new valet permit. The valet service is now forcing cyclists to briefl y mingle with Market’s busy car lanes, Mintzer says. “It’s much safer and much more comfortable to be biking separated from car traffi c, not mixing with car traffi c. Drivers also like not having to mix with people on bikes.” The ONE Group, the international com- pany that owns STK, hasn’t responded to a request for comment. In August, a ONE Group spokesperson told Westword that the STK location was complying with the rules of the city’s permit. In July, the City of Denver removed fl ex 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, accord- ing to the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure . The fl ex posts were removed to create a clearer line of sight into storefronts while STK’s new permit was “intended to support down- town’s activation,” city documents show. For downtown cyclists, the situ- ation in front of STK is a merger of issues they have been decrying for months and even years: the loss of fl ex posts, as well as 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, people frustrated by the situation may have gone too far, as they reportedly started threaten- ing STK employees, according to an October 16 statement by 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 res- ervations for a $110 ribeye and side of house music, either: “That said, we support those choosing not to patronize STK Steakhouse,” the statement adds. “The removal of the protected bike lane in front of their business was made to ac- commodate 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 mem- bers also “question” the city’s decision to spend $200,000 to remove fl ex posts while dealing with a budget crisis, calling it a “poor choice.” The original STK valet permit was “ad- equate,” and other restaurants in Denver, “like those on Larimer Square, have been successful in spite of their valet parking be- ing 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, has asked DOTI to restore the original bike lane, and reports being told the changes were happening on a “trial basis.” Mintzer recommends cyclists upset with 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 fi ghting a retreat- ing tide within the city, though. Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration seems to be mov- ing away from building out bike infrastruc- ture, he adds, noting that Hansen and other members of the MBAC share that opinion. “When he was a candidate, he com- plained that the city was delaying and can- celing bicycle projects, and now we’re seeing even more of that,” Mintzer says. “I know the budget is tight, but bike lanes are cheap.” Email the author at [email protected]. NEWS KEEP UP ON DENVER NEWS AT WESTWORD.COM/NEWS Beef has been simmering between Denver cyclists and STK Steakhouse since the restaurant altered bike lanes. BENNITO L. KELT Y Call Elaine Lustig, PhD .......................................................... at 303-369-7770 Needing Your Emotional ....... Animal W/ You? For eligible people who need their emotional support animal to accompany them at/or away from home, I am available to provide the documentation and counseling. CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
