I know some of you are Spandex-wearing warriors. You easily laden yourself with whatever you need for the day and tear down Denver’s streets faster than most of the traffic-jammed cars. I, on the other hand, have been learning slowly how to bike more comfortably in the city.

Still, I tremble when a car comes up behind me. I am unsteady when pushing off at intersections—almost always when I think people are watching. I have dorky bike clothes that I bought on sale, and I am thrown off balance if my laptop bag is too full.

The one thing helping to keep me on task (and in my seat) is the merciful and spacious bike lane. Here, I am comfortable and can ride next to cars without shaking. Every time a friend recommends a new bike route and adds, “and there’s a bike lane,” I try it out.

Which is to say I’m very much looking forward to the festivities surrounding the opening of a new bike lane—Denver’s longest—on Martin Luther King Boulevard on Friday.

Friday features an 8 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony and a Commuter Ride from Stapleton’s Founder’s Green to Curtis Park. (Arrive closer to 7:45 a.m. to sign a waiver form if you’re riding.)

If you can’t make it Friday, stop by the Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center Saturday morning for a 10 a.m. ride. Denver Police Bike Patrol and other community bike groups will be on hand to help with both rides.