New Cycling Additions to Iowa, Outcome of Well-Informed Wheelers

Fri, Jan 14, 2011 | by TJ Juskiewicz

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By Audrey Weidemeier
Iowa Bicycle Coalition

You can’t help but notice the puzzled expressions on friend’s faces when they hear the words ‘Iowa’ and, ‘vacation’, or ‘entertainment’ in the same sentence. Cyclists however, have the privilege of proudly responding by proclaiming the vast network of trails and cycling resources Iowa offers people in seek of adventure on two wheels.  

The 2010 Iowa Bicycle Summit equipped non-engineer bike advocates with information and tools needed to advocate for, and contribute to, the further development of Iowa as a premier destination for cyclists.

Notable achievements in the past year include: bike lanes on Ingersoll Avenue, completion of the Regional Trails Maps, the Fort Dodge riverfront system, the introduction of B-Cycles in Des Moines and the soon to be completed High Trestle Trail, formally known as the Ankeny to Woodward Trail.

Iowa boasts over 1,400 miles of trails, and with experience and expertise gained annually at the Iowa Bicycle Summit, Iowans continue to contribute to a world-class trail system.  The coordination of nine public entities, community advocates, donors, and a dedicated network of people working to enhance Iowa’s trails, the state recently introduced the nearly completed High Trestle Trail.

Lisa Hein, Program and Planning Director of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation comments on the magnitude of this accomplishment pointing out that, “given the limited funding available the $15 million project was completed in a [relatively] short time frame” (8 years). Getting all nine jurisdictions to support a systematic maintenance and management plan, she says, is a big challenge; however, Hein anticipates, the hard work will pay off and, “Central Iowa will become known as the Trails Capital, thanks in part to this project!”

People have yet another reason to “discover a new view” of Iowa, and Iowans have another reason to take pride in their efforts. The 25-mile trail will connect two 100-mile trial loops, part of the Central Iowa Trail Network, running through Ankeny, Sheldahl, Slater, Madrid and Woodward.

The bicycle friendly communities are a result of the well-informed people in these towns. The Summit aims to provide attendees with the information needed to get trails created in their area as well as how to inform their neighbors about the influence bikes have on communities. “We expect that communities along the trail will embrace it and support it to its fullest potential, we are just getting started,” says Hein.

A formal celebration of the completion of the High Trestle Trail will be held Saturday, April 30^th, 2011. The pleasant towns, 13-story half-mile bridge, scenic overlooks, and public art that comprise the trail are sure to allure riders from all around. Thanks to those who envisioned a route worth riding, collaborated, and had the strength and to make it happen.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a state-wide bicycle advocacy organization with 1,150 members and over 5,000 partners through affiliate organizations throughout Iowa.  The Iowa Bicycle Coalition builds partnerships, educates Iowans, and helps to establish safe and enjoyable bicycle transportation and recreation networks throughout Iowa.

• High Trestle Trail, Iowa Bicycle Coalition, Iowa Bicycle Summit 2010