Leading the Pack - Early Adopters of Bike-Friendly Infrastructure

Cedar Rapids boasts 80 miles of bikeways and trails combined, creating transportation options and recreational activities for all residents.

Cedar Rapids is leading the state as an early adopter of bike-friendly infrastructure. We were named a Bicycle Friendly Community in 2014 by the League of American Bicyclists, and have held a bronzedesignation since 2018. Every year, we continue to expand our network ofon-street bike lanes and multi-use paths available for residents to enjoy.

Currently, Cedar Rapids has 80 miles of bikeways and multi-use trails combined, with another 7.5 miles planned for 2021. Additionally, program-specific amenities such as the Bike Share program help unlock transportation access for more residents throughout core economic districts.

The City of Cedar Rapids has been recognized with a Walk Friendly Bronze Designation by the Walk Friendly Communities program.

Cedar Rapids is the only community in Iowa to have this distinction, and one of only four communities across the country to receive a designation for this round.

TRAILS: UPCOMING MILESTONES

CeMar Trail construction

CeMar Trail

When complete, the CeMar Trail will provide a connection from Cedar Lake to Marion. The final Cedar Rapids trail segment will be completed in 2021 and will include a pedestrian underpass at 1st Avenue East between 29th Street and 32nd Street, where it will connect with Marion’s segment near Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Lindale Trail

When complete, the Grant Wood Trail would extend from C Avenue NE to the intersection of 51st Street NE and Center Point Road NE. Construction will begin on the first phases in 2021 between Council Street NE and C Avenue NE, south of Blairs Ferry Road NE.

Edgewood Trail construction

Edgewood Trail

One of the newest trail segments, it provides a connection along Edgewood Road NW between O Avenue NW and Ellis Road NW, tying into the existing Ellis Trail. A segment between Ellis Road NW and the Edgewood Road bridge over the Cedar River will be open in the spring of this year. Future segments will extend the trail from the Cedar River bridge to Glass Road NE and eventually to Blairs Ferry Road NE, Boyson Road and County Home Road.

Sac and Fox Trail Extension

The Sac and Fox Trail Extension will ultimately connect the Sac and Fox trailhead at East Post Road SE with the CeMar Trail at 20th Street NE. In 2021, an off-street trail segment will be completed on Cottage Grove Avenue SE from 1st Avenue to Forest Drive.

Cedar Valley Nature Trail

Over the next three years, changes to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail will be underway from J Avenue NE to Cedar Lake as permanent flood control comes online. Flood control projects will rework the alignment of the trail and include a separate trail bridge over McLoud Run Creek, an underpass for Shaver Road, and a 15-foot wide trail on top of a levee.

Cherokee Trail

Cherokee Trail

The Cherokee Trail will connect the Ellis Trail and Downtown to neighborhoods and destinations on the far west side including Jacolyn Park, Cherry Hill Park, and Morgan Creek Park near Highway 100. Construction will begin on the second phase of this project in 2021 between Cherry Hill Park and Cherokee Park.

ON-STREET BIKE LANES

Coming 2021

- O Avenue NW between Edgewood Road and 16th Street

- Bowling Street SW between 50th Avenue and Wilson Avenue

- 6th Street SW between 33rd Avenue and Wilson Avenue

- Oakland Road NE between Center Street and Regent Street

- 12th Avenue SE between 7th Street and 17th Street

Prioritizing a people-first model of transportation — a philosophy that considers all possible uses of a roadway — provides everyone with safe modes of travel. We are proud of the achievements we have made in inclusive, safe, bike-friendly infrastructure.

Points of Pride

- First in the state to install green bike lanes

- First in the state to install protected bike lanes

- Only community in Iowa with scooter share program

- Highest ridership for a bike share program in the state

- Designated an AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2019