Summer 2009
Iowa Bicyclist
IOWABICYCLECOALITION.ORG
IN THIS ISSUE: The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge New PediCab Service
Advocacy News By Mark Wyatt - mark@iowabicyclecoalition.org By early July, we should be getting our first look at the Surface Transportation Bill in the US Congress. Their current objective is to triple the amount of walking and bicycling. Keep an eye out for more information in July. Locally, there is work on the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids Bicycle Plans. These plans are on the heels of the Cedar Falls and Johnson County Metro Bike Plans. We’ve dedicated a section of our new website to bike plan information. The real test is implementation. Can we make it happen? On the Bike Safety Bill front, we have had some meetings with our legislative committee. They are actively discussing our strategy for next year. Represenative Mark Smith of Marshalltown has also contacted us. Our law student intern, Nick Vodini is researching what other states have passed this year and working on potential amendments. Finally, we have two very talented Communications Interns working for us this summer. Carla Keppler and Mike Brownlee have written most of the content in the newsletter. We are happy to have them aboard, even if it is just for the summer.
Membership News By Janelle Rettig - janelle@iowabicyclecoalition.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Lisa Hein - President Forrest Ridgway - Vice President Jeri Neal - Secretary Joe Connolly - Treasurer Steve Schurtz Heidi Soliday Wayne Fett Stephen Schnitker Cassandra Kessler Charlie Smith STAFF Mark Wyatt Executive Director Janelle Rettig Development Director Molly Gable Safe Routes To School Program Director IowaBicycleCoalition.org
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is working everyday to make cycling in Iowa safer, easier, and more enjoyable. If these are goals you support, please think about how you can help the us create and promote better bicycling in Iowa. Five things you can do: 1) Join IBC and encourage your friends to join. 2) Have your company or business sponsor an IBC program. 3) Shop at retailers that are members of IBC. 4) Write a letter to your paper and your elected officials about why you bike . 5) Ride your bike and enjoy the time outdoors. In a few seconds, you can become a member at www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
Safe Routes To School News By Molly Gable - molly@iowabicyclecoalition.org The Safe Routes program is continually providing the Workshops for schools and communities across Iowa. The workshop provides information on what Safe Routes to School is and how to organize ideas and a task force to develop your own Safe Routes campaign. Currently, the Coalition's Safe Routes to School program is developing a Crossing Guard Program for this coming Fall 2009. In addition, we are working on producing a Local Skills Course for schools and communities who need assistance with their Safe Routes to School program.
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