Summer 2009

Iowa BicyclistIOWABICYCLECOALITION.ORG

IN THIS ISSUE:

The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

New PediCab Service

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

Advocacy NewsBy 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 NewsBy Janelle Rettig - janelle@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 NewsBy 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.

Page 3