Linn County Mayors’ Bike Ride Labor Day at Ellis Park
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – August 12th, 2010 – The annual Linn County Mayors’ Bike Ride, sponsored by Linn County Trails Association (LCTA) and the City of Cedar Rapids, will be on Labor Day, Monday, September 6, 2010. The 8 mile route will start and end in Ellis Park (Cedar Rapids), go through downtown Cedar Rapids, Cedar Lake Loop Trail, Ellis Trail and Time Check neighborhood. The full route can be found by visiting the Linn County Trails Association Facebook page. There is also a 2.5 mile fun ride.
The free, educational bicycle ride is organized annually as an opportunity to showcase the continued need and development for multi-modal transportation networks in Linn County. For some elected officials, this is an opportunity to experience first-hand what it’s like to be a bicyclist in Linn County. For bicycle enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to show support for the development of trails in Linn County and the City of Cedar Rapids’ initiative to become a “Bicycle Friendly Community”.
LCTA President Geoff Eastburn is appreciative of the partnership with the City of Cedar Rapids. “Our organization focuses on the development and growth of a system of connected, multi-use trails. The development of the Comprehensive Trails Plan by the City is an important step in planning for the future.”
The City of Cedar Rapids initiated a Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) in October 2008 to help move the City towards a Bicycle Friendly Community status. Ron Griffith, City of Cedar Rapids Bicycle Coordinator, explains that there are many factors in receiving this determination, a multi-modal transportation system being one of them. “Working with LCTA, we are able to leverage their experience to generate interest and support for fully developing a trail network in Cedar Rapids.”
While this event takes place in Cedar Rapids, it is an opportunity for all of Linn County residents and elected leaders to advocate for trails and bicycle safety. Event planning chairperson, John Wauer explained that there are Mayors and City Council members from 17 cities in Linn County invited to participate. Invitations are also sent to Linn County Supervisors, state, and federal representatives.
Event Details:
Registration is from 9:00 am to 10:00 am in the swimming pool parking lot at Ellis Park on Ellis Boulevard NW. Brewed Awakenings will be on site in the morning selling baked good, as well as cold and hot coffee. Opening ceremonies begin at 10:00 am and the ride will start at 10:15 am. The route will be open to traffic, but will have volunteer monitors providing directional information. Afterward, the ride participants are invited to stay for live music and burgers and pop for sale by the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. Helmets must be worn in order to participate. The event is open to the public, and all ages and ability levels are invited. |