Oskaloosa Bicycle Coalition Plans for a Busy Year
Bicycle (file photo)
The Oskaloosa Bicycle Coalition is an active group dedicated to making bicycling safer, easier, and even more enjoyable in our community. At the group’s last regular meeting, the idea of an off-road trail was visited. Off road cycling is quickly gaining in popularity; and attracts riders of all ages, since trails can vary in their level of difficulty. The coalition plans to get feedback from the community and look into the options for locating such a trail locally.
Valet bike parking at large community events such as Sweet Corn Serenade was suggested as a way of encouraging cyclists to leave the car at home. Valet bicycle parking works the same as valet parking for autos, with a claim ticket being issued to the bike owner when their bike is parked.
A bicycle rodeo is being planned for May 14th from 9:00am to noon in the MCG parking lot, designed for kids 5 to10 years of age. This event is a cooperative effort between the Oskaloosa Police Department, Kelli Steil State Farm Insurance and the Oskaloosa Bicycle Coalition.
“We are excited for another Bicycle Rodeo this spring,” said Natalie Spray, local bike enthusiast and Bicycle Coalition member. “We are excited to help children learn some necessary biking skills.”
Downtown businesses wanting bike racks at their locations have been identified, and construction and installation should begin this summer. The Coalition has also applied for a grant to bring a bike station to Edmundson Park.
The Bicycle Coalition is also encouraging residents to participate in the 30 Days of Biking Challenge in April, which consists of riding your bike each day in April. The month of May has been designated as National Bike Month, with the 16th through the 20th being named as Bike to Work Week. Local businesses and their employees are encouraged to participate in this growing movement. The Bicycle Coalition meets at Smokey Row on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30, and any interested person is welcome to join them in their efforts.
“It is great working with a motivated group,” said Dylan Mulfinger Bicycle Coalition member. “I believe we have the energy to help make bicycling an attractive mode of transportation in Oskaloosa.”
