Permanent Bike Racks Installed by Hawkeye Real Estate
Hawkeye Real Estate has installed permanent bike racks in front of their office in downtown Oskaloosa. (submitted photo)
It’s difficult not to think of biking in some fashion thanks to RAGBRAI’s overnight stop in Oskaloosa on July 25. Riders are preparing and non-riders are volunteering on numerous local RAGBRAI committees. Hawkeye Real Estate has taken a more permanent approach by installing bike racks in front of their office in downtown Oskaloosa.
“Biking is a mode of transportation that is not only environmentally friendly but promotes a healthy lifestyle,” said Chris Roach, Hawkeye Principal Broker and Property Manager. “We have several employees and agents who regularly ride their bikes to work, but we didn’t have a way for their bikes to be secured without bringing them inside our office building. There are also tenants who live in upper level apartments of our building who carry their bikes up stairs to their apartments in order to be secured. We are excited to be offering this practical and permanent option.
“Of course our timing with RAGBRAI coming to town in a couple weeks wasn’t coincidental,” added Roach. “Bike riding is on the top of minds of many people right now.”
In addition to Oskaloosa being a RAGBRAI host city, many Oskaloosa residents have added bike riding as a healthy transportation choice. This is due, in part, to renewed health awareness thanks to Wellness Coalition activities and Oskaloosa being selected as a Blue Zone Demonstration Site. Oskaloosa will receive assistance from experts to develop and implement a blueprint for making permanent environmental, social, and policy changes that transition people into healthier behaviors. Riding bikes rather than driving may become more common place, and having bike racks on the square will be a welcome addition to riders.
Oskaloosa City Engineer Akhilesh Pal said, “The addition of proper bicycle parking on the square is a valuable asset to the area.”
Roach hopes other building owners will take notice and consider installing something similar. “More bike racks might promote more bike use for every day commuting, shopping and general transportation,” said Roach.
Roach is willing to provide information on the racks Hawkeye purchased as well as the installation details and can be reached at Hawkeye Real Estate, 641.673.8424. The racks are installed outside Hawkeye’s Real Estate Office, 121 High Avenue East.
