DES MOINES, IOWA (January 16, 2025) — The Iowa Bicycle Coalition will release the results of its highly-anticipated statewide Economic and Health Impacts of Cycling and Trails Study at their Bike Banquet on January 25, 3-6PM, at Iowa Events Center, 730 3rd Street, Hall B, Des Moines, Iowa, 50309.

The study showcases how cycling has become a top state industry, providing economic and health data, expert analysis, and insights on how cycling and trails have dramatically grown Iowa’s economy since 2012. A prior study at that time showed the economic impact of cycling around $364 million statewide.

The Coalition plans to utilize this data to demonstrate how cycling and trails help state leaders attract and retain talent, improve quality of life for residents, support a strong workforce in key sectors of the economy, support rural revitalization, and build connected communities across the state. The study features five communities, including the City of Jefferson and Greene County, Mason City, Marshalltown, Wabash Trace Nature Trail communities, and Decorah.

Leaders from each community will receive an award on stage as part of the program and will also be available for an interview.Olympic cyclist Nelson Vails, the first African American to win an Olympic medal in the sport, will also be joining the event as the keynote speaker. Other dignitaries, listed below, will be speaking throughout the program.

Members of the media are invited to hear remarks and conduct one-on-one interviews with speakers as time permits. RSVP required here for a free press pass.

Who:     

  • Nelson Vails, Olympic Medalist in Cycling
  • Hon Brenna Bird, Iowa Attorney General
  • Dr Richard Deming, Medical Director, MercyOne Center Center
  • Ken Bryan, Senior Strategist for External Relations, Rails to Trails Conservancy 
  • Kittie Weston-Knauer, Oldest BMX racer in the country, 80/35 BMX 
  • Rob Moore, Data Analyst/Vice President, Gross National Happiness USA
  • Luke Hoffman, Executive Director, Iowa Bicycle Coalition

About the Iowa Bicycle Coalition 

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for safe, enjoyable, and accessible bicycling in Iowa through education, events, better policy, and building a community of supporters. Our vision is that bicycling in Iowa is safe, enjoyable, and accessible for all. You can learn more at Iowabicyclecoalition.org.

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