Support the Comprehensive Trails Plan
LCTA needs your help! In August 2009, the Cedar Rapids City Council agreed to develop a Comprehensive Trails Plan. The direction from the Council was to provide a multi-modal connectivity system for the community (finding safe and efficient ways for bicylists and pedestrians to use the same streets as motorized vehicles). At the City of Cedar Rapids Infrastructure Committee meeting this week, the Committee finalized its recommendation for the Comprehensive Trails Plan. The plan will be presented at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 24th at 4:00PM. LCTA is asking members to support the plan by contacting your elected officials. Below are some points and/or ideas that can be used to communicate the positive effect the Comprehensive Trails Plan will have on the Cedar Rapids community.
The current trail system has many well-kept and maintained trails. However, the trails are not well connected to each other and in some cases, not well connected to anything or anyplace. One of the key strategies of the plan is to create a trails network accessible within ten minutes walking time of every household in Cedar Rapids (Comprehensive Trails Plan). The plan includes 10 recommendations that are necessary in moving trail development forward:
1. Create a staff level position to be manager of bicycle, pedestrian and ADA facilities for implementing the Cedar Rapids Comprehensive Trails Plan.
2. Officially adopt the “Cedar Trails” brand or developed alternate “brand” for the Primary Connectivity Network.
3. Adopt, utilize and update the Cedar Trail Segment Schedules (pages 27-112) as working documents.
4. Create preliminary plans and detailed cost opinions for the priority trail segments in the Phase 1 plan.
5. Adopt a development philosophy consistent with the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation EquityAct: A Legacy for Users (SA FETEA-LU) and the current transportation legislation. This means that all public streets are envisioned to be “complete streets.”
6. Dedicate a consistent allocation to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for multi-modal connectivity. Protectively pursue grant opportunities.
7. Maintenance - Establish a policy of best management practices and consistent funding sufficient for long term maintenance.
8. Adopt design guidelines for the development of bicycle and multi-use facilities.
9. Dedicate trail or right-of-way easements along Primary Connectivity Network routes.
10. Incorporate projects into the current CIP.
To view the full report, please visit: http://www.shive-hattery.info/CRTrails/pdf/CRCTPFinal010612.pdf.
There are many reasons why now is the time to move forward with the Comprehensive Trails Plan. The report “Active Transportation: Cost-Effective Mobility Improvements—for Everyone” by Rails to Trails Conservancy explains that walking and bicycling transportation projects make the most of every tax dollar spent. “With fewer federal dollars available, these projects can be completed at a low cost, are highly popular and significantly improve mobility (RailstoTrails.org).”
In addition to being cost effective, trails align well with Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative. Iowa has set a goal to be the healthiest state in the nation. To do this, cities in Iowa are currently organizing plans to create “Blue Zones” in their communities. Cedar Rapids is currently organizing several activities to promote Cedar Rapids as a Blue Zone community. “Rather than asking people to increase their will power, the Blue Zones Community model works to improve environments. Little changes to your home, work, school, social, physical, and policy environments can make healthy choices the easy choices so that well-being improves naturally (BlueZonesProjects.com).”
Other community development experts cite additional reasons to make the move to comprehensive trails and complete streets. Peter Kageyam, speaker and book author of For the Love of Cities, explains that people may complain about poor roads, but fixing the road won't make a citizen love their city more. However, building a trail system will. Providing experiences for citizens will increase their love of their city. Expert urban developer, Jeff Speck explains that complete streets offer more than just transportation modes - complete streets are designed for community member interaction - public spaces for citizens to share. Again, providing experiences for community members to interact, not just transport.
With gas prices on the rise, a near health crisis on the horizon, and a population that is willing to relocate to cities that offer great experiences, now is the time to move foward with the Comprehensive Trails Plan. This is imperative to the economic success of the city of Cedar Rapids and the greater region. Now is the time to act! Please contact your elected officials and ask them to support the Comprehensive Trails Plan. The email addresses for city council officials are:
Ron Corbett, Mayor: ron.corbett@cedar-rapids.org
Don Karr: don.karr@cedar-rapids.org
Chuck Swore: chuck.swore@cedar-rapids.org
Kris Gulick: kris.gulick@cedar-rapids.org
Monica Vernon: monica.vernon@cedar-rapids.org
Pat Shey: pat.shey@cedar-rapids.org
Justin Shields: justin.shields@cedar-rapids.org
Ann Poe: ann.poe@cedar-rapids.org
Scott Olson: scott.olson@cedar-rapids.org
Rural Land Use Survey
Linn County’s process of updating its Rural Land Use Plan, dubbed “A Smarter Course,” is entering into a new round of online public input gathering. In this latest round, Linn County residents are being asked to write short “guiding principles” on the topics of resource protection; sustainable development; livable communities; alternative and renewable energy; hazard mitigation; economic development and employment opportunities; and transportation.
Guiding principles are foundational concepts that will guide decisions about strategies and implementation actions in the updated Rural Land Use Plan. They will apply to many decisions, so it is important that the citizens of Linn County give us their opinions and ideas on these guiding principles.
A steering committee of local residents representing various stakeholder groups has been formed and several working groups will develop plan elements. The Rural Land Use Plan update is expected to be complete in early 2013. More.
Prairie Seed Spreading - Cancelled!
The Prairie Seed Sreading scheduled for tomorrow has been cancelled! Please notify anyone planning on attending that this is being rescheduled for February. Please watch for more details in the near future!
Linn County rural land use plan update progresses
Linn County's process of updating its Rural Land Use Plan, dubbed "A Smarter Course," is entering into a new round of online public input gathering. In this latest round, Linn County residents are being asked to write short guiding principles on the topics of resource protection, sustainable development, livable communities, alternative and renewable energy, hazard mitigation, economic development and employment opportunities, and transportation. To participate, residents may visit the Linn County web site at www.linncounty.org and click on the "Round 2 - Rural Land Use Plan Survey" link on the home page under the "Living & Working" section of "Hot Topics." Input will be accepted online through Jan. 20. The plan update is being managed by the staff of the Linn County Planning & Development Department. "Guiding principles are foundational concepts that will guide decisions about strategies and implementation actions in the updated Rural Land Use Plan" said Les Beck, Linn County's planning and development director, in a press release. "They will apply to many decisions, and so it is extremely important that the citizens of Linn County give us their opinions and ideas on these guiding principles." A steering committee of local residents representing various stakeholder groups has been formed and several working groups will develop plan elements. The Rural Land Use Plan update is expected to be complete in early 2013. Linn County received a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development to perform the Rural Land Use Plan update, which will bring its plan more fully into compliance with the recently adopted Iowa Smart Planning Principles. Les Beck, Planning and Development Director, co-chairs the Iowa Smart Planning Task Force.
Blue Zones - CR!
Cedar Rapids is applying for selection of a Blue Zone Community. Blue Zones are places in the world where people statistically live happier, healthier and longer lives. Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Healthways have teamed up with Buettner to sponsor the Blue Zones Project in which 10 communities in Iowa will be chosen to become Blue Zones. If we are selected, we will have an opportunity to impact health and wellness to provide a healthier environment - which could include more trails (and the dollars needed to develop these).
Cedar Rapids is one of 58 Iowa communities in the running. A crucial component to being selected as a Blue Zone Community is demonstrating community support in the form of online pledges. With just 1.73% of Cedar Rapids currently pledged, we're ranked 53rd out of 58 communities applying to the Blue Zone Project. Yikes! Please go online and register your support before January 30. It is very simple and all you need to do is click on the link below and pledge your support today:http://www.bluezonesproject.com/citizen/signup.
Trail Connections Summer 2011 Newsletter Available!
Become an expert on area trail planning with the Trail Connections Summer 2011 newsletter.
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New LCTA Board Minutes Available
Catch up on the lastest trail happenings in Linn County!
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The Bike Lane - CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER
Progress towards a Bicycle Friendly Community, December 2011
IOWA BICYCLE SUMMIT & EXPO AND RAGBRAI ROUTE ANNOUNCEMENT PARTY
Land managers, trail supporters and community officials are encouraged to attend the Iowa Bicycle Summit and Expo sponsored by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition at the Veterans Auditorium in Des Moines on Jan. 27-28, 2012. The technical workshop designed for engineers, planners and community officials is on Friday Jan. 27. Twelve sessions will discuss trail maintenance, design, and policy issues. The consumer bicycle expo on Saturday Jan. 28 is free to the public. Over 60 exhibitors will be on hand to show the latest in new bicycle gear, training, trails and events. A large group of destination exhibitors are slated to participate. The 2012 RAGBRAI XL Route Announcement Party is on Saturday Jan. 28 and features live and silent auctions on bicycling items, door prizes, "Guess the Route" raffles, IBC updates, complimentary RAGBRAI style snacks & soft drinks, complimentary drafts, cash bar, and a special commemorative souvenir gift. Tickets to the route announcement party are $30.
http://www.iowabicyclecoalition.org/node/121
IOWA GOES BY BICYCLE WINTER BICYCLE CHALLENGE
Sign up for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition's Winter Bicycle Challenge during the month of December for tips on winter bicycling and a chance to win winter riding gear. If you registered for the Iowa Goes By Bicycle Challenge, you can use your same login. Log three trips in a week and you are automatically entered to win. Drawing dates are 12/12, 12/19, 12/26, and 1/2. No bike ride is too short. Ride around the block from some fresh air. It counts!
http://www.iowagoesbybicycle.com/?q=node/11
CEDAR RAPIDS BLUE ZONES APPLICATION
The City of Cedar Rapids Statement of Interest was approved and the City will submit an application by Jan. 4, 2012 to become one of ten communities to receive assistance from national experts in their quest to become a Blue Zones Community. Show your support and vote for Cedar Rapids at http://www.bluezonesproject.com/citizens/signup
Applications will be assessed and the finalist communities will be selected to host site visits in March 2012. The first round of demonstration sites will be selected in May 2012.
http://www.bluezonesproject.com/healthiest-state
CLUBS AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS
Bicyclists of Iowa City (BIC) www.bicyclistofiowacity.org
Bikeiowa www.bikeiowa.com
Cedar Rapids BMX www.CedarRapidsBMX.com
Cedar Valley Running Association (CVRA) www.CVRA.net
Cedar Valley Association for Soft Trails www.cvast.org
East Iowa Ski Club (EISC) www.EastIowaSkiClub.com
Hawkeye Bicycle Association (HBA) www.HawkeyeBike.org
Iowa Bicycle Coalition www.iowabicyclecoalition.org
Iowa Bicycle Racing Association www.Bikeiowa.org
Iowa City Cycling Club (ICCC) www.iowacitycyclingclub.com
Iowa Coalition of Off-Road Riders (ICORR) www.ICORRmtb.org
League of American Bicyclists www.bikeleague.org
Kennedy Mt. Biking Club (Chain Gang) www.Kenn.cr.d12.ia.us
Linn Area Cyclers Bike Club www.lacofcr.com www.lacofcr.org
Linn Area Mountain Bike Assoc. (LAMBA) www.LAMBAonline.org
Linn County Trails Association (LCTA)
www.LinnCountyTrails.org
Marion-Cedar Rapids Road Hogs Bike Club
http://northtownebikes.com/for/roadhogs
Midwest Xtreme Triathlon Club www.MWXTRI.com
Sticks in the Water Paddlers sticksinthewater@yahoo.com
Think Bicycles www.thinkbicycles.org
University of Iowa Cycling Club (UICC) www.iowacycling.org
University of Iowa Triathlon Club - Trihawks
www.trihawks.com
HALL BICYCLE COMPANY
419 2nd Avenue SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
319-362-1052
www.hallbicycle.com
WINTER HOURS:
Monday and Thursday 8:30 am–8:30 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:30 am–5:30 pm
Saturday 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Sunday Closed
NORTHTOWNE CYCLING & FITNESS
1150 Blairs Ferry Road NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
319-393-6557
www.northtownebikes.com
11/25 through 12/24:
Monday and Thursday 9:00 am–8:30 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 am–6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Sunday Noon- 4:00 pm
12/26 through 2/28:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am–6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Sunday Closed
New Year's Day Closed
Indian Creek Nature Center 5th ANNUAL PADDLE DAY JAN 28, 2012:
Info from ICNC Paddle Day Coordinator Jan Aiels:
Whether you’re an experienced paddler, just getting started or have never dipped a paddle into water before…you’ll find something interesting at Paddle Day! Enjoy engaging presentations, great door prizes and numerous displays. Here’s our schedule:
12:30 pm Registration and Educational Displays Open
1:00 pm Floating Through History with Writer, Photographer & Lecturer, Larry Stone
Not just for paddlers, this is an entertaining look at the natural and cultural resources that canoeists, visitors and residents may experience along our waterways.
2:00 pm Seatasea Watersports presents Kayaking Basics
Essential equipment, safety and technique
2:30 pm What’s Happening
A quick update from our featured organizations on projects and opportunities
2:50 pm Break
3:05 pm Watershed Improvements with Iowa DNR Iowa-Cedar River Basin Coordinator, Mary Beth Stevenson
An update on watershed improvements that could improve paddling opportunities.
4:00 pm Paddling and Fishing Our Lesser Known Waterways with Ben Petty
Eastern Iowa’s small rivers and streams present a wide variety of paddling and fishing experiences. This session will focus on both well-known and lesser known waterways and Ben will share some of the tips and techniques used when targeting smallmouth bass and trout in these streams. Even if you’re not an angler, these waterways provide many intimate and exciting opportunities to paddle in beautiful locations.
5:00 pm Goodbye until next year!
Admission is $7 for ICNC members; $10 for non-members. Call 319-362-0664 to register by phone or register online.
Sponsored by an anonymous donor, Indian Creek Nature Center, Sticks in the Water and Seatasea Watersports.
You can access the ICNC Currents newsletter and the Activity Calendar at:
http://www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org/activities/
Johnson County draft trails plan available for public comment
Johnson County officials are asking for input on the county's bicycling and trails plan.
In 2011, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors (BOS) asked the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) of Johnson County to update the trails plan adopted in 2006.
Based on discussions with county staff and the Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee (TAC), the contents of this plan emphasize linking destinations with trails, extending the existing urban trail network into unincorporated areas, and investing in trails where they will receive the most use.
The plan is available online at http://mpojc.org/docs/file/transportation/Draft2012TrailsPlan.pdf and in print, by request. All written input received by Feb. 22 regarding the draft plan will be forwarded to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. Public hearings are scheduled at 9 a.m. on Feb. 16 and Feb. 23 in the second floor board room of the Johnson County Administration Building, 913 S. Dubuque St.
Send written comments to Kris Ackerson, assistant transportation planner at MPOJC, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, Iowa 52245; by email at kristopher-Ackerson@iowa-city.org; or by fax to 356-5217.
Article from the Corridor Business Journal Daily E-Update on 12/13/11.
LIGHT UP YOUR BIKE FOR THE CEDAR RAPIDS HOLIDAY DELIGHT PARADE
LIGHT UP YOUR BIKE FOR THE CEDAR RAPIDS HOLIDAY DELIGHT PARADE
DECEMBER 3, 2011
The City of Cedar Rapids Bicycle Advisory Committee and Bike Ambassadors will have a lighted bicycles parade entry in the Holiday Delight Parade on Saturday Dec. 3, 2011.
Everyone is welcome to join us in our parade entry. Use lots of lights and classic holiday elements to light up your bike and yourself. (No Santa characters are allowed, except the official Santa on the last float in the parade.)
Last year we had over 50 lighted bikes of all types, and won first place for best use of light. Email g.weaver@cedar-rapids.org if you have questions.
Meet in front of Coopacabana at the corner of 4th Avenue and 6th Street SE at 5:30 pm Saturday December 3, 2011. Parade starts at 6:00 pm.
Fire and Ice Festival
Winter Wonderland Activity Zone in Greene Square Park 1pm-5pm
7th Annual Chili Challenge at Armstrong Centre Food Court 222 3rd Ave SE 3pm-7pm
HOLIDAY DELIGHT PARADE starts at 6:00 pm.
Parade route is downtown on 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave from 2nd Street to 6th Street SE.
Santa and Friends Meet and Greet at Smulekoff's 97 3rd Ave SE
After the parade, visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and live reindeer while
enjoying free holiday snacks.
Ugly Holiday Sweater Party at Dublin City Pub 415 1st St SE 7pm-9pm
(Must be 21 to attend ugly sweater party)
Bike ambassadors please forward to your club or organization.
Thanks,
Gina Weaver, Project Engineer I, Traffic Engineering Division
Bicycle Advisory Committee
City of Cedar Rapids
1201 6th Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404