Reminder: Survey for Rural Land Use Plan in Linn County
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey!
Survey available under Hot Topics – Living & Working: Rural Land Use Plan Survey
http://www.linncounty.org/
Linn County is updating its Rural Land Use Plan and invites residents to give their input through an online survey. To participate in the survey, residents are encouraged to go the Linn County website at www.linncounty.org and click on the “Rural Land Use Plan Survey” link on the home page under the “Living & Working” section of “Hot Topics.” The plan update is being managed by the staff of the Linn County Planning & Development Department.
“Good planning practices call for a thorough review and update of the Rural Land Use Plans every 7-10 years,” said Les Beck, Linn County’s Planning and Development Director. “It is our goal that the citizens of Linn County be the guiding voice for how the county will grow and develop, and we hope they will give us their opinions and ideas.”
A steering committee of local residents representing various stakeholder groups has been formed and several working groups will develop plan elements on such topics as agriculture and natural resource protection; economic development and employment opportunities; heritage and quality of life; housing supply and diversity; joint planning and intergovernmental cooperation; renewable energy; hazard mitigation; stormwater and erosion control; and transportation. The Rural Land Use Plan update is expected to be complete in 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.
The Iowa Smart Planning Principles were adopted during the 2010 legislative session and enacted into law on April 1, 2010. The 10 Iowa Smart Planning Principles are:
Collaboration;
Efficiency, Transparency, and Consistency;
Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy;
Occupational Diversity;
Revitalization;
Housing Diversity;
Community Character;
Natural Resources and Agricultural Protection;
Sustainable Design; and
Transportation Diversity.
Contact Les Beck at (319) 892-5130 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
Corridor MPO Advocacy
The Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is an organization made up of elected officials and appointed representatives of Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, Ely, and Fairfax. A Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is an entity composed of local elected officials and state agency representatives that is tasked with reviewing and approving transportation investments in a metropolitan area.
The Corridor MPO met in October and discussed particular funding that could be used for trail development. The fund, called Surface Transportation Programming (STP), has a budget of approximately $3 million that has the potential to be used 100% for trail development. On Thursday, November 17th, the Corridor MPO will meet again and further discuss the STP fund. LCTA is asking trail supporters to send communication to the elected officials serving on the MPO showing your support and interest in continued trail development and the need for funding to support development.
To view an example letter, please click here. To identify the members of the Corridor MPO, please click here.
LCTA is asking supporters to consider contacting your elected officials. Sharing your thoughts regarding trail development and funding is important. The meeting next meeting is scheduled for November 17th, so taking action soon is important!
Please contact LCTA regarding any questions. Thank you for your continued support of trails and trail development in Linn County.
Bicycle Advisory Newsletter
HEALTHIEST STATE INITIATIVE
Over 291,000 Iowans participated in the Start Somewhere Walk held at locations across Iowa on October 7, 2011. The Start Somewhere Walk was the kickoff event for the Healthiest State Initiative. Keep the momentum rolling by supporting Cedar Rapids to be selected as one of 10 Blue Zones Communities in Iowa.
Blue Zones Community is a model for transforming communities so the residents can more easily adopt behaviors that help them to live longer and better. It organizes programs to provide greater options for physical, emotional, and social health. www.bluezonesproject.com
Ten communities that demonstrate the greatest passion, interest and ability to bring their community together will receive assistance from national experts to develop and implement a plan for making permanent environment, policy and social network changes that transition people into healthier behaviors.
A major factor in Cedar Rapids being selected to become a Blue Zones Community is that members of the community support and vote for Cedar Rapids. Go here to vote: http://www.bluezonesproject.com/citizens/signup
7TH AVENUE SE SHARED-USE LANES
Shared-use lane pavement markings and share the road signs have been installed on 7th Avenue SE, from the Cedar River Trail at the railroad tracks to 1st Avenue SE, as part of a roadway project near the new federal courthouse.
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES
At Northtowne Cycling and Fitness:
Bicycle Flat Tire Repair - Saturday 11/12 9:30am-11am
Basic Bicycle Rear Derailleur Adjustment - Saturday 12/3 9:30am-11am
At The Broken Spoke in Iowa City:
Buying a New Bike - Wednesday 11/16 6:30 pm-8pm
Let's Ride: DIY Bike Maintenance - Wednesday 11/30 6:30pm-7:30pm
Basic Wheel Truing - Wednesday 12/14 6:30pm-7:30pm
Vehicular Cycling - Wednesday 12/21 6:30pm-8:30pm
At Gold Pointe Fitness Club:
Indoor Cycling - Tuesdays and Thursdays 11/15/11 - 1/5/12 6am-7am
At Cedar Rapids Community Training and Response Center:
Let's Run: Train for Your First 5K - Wednesdays 11/16/11 - 1/18/12 5:30pm-7pm
At Cedar Rapids Kirkwood Center:
Nutrition and Hydration for Active Lifestyles - Wed 11/16 6:30pm-8pm at Cedar Rapids Kirkwood Center
Register online Kirkwood Community College Continuing Education. Listed under Life & Leisure - Fitness.
http://kirkwood.augusoft.net/
ECO LIPS PARTNERS WITH NEW BELGIUM BREWERY TO BENEFIT IOWA BICYCLE COALITION
Eco Lips, America’s premium organic lip balm company announces B3 for IBC, a two month long fundraising campaign to benefit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. The campaign will kick off on Wednesday, November 2, 6pm-10pm at the newly renovated CSPS in the New Bohemia District. Eco Lips and New Belgium will be offering a beer tasting as well as appetizers chosen to compliment each brew. There will also be live music powered by bicycles and a short presentation by Mark Wyatt, executive director of the IBC. Every Wednesday following, from November 9th to December 28th, Eco Lips and New Belgium will work with a different local business to offer drink specials and giveaways all to benefit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. The public is welcome to visit the B3 for IBC Facebook event page for more details and to RSVP at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=188970554512961&context=create
Mark Patterson, CEO of Eco Lips, knows his bikes, balms and beers well. In 2004, Mark biked from Cedar Rapids to San Francisco visiting micro breweries along the way. According to Mark, “B3 stands for Bikes, Balm and Beer, three things that we are passionate about in Cedar Rapids”. “New Belgium and Eco Lips began discussing a partnership earlier this year”, says New Belgium Ranger Brandon Parizek, “It seems like a great way to promote an active lifestyle while also promoting safety and awareness”.
Throughout November and December you can enter to win a chance to create the next Eco Lips lip balm. “The winner will get to work with our product development team and create a one of kind lip balm to be sold on our website, with a portion of the proceeds going to IBC.” says Jen Johnson, Non Profit Coordinator of Eco Lips.
Mark Wyatt, Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, believes this partnership will benefit bikers of all abilities in Iowa, "We want more people to ride bicycles more often. We know there are great bike routes out there; we want to share them with everyone. Our partnership with Eco Lips and New Belgium is going to enable the Iowa Bicycle Coalition to establish preferred and designated bicycle networks, increase safety, and ultimately increase the fun of riding a bicycle. Eco Lips and New Belgium both believe that social responsibility is an integral part of a business model and they want to make Iowa a great place to ride."
Survey for Rural Land Use Plan in Linn County
Survey available under Hot Topics - Living & Working: Rural Land Use Plan Survey
http://www.linncounty.org/
Linn County is updating its Rural Land Use Plan and invites residents to give their input through an online survey. To participate in the survey, residents are encouraged to go the Linn County website at www.linncounty.org and click on the "Rural Land Use Plan Survey" link on the home page under the "Living & Working" section of "Hot Topics." The plan update is being managed by the staff of the Linn County Planning & Development Department.
"Good planning practices call for a thorough review and update of the Rural Land Use Plans every 7-10 years," said Les Beck, Linn County's Planning and Development Director. "It is our goal that the citizens of Linn County be the guiding voice for how the county will grow and develop, and we hope they will give us their opinions and ideas."
A steering committee of local residents representing various stakeholder groups has been formed and several working groups will develop plan elements on such topics as agriculture and natural resource protection; economic development and employment opportunities; heritage and quality of life; housing supply and diversity; joint planning and intergovernmental cooperation; renewable energy; hazard mitigation; stormwater and erosion control; and transportation. The Rural Land Use Plan update is expected to be complete in 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.
The Iowa Smart Planning Principles were adopted during the 2010 legislative session and enacted into law on April 1, 2010. The 10 Iowa Smart Planning Principles are:
Collaboration;
Efficiency, Transparency, and Consistency;
Clean, Renewable and Efficient Energy;
Occupational Diversity;
Revitalization;
Housing Diversity;
Community Character;
Natural Resources and Agricultural Protection;
Sustainable Design; and
Transportation Diversity.
Contact Les Beck at (319) 892-5130 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
Become a Trail Supporter!
It's not to late to become an LCTA Supporter!
Please consider becoming an LCTA Trail Supporter by making an annual tax deductable contribution to help build a network of connected trails in Linn County. Your support will count you among the hundreds of enthusiastic trail supporters and advocates who make up LCTA. By, becoming a Supporter you will play an important role in building a network of connected trails in Linn County. Plus, 100% of all money raised through donations & grants goes directly to advocate, build or improve trails. As a supporter, you’ll stay even more connected by receiving our quarterly newsletter, including: upcoming trail events & volunteer opportunities, issues that are important to trail development, & trail vacations.
To learn more, visit: https://linncountytrails.org/support/
Eco Lips partners with New Belgium Brewery to raise money for Iowa Bicycle Coalition
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (Oct 12, 2011) - Eco Lips, America’s premium organic lip balm company announces B3 for IBC, a two month long fundraising campaign to benefit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. The campaign will kick off on Wednesday, November 2nd at the newly renovated CSPS in the New Bohemia District. Eco Lips and New Belgium will be offering a beer tasting as well as appetizers chosen to compliment each brew. There will also be live music powered by bicycles and a short presentation by Mark Wyatt, executive director of the IBC. Every Wednesday following, from November 9th to December 28th, Eco Lips and New Belgium will work with a different local business to offer drink specials and giveaways all to benefit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. The public is welcome to visit the B3 for IBC Facebook event page for more details and to RSVP at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=188970554512961&context=create
Mark Patterson, CEO of Eco Lips, knows his bikes, balms and beers well. In 2004, Mark biked from Cedar Rapids to San Francisco visiting micro breweries along the way. According to Mark, “B3 stands for Bikes, Balm and Beer, three things that we are passionate about in Cedar Rapids”. “New Belgium and Eco Lips began discussing a partnership earlier this year”, says New Belgium Ranger Brandon Parizek, “It seems like a great way to promote an active lifestyle while also promoting safety and awareness”.
Throughout November and December you can enter to win a chance to create the next Eco Lips lip balm. “The winner will get to work with our product development team and create a one of kind lip balm to be sold on our website, with a portion of the proceeds going to IBC.” says Jen Johnson, Non Profit Coordinator of Eco Lips.
Mark Wyatt, Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, believes this partnership will benefit bikers of all abilities in Iowa, "We want more people to ride bicycles more often. We know there are great bike routes out there; we want to share them with everyone. Our partnership with Eco Lips and New Belgium is going to enable the Iowa Bicycle Coalition to establish preferred and designated bicycle networks, increase safety, and ultimately increase the fun of riding a bicycle. Eco Lips and New Belgium both believe that social responsibility is an integral part of a business model and they want to make Iowa a great place to ride."
Bike Lane Newsletter
The Bike Lane
CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE NEWSLETTER
Progress towards a Bicycle Friendly Community October 2011
CEDAR RAPIDS BIKE ROUTES AND SHARE THE ROAD SIGNS
City of Cedar Rapids crews have started installing share the road and bike route signs along 6 ft. wide paved bike shoulder routes. Signs and edgeline markings have been installed on Jacolyn Drive NW between E Avenue and 1st Avenue, Stoney Point Road SW between E Avenue and 16th Avenue, and Wilson Avenue SW between Stoney Point Road and Wiley Blvd. Several more locations are scheduled for installation this Fall or Spring 2012:
• Old Marion Road NE from 32nd Street to C Avenue
• 29th Street NE from Oakland Road to CEMAR Trail
• Cottage Grove Avenue SE from Forest Drive to 34th Street
• 34th Street SE from Cottage Grove Avenue to Bever Avenue
• J Street SW from Prairie Creek Bridge to Miller Avenue
• J Street SW from 27th Avenue to 33rd Avenue
• Wilson Avenue SW from 31st Street to 8th Street
• 1st Avenue W from Jacolyn Drive NW to 21st Street
HBA RACING CYCLOCROSS AT MORGAN CREEK PARK OCTOBER 9
HBA Racing is hosting Morgan Cross cyclocross races at Morgan Creek Park in Cedar Rapids on Sunday October 9, 2011. Categories include Masters, Cat 4, Beginners, Juniors, Cat 3/4, Women’s Open and Men’s Open. http://www.hbaracing.com/racing.html
Cyclocross races typically consist of many laps of a 1.5 to 2 mile course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount.
Sponsored by HBA, Morgan Creek Park, Northtowne Cycling and Fitness, and Hall Bicycle Company.
SECOND ANNUAL FAIRVIEW FARM TRAIL RUN AND WALK
Cedar Valley Running Association presents the Second Annual Fairview Farm Trail Run and Walk in association with Linn Area Mountain Bike Association at noon on Sunday November 6, 2011 at Beverly Park in Cedar Rapids. The 3 mile and 5 mile run, and 3 mile walk events are all dog friendly! You are encouraged to bring your dog to run or walk with you. Post race food and beverages, including coffee, will be provided by local sponsors. Proceeds will be donated to the City of Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department for improvements to Beverly Park.
http://www.cvra.net/races/fairview-trail-run
Sponsored by Casey’s General Store, The Shack, Metro Plumbing and Heating, Linn Area Mountain Bike Association, Jules Bakery, Chick-fil-A, Pepperidge Farm, and Mercy Cedar Rapids.
LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLIST ANNOUNCES FALL 2011 BICYCLE FRIENDLY BUSINESS AWARDS
The League of American Bicyclists awarded Fall 2011 Bicycle Friendly Business Awards to 2 Iowa businesses:
Bronze - Bike Tech in Cedar Falls
Honorable Mention - New Pioneer Food Co-op in Iowa City
A Bicycle Friendly Business (BFB) is a corporation, organization, association, government agency, or non-profit that actively promotes bicycling for transportation, recreation, exercise, and sport. A BFB practices social responsibility by weaving bicycling into the business culture and gives employees the opportunity to be active stewards of their personal and environmental health through bicycling.
To apply or learn more about the Bicycle Friendly Business program, visit the League online at http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/bicyclefriendlyamerica/bicyclefriendlybusiness/index.phps
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
North Liberty / Coralville Running and Bicycle Club (CRABS)
www.meetup.com/North-Liberty-Coralville-Running-and-
Bicycling-Club
Sticks in the Water Paddlers [email protected]
Think Bicycles www.thinkbicycles.org
University of Iowa Cycling Club (UICC) www.iowacycling.org
Volunteers Needed this Weekend!
Volunteers needed this Saturday - Oct 8th at 10AM
Please consider supporting LCTA and Linn County Trails by participating in the Fall Trail Work Day.
Volunteers are needed to collect seed from Indian Nature Center that eventually will be spread at Prairie Park Fishery. Volunteers do not need to provide or bring anything (however, some people prefer to wear gloves-some will be provided-and there will be a water cooler available if you bring a reusable water bottle). Volunteers should arrive at 10AM and will be trained on how to collect the seed. Long sleeves and pants are encouraged. We are hoping for 20-30 volunteers so, please consider joining the cause!
Please RSVP to Kari Lammer - [email protected].
Trail Supporters
Did you know that Linn County Trails Association has a Trail Supporter program?
LCTA "Trail Supporters" really help in building the network of trails in Linn County. For those already a Supporter - thank you! Interested in learning more about becoming a Trail Supporter? Click here!
Healthiest State Iowa Initiative
On August 10th, Governor Terry Branstad announced the "Healthiest State" initiative. According to the Governor's website, " "This Healthiest State Initiative will assist Iowans in learning about and applying proven methods to live longer, happier, and healthier lives,” Branstad said. “We control more than 70 percent of the factors that influence our health. It is within our power to make a positive difference in our lives." "
The goal of the initiative is to be the #1 Healthiest State by 2016 (5 years) in the Gallup-Healthways Well Being Index. Iowa is currently ranked #19.
Brandstad envisions this initiative to be community and business-led, with the support of government.
According to the Governor's website, one of the centerpiece's of this initiative is the Blue Zones Project. Over the next five years, 10 Iowa communities will be transformed to Blue Zone Communities, supported financially by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. To learn more about Blue Zone Communities, click here.
To learn more about the Healthiest State initiative, click here.