NBG cyclists riding to DSM City Hall on July 22nd

Thu June 10 2004
Posted Jun 10, 2004
8,778

The NBG-- National Bicycle Greenway is envisioned as a nationwide network of interconnected bike friendly roads and bicycle pathways that will connect cyclists to major cities throughout the US. The NBG is dedicated to developing a standard for cycle-safe thruways that enhances the travel experience of the transportational cyclist. Two cyclists (Don Loomis and Patrick Thomas) are riding from California to Des Moines (and Beyond) as part of this country-wide ride and meeting with City Mayors. These riders will be arriving in Des Moines on July 22nd to meet with our new Mayor Frank Cownie and any other interested cyclists, MPO representatives, and others including local media to promote the NGB vision. This vision is especially important to Iowa and to the Des Moines are which will serve as the nation's nexus of a country-wide system of bicycle and multi-use pathways for recreation and transportation. Robert Craddick will be cycling / camping with the riders from Omaha to Des Moines. A rider is (or riders are) still needed from Des Moines to Iowa City and beyond. Suggestions for camping and lodging from Des Moines through Iowa City are desired from Wheelmen/women in that area! Iowa's unique Hotel Pattee staff are very kind in providing these riders with complementary lodging for a night in their infamous Ragbrai/Brr double-queen delux room! Perry-area riders--- feel free to drop by and say hello to these out-of-towners... perhaps at the Pattee patio July 20th! The Des Moines historic Butler House Bed and Breakfast on Grand Avenue (located near the Ashworth entrance to the Bill Riley Bike Trail) is generous in offering one of their fine rooms for one rider July 21st...
but we still need a DSM host B&B somewhere between Grand Ave and the Sherman Hill Neighborhood for the second rider July 21st. Please rally support for this traveling party from your local businesses, media, and cycling clubs!

These cyclists are internet-equiped and will be e-mailing reports along the way! Please see the NBG Rider Reports to follow their adventure! Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-MN) Founder Congressional Bike Caucus. Author of bicycle provisions in ISTEA and TEA21 states: "I support the National Bicycle Greenway and its dream of a nationwide network of interconnected bike roads and pathways. The NBG's efforts to advance that vision coincide directly with the work I am doing to establish the bicycle as an important and respected part of the transportation mix. I don't plan to rest until cycling is a recognized mode of transportation in the minds of engineers, planners and policy makers.
Go Greenway!"