Last weekend's Iowa Bike Expo saw a 23 percent growth in attendees over last year, bringing in 6,413 people.
The Des Moines consumer show included more than 125 vendors, including bike retailers, bike industry representatives, destination and event marketers, and others. The show is produced by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, a statewide bicycle advocacy organization. Funds raised from the event support the nonprofit's mission to improve cycling conditions and policy in Iowa.
"We emphasize the fun during the expo," said Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. "A wide variety of exhibitors, bands, craft beer samples, and seminars bring real customers to the event. Our guests take their time, check out every booth, and have conversations. They are shopping for spring bicycling."
The Iowa Bike Expo hosted new features like the TerraTrike Demo Track, VanDoIt Seminar Area, Detroit Bike Giveaway, and Bike Law Iowa Stage. Other sponsors include RAGBRAI, Primal, Bikes To You, and Travel Iowa. It was the eighth annual edition of the one-day event.