On Thursday, May 1, Upper Explorerland’s Safe Routes to School joined forces with Decorah Parks and Recreation, Decorah Iowa Race Team (DIRT), Decorah Human Powered Trails (DHPT), Decorah Rotary Club, and members from the local fire department and law enforcement members to host “Bicycle Care, Collection, and Cookies” at the city hall parking lot.

The event included various safety elements, including care stations where local volunteers taught riders ABCs of Bike Safety: Air, Brakes, and Chain/Clothing.

Volunteers from DIRT, DHPT, Rotary, and other groups talked about each topic, while Safe Routes to School team members shared information about local trail systems, had helmets available for those in need, and passed out cookies.

Community members were also encouraged to donate unwanted or broken bikes at the event, or to donate them at the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commissions back parking lot at 406 Winnebago St. Community members who need a bike are welcome to look through the donations and take one home, but they should be mindful that repairs may be needed. If bikes are not used locally, they will be given to the Iowa City Bike Library and Ceder Valley Bicycle Collective.