Completely transform Iowa: Promote bicycling, walking

Tue July 18 2006
Posted Jul 18, 2006
5,596

REGISTER EDITORIAL BOARD July 18, 2006 The small town of Cascade, Iowa, has done some big thinking. The City Council in this town of about 2,000 recently approved a “complete streets” program. It ensures bicycle and pedestrian lanes are established during new construction or reconstruction projects within the city limits. Also in the policy: Sidewalks, paths, street crossings and signs “shall be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so that all pedestrians, including people with disabilities, can travel safely and independently.” The message is forward-thinking and simple: Transportation shouldn’t be just about cars. About 20 percent of Americans over 65 don’t drive, according to information provided by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. In addition, even for trips under 1 mile, most people get behind the wheel. When people have a safe route to get where they’re going, maybe they’ll walk. Or bike. Mark Wyatt, executive director of the coalition, expressed hope that Cascade’s action will spark a movement in Iowa “to become bicycle and pedestrian friendly.” That would be great, because Iowa and biking fit together. Sunday marks the start of the 34th edition of RAGBRAI, which each summer attracts 10,000 riders from all over the world. Already in Iowa, more than 1,000 miles of recreational trails are used by 1 million people each year. Trails and bike lanes spur economic development and create opportunities for exercise. Why not adopt Cascade’s new complete-streets program completely across Iowa? Want to find out more about Complete Streets? http://www.completestreets.org/