ABCs of Biking: Bicycle Care, Collection, and Cookies Event Took Place May 1

DECORAH -- 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. Safe Routes to School is managed by Upper Explorerland in Northeast Iowa, and is part of an international movement to encourage active school travel and safe community routes. April Bril, the local Coordinator of Safe Routes to School, organized the event. "I wanted to create opportunities for kids and families to learn simple bike maintenance skills, while getting broken and unused bikes back into communities. It's about building community, reducing waste, and encouraging walking and biking – not just for fun, but as a healthier, more sustainable way to get around for our bodies, minds, and the air we share." said Bril, who was excited about all the groups that volunteered to support the event. "We truly value and appreciate working with local organizations that share our commitment to biking, youth development, and community building. Their dedication and local knowledge amplify our efforts, and together we're able to create opportunities, foster connections, and build a healthier, more vibrant community for everyone." Safe Routes to School will host a number of Care, Collection, and Cookies programs in surrounding communities like West Union and Elkader in the weeks to come and are already planning more events for the Decorah Area. Northeast Iowa is home to the state's first rural, regional Safe Routes To School program, managed by Upper Explorerland. They provide a wide range of services, from Walking and Biking School Buses and Field Trips to teaching In-Class Bike Safety Lessons and much more. They love to partner with local groups and organizations to offer events that promote community building and active transportation. For more information on SRTS, please contact Upper Explorerland at (563) 382-6171.