Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Active Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Iowa Bike Coalition presents $1.4 billion statewide impact study to Clive council
Summary
Luke Coughlin of the Iowa Bike Coalition told the Clive City Council the coalition's updated study estimates $1.4 billion in annual economic impact and about 900,000 annual riders statewide, and urged local partnerships on safety, signage and events during a May 1 presentation.
Luke Coughlin of the Iowa Bike Coalition presented the coalition's updated statewide economic‑impact study to the Clive City Council on May 1, saying the work now estimates a $1.4 billion annual impact and roughly 900,000 annual riders.
Coughlin told the council the new study is an expansion of a 2012 analysis and relied on larger datasets and federal sources. "What's that 364.9 million number for today updated? It's 1.4 billion," he said, adding that the updated estimate supports roughly 21,000 jobs statewide.
The presentation noted public‑health findings and recent safety laws. Coughlin cited case studies and partner contributions — including a funded phase‑two county analysis — and said the study has generated national media attention. He also described two recent safety bills that closed a crosswalk loophole and established a hands‑free driving law, saying those laws broaden protections for trail users.
Council members asked about opportunities to leverage the Green Belt Trail for local economic development and how Clive's signage compares with other communities. Coughlin praised Clive's signage as among the best in the state and said he would return with more granular county‑level results from phase two of the research.
On e‑bikes, Coughlin said pedal‑assist models are appropriate for shared trails but throttle‑driven vehicles can be a safety concern. "If it doesn't require pedal assist, then it's a motorcycle and it shouldn't be on the trail because it's a safety issue," he said, urging education and coordinated enforcement across jurisdictions.
The coalition flagged partnership opportunities — including Safe Routes to School and Bike to Work Week — and plans to share more detailed county results as they become available. Coughlin offered to follow up with staff on local economic‑development prospects and more specific signage guidance.
The council thanked Coughlin for the presentation and confirmed the city will continue outreach and coordination on trail programming and safety.
