Katherine Gilbury tells Black Hawk County board biking supports local jobs and about $35 million in annual economic activity

Katherine Gilbury, a representative of the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective and Waterloo Complete Streets, told the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors on April 20 that cycling generates measurable economic benefits for the county and supports local jobs.

"The annual impact is $1.4 billion in the state," Gilbury said, and she told the board that county‑level analysis shows roughly $35 million in annual economic activity in Black Hawk County tied to cycling. She described about 39,000 local cyclists, roughly 16,000 regular riders, and said retail and restaurants see the largest local gains from cycling activity.

Gilbury summarized a statewide Iowa Bicycle Coalition survey and county results, and she listed local organizations and events that contribute to the cycling economy, including volunteer groups that maintain trails, a used‑bike refurbishment program, and the annual Bridges Ride. She said the Bridges Ride draws roughly 300 riders and noted the Ride of Silence is scheduled for May 20 to honor people who have died while cycling.

She also raised safety and participation trends: after decades of decline, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have increased in recent years and distracted driving and larger vehicles are contributing factors. Gilbury urged the board to support infrastructure improvements, education for riders and drivers, and local bike‑industry businesses that can service an increasing number of e‑bikes.

Board members asked whether the economic study is publicly available; Gilbury said she emailed both the statewide study and county breakdown to the board and confirmed copies were shared with staff.

The presentation ended with members thanking Gilbury and noting the number of volunteer bicycling groups in the Cedar Valley. The board took no formal action on the presentation; Gilbury provided slides and contact information for follow up.