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Peosta considers how to capture riders from the 'rag ride' to boost downtown businesses
Summary
Councilors and business groups brainstormed signage, a central information booth near city property by the police/fire building, and outreach to charters to encourage participants to stop in Peosta during a large statewide bicycle event. Travel Debuque staff said two to three charters have asked about disembarking here; charter sizes were estimated at 20–45 people.
At the start of a May work session, Peosta councilors and business representatives discussed low‑cost ways to attract riders from a large statewide bicycle event (referred to in the meeting as the “rag ride”) as they pass near town.
Travel Debuque staff member Sarah told the council that organizers have contacted the city and that two or three charter groups are expected to make stops; charter sizes, she said, could be in the 20–45 person range. Several council members suggested placing A‑frame signs and directional signage on Old Highway approaching town and setting up a single, visible information booth or tent on city land by the police and fire station to help merchants capture visits.
Businesses and councilors discussed trade‑offs: locating an information hub near the NICC parking lot would capture charter passengers but might be harder for passing riders to reach; hosting tents on the grassy city parcel near public safety facilities would be more visible but might serve only charter groups. Participants also noted uncertainty about how many riders would detour into town and said efforts should be proportional to that uncertainty.
Next steps: Council asked staff to learn charter stop times and coordinate with local businesses about hours and signage. The mayor said he would pass any additional information to council and business contacts when it becomes available.
Representative quote: “You’re more than welcome to put up a sign,” Sarah said, noting the town had already received inquiries from charters.
