By Christy Filby, Activate Quad Cities
Iowa's 1st District Congressman, Bruce Braley, is an avid bicyclist.
After a weekend of rainy soccer games, I was glad to see the bright sunshine as I prepared my bike for the ride to the QC in Motion Commuter Breakfast on Monday morning. Our small group was fortunate to be joined by Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley – an avid bicyclist himself.
As we made our way down Jersey Ridge road, it was great to be able to take advantage of the bike lanes and the great discussion on how far the Quad Cities has come in embracing alternative transportation.
Others joined our discussion as we arrived at Bechtel Park – the site of the commuter breakfast. This event highlighted the progress throughout the Quad Cities on alternative transportation.
Many cities have developed bikeways plans or multi-modal transportation plans. Safe Routes to School programs have started in many school districts in the Quad Cities – helping children to be more active and making the air they breathe cleaner by reducing pollution around the school.
Congressman Braley also addressed the group on why he feels alternative transportation should be supported in communities.
An artistic bike rack was unveiled as part of the QC in Motion breakfast at Bechtel Park on Monday, May 16, 2011.
The event included an “unveiling” as well, as the Davenport Downtown Partnership provided one of their new artistic bike racks for participants to try out. More of these racks will be appearing around the downtown area this summer.
All in all – a great way to start the day and I encourage you to try it. Of course there won’t be a breakfast “event” every morning – but your coffee travel mug will fit in a water bottle holder on your bike, you can always slip a granola bar into your pocket and the forecast is for sunshine!
