Northeast Iowa rallies for Bike Month with over 200 bicycles collected ...

This May, in celebration of Bike Month, residents, schools, and local partners across Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek counties came together to support Upper Explorerland’s Safe Routes to School’s “Recycle Your Bicycle” initiative. The project collected over 200 donated bicycles throughout northeast Iowa - a testament to the region’s interest in sustainability, community, and active living.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals and organizations throughout the area, many of the collected bikes found new homes right here in local communities. Others, not taken or exchanged locally, were donated to two nonprofit organizations: the Iowa City Bike Library and the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective.

Both groups share the mission of promoting healthier, greener communities through bicycling. The Iowa City Bike Library accepts donations of complete or partial bicycles, parts, pumps, helmets, clothing, and accessories year-round. Bikes that can’t be restored are dismantled and responsibly recycled, diverting thousands of pounds of material from landfills each year.

Similarly, the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective (CVBC) champions the power of the three Rs: Reducing dependence on cars, Re-using bikes and parts, and Recycling damaged bicycles. Both organizations also provide valuable education in bike safety, repair, and riding - building not only bike skills but also stronger, more connected communities.

Upper Explorerland and its Safe Routes to School program extend heartfelt thanks to the local county conservation boards, wellness/park & recreation departments, schools, law enforcement, public health, and all the community members and groups who helped make “Recycle Your Bicycle” a success. Together, the community initiative is creating healthier families, supporting local volunteerism, and moving northeast Iowa toward a more strongly connected and sustainable future - one pedal at a time. Submitted photos.