Get to know the IBC team!

by | Aug 11, 2026 | Blog

Meet the Iowa Bicycle Coalition Staff

Matt Burkey – Director of Safe Routes to School

Matt has been working on the Safe Routes to School program for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition for three and half years, and has been a supporting member of the organization since 2013. Matt is proud to work for the Coalition because it is a job he likes and believes in. His favorite event is Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day – a national day of promoting active transportation for children and families.

Matt started biking in his youth and got back into it after living in Iowa City for a year. He started biking again because the bus route was 45 minutes to go two miles, and figured he could bike faster. Then Matt fell in love with cycling again. He rides 12 months a year, and commutes to work near everyday, even in the snow. Matt rides roads, gravel, singletrack, & trails. He’s been cycling in Iowa for over 13 years and learned a lot along the way. Every ride should be fun and whenever possible, bike there.

 

Bree Darr – Program and Grants Manager

Bree joined the Iowa Bicycle Coalition team in 2024 and writes grants and helps with project management. Ready for a career change, Bree joined the team part time. She always enjoyed writing, and wanted to try work that put those writing skills to good use. Grant writing is a good fit for her, and and she says it helps to write grants for something she’s passionate about. IBC has a small but mighty staff, so Bree jumps in whatever needs extra attention. 

 Bree supports the Iowa Bicycle Coalition because biking is her community, and protecting & advocating for community adds value to her life while also helping other people. One of Bree’s favorite IBC events is the Pigtails Ride. According to Bree, it’s a great way to meet other lady cyclists and support local vendors. She also participates in the Bacoon Ride.

Bree rides with Team Cow on RAGBRAI, and is a member of the Velorosa Cycling Team in Des Moines. Bree’s most memorable cycling experience was on Day 4 of RAGBRAI 49. The route for the day was 105 miles. There was much speculation about what the day would be like for everyone riding 100+ miles before the ride. It ended up being a beautiful day with a tail wind for most of it. She remembers averaging 17mph for the day without having to put much effort into it, and it made for a very fun day of RAGBRAI.

Katie Bowden – Events and Outreach Director

Katie began working for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition in late 2023. She organizes events like the Iowa Bike Expo, the Summer Bike Ride Series, and everything in between. Katie also handles outreach, program planning, and anything that helps keep the wheels turning for the organization.