Three Iowa City businesses and three civic buildings have been designated “Bike Friendly Businesses” by the League of American Bicyclists in recognition of their outstanding efforts to support and encourage bicycling.
Geoff’s Bike and Ski, 816 S. Gilbert St., won Gold, the Iowa City Public Library, the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center and Iowa City City Hall won Silver, and New Pioneer Food Co-op and the Iowa City Area Development (ICAD) at MERGE took Bronze.
Geoff’s was cited for its active cycling advocacy since opening in 2006. In addition to advocating for cyclists, Geoff’s recently installed shower facilities to make commuting easier for staff, supports the local competitive racing scene, including Jingle Cross and The Old Capitol Criterium, and encourages biking in the schools by sponsoring bike rodeos.
New Pioneer is the first grocer in the state of Iowa to receive the bike-friendly distinction. The grocery chain sponsors an annual Co-op to Co-op Ride, offers bike fix-it stations for the public at New Pi Iowa City, Coralville, and Cedar Rapids, sponsors local cycling group Goosetown Racing Club/Team New Pi and offers shower facilities and free bike helmets for bike-commuting employees.
The ICAD MERGE space was praised for offering free lockers and seven internal bike racks with locks as well as its location near multiple bus stops and bike fix stations throughout the pedestrian mall.
The League of American Bicyclists has been working to build a bicycle-friendly America since 1880. The group operates with the principle that “getting more people riding bicycles can make a community safer, stronger, and better connected.”