The Iowa Bicycle Coalition has concluded the events from biggest winter bicycling weekend in Iowa. The events netted $53,000 for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition to provide needed funds that allow the organization to continue its bicycle advocacy mission.

The Iowa Bicycle Summit sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation featured presenter Mike Lydon from the Streets Plans Collaborative. This annual education event provides education on bicycle facility design to community officials, planners, and engineers. The sessions were well attended. A particular success this year was the bike funding speed dating session. This session allowed funders to meet with multiple groups and talk about projects and funding resources.

The Iowa Bike Expo was a huge success with over 5,000 people entering the expo hall shopping for bikes, gear, destinations and events. Over 115 exhibitor spaces filled the Iowa Events Center. Seminars and meetups provided education for the public and connections for various groups, like bike advocates, community bike programs, and dirt trail builders. A special session this year was dedicated to Iowa Women Bicycling (see What do Iowa women think?).

The RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party capped off the evening with over 1,150 in attendance. Silent Auctions, raffles, and more were a big part of the festivities and raised valuable funds from generous donors. Over $35,000 was donated in products.

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