Riding throught the eyes of a new rider

I had the opportunity to ride with Sam from Blog for Iowa last week. Sam is a great guy with a happy outlook on life. We started chatting at the Bicyclists of Iowa City Wednesday Night Ride and he immediately knew me from the Coalition work. It was Sam's first ride with BIC and he was learning the ropes, or the pace, or the secret handshake. :) Sam did great despite a faster pace than his usual. I hope he rides more, because it is good to see riding through new people. I felt inspired to keep riding.

Dallas County Supervisor Mark Hanson said "I don't see interest in bringing the item back" referring to the bicycle insurance ordinance. I appreciate Dallas County taking the questions posed seriously. Ultimately, we want to do what is best for our citizens. Sometimes that includes protections sometimes that includes improving the quality of life. We think there has been a good start to the liability discussion and we hope to see more in the near future - both from the government and the rider organizer. Education is the key to understanding the problem.

I hope to see you at the RAGBRAI Expo on Saturday! Please stop by and say hi.

Finally, it is with tremendous sorrow we announce that the father of Janelle Rettig has died. Janelle is the IBC Development Director. She had just finished a century ride and was having dinner with her dad when he passed a short time later. Please contact mark@iowabicyclecoalition.org for information on arrangements. Our prayers go out to Janelle, Linda, Robin, and all of the Rettig family.