Cedar Falls Bike Shops Feeling Boon Cycling Brings to Iowa

A University of Northern Iowa study says biking brings $364.8 million in economic benefit to Iowa every year, and local bike shop employees say Cedar Falls is getting its piece of that pie.

“I mean tourism-wise, it’s awesome. That’s kind of one aspect. In Cedar Falls we’ve got super sweet trails, and that brings people here," Bike Tech owner Brent Johnson said. "Health-wise it’s awesome too, because you’ve got tons of people out riding."

The study, by UNI's Sustainable Tourism and Environment Program, estimated biking saves Iowa $73.9 million a year in health care costs.

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Both Johnson and Brian Bottke, who works at Europa Ski and Cycle, said they've noticed an increase in interest in cycling in the Cedar Valley in recent years.

"A lot of people are coming in and getting a new bike and saying I’m trying to start using my car less," Bottke said. "I have seen a really big increase in that. I’ve noticed it growing."

The study says bike-specific shops like Europa and Bike Tech sell approximately 18,300 bicycles across the state.

Johnson said Black Hawk County recently passed 100 miles of paved trails. That's in addition to miles of soft trails that crisscross the county, most prominently promoted by the Cedar Valley Association for Soft Trails.

That group meets regularly at Mulligan's Brick Oven Pub and Grill. Johnson said local restaurants like Mulligan's serve as meeting points before and after rides, bringing added economic activity to the town. Bottke said he and other riders often stop at Cup of Joe, across First Street from an entrance to the George Wyth State Park trail system.

Johnson also mentioned a growing proliferation of bike racks around town.

"For some people, that actually influences where they shop," he said.

The city passed a Bicycle Plan in 2009, and has been adding "Share the Road" signs and bike lane designations to some roads since then. Bottke said he thinks those changes have helped grow the biking culture in Cedar Falls.

According the study, the League of American Bicyclists ranked Iowa sixth nationally for bike friendliness in 2011. The study also said the Iowa State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan reported that in 2006, 7 percent of Iowans mountain biked and 41 percent used trails for fitness.

"It’s being seen more as a practical means of getting around town," Bottke said.