The city is being awarded a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community award by the League of American Bicyclists. It’s joining 506 other bike friendly communities.
John Harrington is a member of the Bettendorf Trails Committee. He says investing in safe bike infrastructure has encouraged more people to bike.
"The award itself is a good thing, but it's really the actions that the city is taking," he said. "So whether it's the new bicycling infrastructure out at TBK, or it's the new bike path going across the new I-74 bridge, those things have caused a lot more trail users."
Harrington says it took about a year for the committee to put together the application. The bicycle league also conducted a community survey.
"Over 80% of those that submitted input were somewhat, or very pleased with Bettendorf, and what it had done for bicyclists."
Bettendorf won the same award four years ago. In four more years, the city will have to apply again. Harrington says next time, they’ll go for silver.
The league provided suggestions for how to get there. Those included more bike safety education in schools, and working towards a statewide three-foot passing law.
The league presented the award to city leaders, and the Bettendorf Trails Committee at the city council meeting on Tuesday.
