This news item was written and distributed in Feb. 2007.
The Central Iowa Bicycle–Pedestrian Roundtable (Bike-Ped Roundtable), made up of trail leaders from multiple counties in central Iowa, announced the name of the regional trail system today (Feb. 21, 2007). The group sought input from trail advocates and the public at large to help name the central Iowa trail system. Four choices were offered on an online poll at three local organizations’ web sites. The winner was “Central Iowa Trails.” Ironically, “Central Iowa Trails” is the working name already used to describe the area’s regional trail system. The regional trail system currently spans eight counties and consists of 460 trail miles.
“Naming the trail system is a positive step toward developing an interconnected trails system, and ultimately becoming the “Trails Capital of the World,” says Jim Lane, Bike-Ped Roundtable Chair and avid cyclist. “The planned trail system would include the two largest trail loops in America, which would help attract workers and visitors to our state, as well as providing connections between neighborhoods and communities.”
Lisa Hein, Bike-Ped Roundtable member and Program and Planning Director for Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation (INHF) agrees, “We may not have mountains or oceans in Iowa, but trails connect people with the outdoors along the scenic rivers, past remnant prairies and through the pastoral countryside.” She continues, “Naming the system is a step toward the dream of creating a trail system that is a destination, and links communities and area attractions across Central Iowa.”
The “Central Iowa Trails” name will begin showing up on signage throughout the region as early as this spring on Des Moines’ city trails. In addition to the naming of the system, the Bike-Ped Roundtable also developed the Communication Master Plan for the Central Trails of Iowa in conjunction with Shive-Hattery. This plan looks at where to place signage on trails, how a sign should look, what directions the sign should give, and other important details. The group realized that as central Iowa’s trails expanded over recent years, there was a need to provide signage and way finding information for users.
The Bike-Ped Roundtable’s next order of business is developing a regional long-range bicycle and pedestrian plan for the eight county area. Visit our Central Iowa Trails Network page for more details and maps about this trail system. You can also view an online copy of the Communication Master Plan for the Central Trails of Iowa.
The Central Iowa Bicycle–Pedestrian Roundtable is an advisory committee to and is sponsored by the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, consisting of community and non-profit representatives working to promote a comprehensive, coordinated, and continuing transportation system in the development of all bicycle and pedestrian facilities. INHF is an active participant in this group.
For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.
