A recent economic impact study was presented by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition that shows an over $1.4 billion contribution to the state’s Gross Domestic Product comes from cycling and trail use.

As part of the study that was compiled by Scioto Analysis, the city of Jefferson and Greene County was a separate case study in relation to the Raccoon River Valley Trail. According to the findings, about 2,100 people ride on the trail from Greene County and of those about 880 are on the trail at least twice per month. The study also shows that based on the average spending figures from bicyclists in the survey, about $3.1 million was spent on cycling last year, with most of the activity derived from buying and renting bikes and at restaurants and bars. 

Jefferson advocate and bicycle enthusiast Jamie Daubendiek attended the Iowa Bike Expo recently where this study was first presented. He explains one of the main reasons why Jefferson and Greene County were included as a separate case study was to help address a 14 mile stretch on RRVT where the asphalt overlay has been deteriorating over time.

“Having some of these numbers and figures are able to help apply for some grants and hopefully local support as well. To show the need of the importance of why we need a better trail to get the mode of transportation of up from Des Moines (and) Ankeny . You can kind of come from all over now, which is pretty unique.” 

Daubendiek has also contributed philanthropically, as the general manager of Jefferson Telecom and with the donations by the Jefferson Telecom Foundation for new bikes to fourth graders at Greene County Elementary School with one of those ideas of getting more youth and families on the recreational trail. He adds that the case study also points out health benefits with cycling as well.

“That’s the great thing about being out on the trail, I mean it’s beautiful out there. Just the rural country, and just slowing down and riding your bike instead of driving your car, you whiz by everything, and a lot of wildlife out there is incredible too, so, it’s very peaceful, and very serene, and like I said, it’s an asset that we’ve had in the community for a long time. It’s just time to bring it back up to where it needs to be.”      

The total project estimate to replace the 14 miles on the trail with concrete was over $5 million in the case study and Daubendiek says a Region XII Council of Governments grant was awarded to Greene and Guthrie Counties for $1.2 million to be used for the project. He is hoping for more funding opportunities in the future to see this project come to fruition. To view the overall study, click here.