June 2026 Trails Talk

2026 BIKES-BREWS-BITES CELEBRATION

The Dickinson County Trails Board invites you to join us for an exciting evening in support of our beautiful trail system on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Maser Monarch Lodge. Enjoy delicious bites from Back Alley BBQ, live music, and a selection of brews, wine, and bourbon tastings while celebrating the impact of our growing trail network.

We invite you to consider partnering with us as an event sponsor. Your generous support will directly contribute to priority trail projects that will add more than five miles of new trail over the next two years, enhancing connectivity and recreational opportunities throughout the Iowa Great Lakes. Sponsorship opportunities and a limited number of event tickets are available at www.dickinsoncountytrails.com.

 

E-BIKES, TRAIL RULES & ETIQUETTE: SHARING THE TRAIL RESPONSIBLY

Multi-use trails are more popular than ever, and low-speed electric bicycles are helping more people enjoy the outdoors and explore the Iowa Great Lakes trail system. With increased use comes a shared responsibility to keep our trails safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

The Dickinson County Trails Board allows low-speed electric bicycles on county trails in accordance with Iowa law. To qualify as a low-speed electric bicycle, a bike must have operable pedals, two or three wheels, a motor producing less than 750 watts (one horsepower), and a maximum speed of less than 20 mph without pedaling assistance.

Segways, electric personal assistive devices, and single-user mobility devices, such as electric wheelchairs, are permitted when operated in a safe and prudent manner. For the safety of all users, the maximum speed on Dickinson County Trails is 20 mph for all bicycles, e-bikes, Segways, and other permitted mobility devices.

Whether you ride a traditional bicycle or an e-bike, please follow these important trail etiquette guidelines:

• Ride right, pass left. Stay to the right side of the trail except when passing.
• Slow down around others. Be prepared to stop when approaching pedestrians, children, pets, or other trail users.
• Give an audible signal before passing. Use a bell or announce “On your left” well in advance.
• Look and signal before passing or stopping. Check behind you and use hand signals when changing direction.
• Do not block the trail. Move off the trail when stopping to rest, take photos, or visit with others.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Be kind and courteous. A friendly wave or greeting helps create a positive experience for everyone.

Gas-powered motorized bicycles, e-motos, all-terrain vehicles, off-highway vehicles, and unpermitted golf carts are not allowed on Dickinson County Trails. While ATVs may be permitted on many local roads, they are prohibited on county trails.

The Dickinson County Trails Board offers permits for certain mobility devices used by individuals who need assistance. Additional information about motorized vehicle permits and trail policies is available at www.dickinsoncountytrails.com.

UPCOMING TRAIL EVENTS

42^ND ANNUAL U of O CAMPUS BIKE RIDE: Saturday, June 27 – Enjoy a scenic ride around the Iowa Great Lakes with route options of 25, 50, or 100 miles. The day begins with a pancake breakfast at Florence Park in Milford starting at 7:00 a.m., followed by the ride at 9:00 a.m. Cyclists will experience beautiful trails and lakeside roads before returning to the park for a barbecue and live music from 1:00–4:00 p.m. Proceeds from the ride go to area projects, local police and fire departments and the trails system. Visit the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber Campus Ride website for ride details and registration.

 

BRASL – BIKE RIDE AROUND SPIRIT LAKE: Saturday, July 11 – Experience Iowa’s largest natural lake where participants can enjoy a family-friendly 15-mile cruise around Spirit Lake or challenge themselves with 25 and 50-mile routes through the Iowa Great Lakes region. The ride includes scenic lakeside trails, a commemorative T-shirt, and a lunch certificate. Visit the Spirit Lake Chamber website for ride details and registration.

As always, Happy Trails to You and Yours.
Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director

 

“To leave for our children what our grandparents enjoyed as children … trees, streams, and that quiet place from which to draw strength.”
~Capital Area Greenway Commission Report, Raleigh, NC, 1974~