WC Iowa News

Carroll city officials considered some of the first ordinances for RAGBRAI during a recent city council meeting as leaders prepare for the July event that will bring bicyclists to town overnight.

It had been announced near the end of July that Carroll will be one of the overnight camping spots for the statewide bicycling event. Seven other towns across the state – including Ames, Des Moines, Sioux City and Coralville – also have been designated as overnight spots.

“RAGBRAI has also started a donation fund” that started sometime last year, city Parks and Recreation Director Chad Tiemeyer told the council at its March 14 meeting. “So as of right now, I believe every town in, they're getting basically a reported minimum $15,000 to go toward either projects or non-for-profit groups, anything like that. … But that number just grows once they cover their expenses.”

This year, for the 50th annual celebration, the state is attempting to re-create the original event, which would have individuals bike across the state from the western edge to the eastern border. Riders would come into Carroll on July 24,  then they would head to Ames on July 25, the event’s website shows.

The ordinance proposed to the Carroll City Council would go into effect before the race and end at 5 p.m. July 25, after all the riders depart. Police chief Brad Burke explained that the ordinance would pertain to some road closures and vendor agreements to facilitate the event. It would turn over a lot of authority and planning to the RAGBRAI executive committee, which is routine. This happens so that the event can be consistent throughout all eight towns and controlled by the RAGBRAI officials. They received suggestions from RAGBRAI and other towns on the ordinance, which was reviewed by city staff and legal counsel and was recommended by all.

Permit fees are collected by RAGBRAI to fund the program, with leftover proceeds going to nonprofit organizations in each community. While the city doesn’t collect the permit fees, it would receive a boost in spending in their community. They are making agreements with local outdoor beer gardens and downtown businesses to have special operations during the overnight stay.