LEAP Group Adds New Walking, Bike Lane at High School

Have you noticed something new in town? The LEAP Coalition's Pop-Up Bike Lane project is here! This installation at 12th and Federal Street by the High school is designed to show how small changes can make a BIG impact in creating safer, more accessible spaces for walking, biking, and being active.

This project is the result of collaboration by the Physical Activity Subgroup—Jen Koenen, Katy Flint, Laela Ragsdale, and Lili Velasco—through LEAP Iowa, with funding support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s LEAP initiative, and our local Kiwanis Club.

Pop-up projects like this give communities the chance to test ideas in real time and imagine how permanent improvements could make everyday activity easier and safer for all residents.

“The Hampton-Dumont Community School District sincerely appreciates the work of the Franklin County LEAP Coalition and the City of Hampton in creating the trial bike lane from the high school area to Harriman Park,” said Jen Koenen, LEAP Coalition member and Director of Academic Services at Hampton-Dumont Community Schools. “This addition provides a safer route for students who live in the surrounding neighborhoods to access 12th Avenue, where three of our schools are situated. And it offers our high school students a more secure way to walk to Harriman Park for various class activities. We are grateful for this effort to strengthen our community and support the safety of our students.”

If you spot the bike lane, snap a photo, take a ride, and let us know what you think! Your feedback matters as we work toward a more active, connected community.