The Green Bike Tour 2004 Hits IowaIowa Policy Project
Solar Bike Tour to Wind Through Four States
HOWARD, South Dakota - Renewable energy supporters will set out Monday on a solar bicycle tour of rural communities in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin to demonstrate the potential for economic development through investments in wind, solar and bio-based fuels.
The six-day Green Bike Tour 2004 will begin at Howard and will proceed through Saturday with elected officials, energy producers, energy policy activists and media joining the ride at various stages, for a variety of events and visits. Three bikes on the tour carry solar panels that produce electricity to power uphill rides or to play music.
"This tour illustrates that renewable energy production is growing in the upper Midwest. Two years ago we rode bikes in Europe to see the success of such development. We hope to change policy in Midwest states to allow renewable energy to grow faster," said David Osterberg, executive director of the Iowa Policy Project, which is sponsoring the tour in conjunction with the Minnesota-based League of Rural Voters.
"Global climate change is real," Osterberg continued. "We can confront this environmental problem and help our economy in the Midwest. We are going to see lots of exciting examples of how renewable energy technology can keep money working in our own communities, and provide a more secure energy future."
Communities selected for visits in the four states have some organized local interests or an economic connection to renewable energy.
"Investments in community-based renewable energy projects help strengthen local economies, reduce our dependence on imported energy and help clean up the environment at the same time," said Niel Ritchie, executive director of the League of Rural Voters. "The tour is an effort to salute those rural communities in Midwestern states that are leading the way, partnering with farmer-owned cooperatives, utilities and educational institutions to make these projects a reality."
"We need the federal government to step up and commit to a new direction in energy policy, away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy."
The public can keep track of the Green Bikers during the tour through stories and photos that will be updated daily on a website, www.greenbike.org.
The tentative itinerary: (includes biking and driving)
Monday: Howard, S.D., to Luverne, Minn. (includes
Sioux Falls, S.D., and Tyler and Lake Benton, Minn.)
Tuesday: Okoboji, Iowa, to Emmetsburg, Iowa (includes Spirit Lake School, Linn Grove, Storm Lake)
Wednesday: Estherville, Iowa, to Joice, Iowa. (includes Fairmount, Minn.)
Thursday: Dodge Center, Minn., to Northfield, Minn.
Friday: Northfield to Mississippi River to La Crosse, Wis.
Saturday: La Crosse to Baraboo, Wis.
Note: The itinerary is likely to change. Updates will be provided on the web at http://www.greenbike.org.
