Marley Blonsky
All Bodies on Bikes
Marley Blonsky is an Arkansas-based bike adventurer, advocate, and dog mom who has a passion for making cycling and the outdoors accessible to everyone. She loves all kinds of biking, including gravel rides, bikepacking, commuting, and riding around town with her dogs in her cargo bike.
Marley works full-time on All Bodies on Bikes, a project that aims to make the bike and outdoor industry more inclusive. She believes that biking should be accessible to all and that it’s important to promote diversity and representation in the cycling community. Through her work, Marley advocates for safer and more accessible bike infrastructure, promotes body positivity, and encourages more people to experience the joys of cycling.
Paul LaFleur
FHWA
Paul LaFleur is a transportation engineer and pedestrian and bicycle specialist with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In this role, he provides technical expertise and guidance on how to design, build, and maintain pedestrian and bicycle facilities that promote active transportation and enhance the livability of communities. Paul is a leading expert in the field of pedestrian and bicycle transportation, and he has worked on a wide range of projects across the country. At the Iowa Bicycle Summit, Paul will share his insights on how to design and build bike-friendly communities that prioritize the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the top experts in the field!
Lora Friest
Iowa Tourism Office
Lora Friest is the Tourism Liasion for the Iowa Tourism Office. She works to promote tourism and economic development in Iowa by building partnerships with tourism-related businesses, organizations, and communities. With over 20 years of experience in the tourism industry, Lora is a valuable resource for anyone looking to promote their business or community in Iowa. At the Iowa Bicycle Summit, she will be discussing how to partner with the Iowa Tourism Office to maximize your trail brand, enhance your marketing, and build support for your organization.
Ken Barker
Backyard Trails
Ken Barker is a passionate outdoor enthusiast and experienced trail builder with Backyard Trails, a company that specializes in designing and constructing high-quality mountain bike trails throughout the Midwest. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Ken has built a reputation for his innovative design approach, attention to detail, and commitment to sustainability. He is dedicated to creating trails that not only provide a thrilling riding experience but also preserve the natural environment and enhance the surrounding community. Ken’s expertise and passion for trail building make him a valuable contributor to the cycling community and an engaging speaker on the topic of sustainable trail building.
Mike Bell
RDG
Mike Bell is a Landscape Architect and Senior Associate at RDG Planning and Design, a firm that specializes in creating vibrant, sustainable, and walkable communities. With over 25 years of experience in landscape architecture and urban design, Mike is a leading expert in the field of community design and planning. At the Iowa Bicycle Summit, Mike will share his insights on the River Crossings project, a cutting-edge initiative that is transforming the urban landscape of Des Moines and promoting active transportation through innovative design solutions. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the top landscape architects in the state!
Kathy Fueston & Erin Reed
Iowa Great Lakes Trail
Kathy Renken & Erin Reed are advocates for the Iowa Great Lakes Trail, a 15-mile trail that will connect Okoboji to Spencer. Kathy who serves as a volunteer, and former co-chair, for the Clay County Trails and IBC Advisory Board Member will be giving her insight on connecting Spencer to Fostoria and discussing her long term vision and passion of completing the 5-county trail system which will connect Okoboji to Des Moines. Erin, who has served as the Executive Director for the Dickinson County Trails board, since 2016, will discuss her boards vision for enhancement & growth of the Iowa Great Lakes Trail System, which currently touts 50+ miles of rolling trails to keep trail users enjoying an active quality of life. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from two, of the top trail experts in the state, who have learned through trail growth experiences…it might not always be easy, but it’s always worth the effort in the end.
Matt Burkey
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
Matt Burkey is the Safe Routes to School manager at the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. Matt leads the program to educate students across the state in bicycle safety. Matt was the former lead brewer at Big Grover Brewery and has an education in Geology. Matt is also a volunteer at the Iowa City Bike Library and can be frequently found leading the pack on the Monday Night Gravel Ride.
Caron Whitaker
League of American Bicyclists
Caron Whitaker is the Deputy Director at the League of American Bicyclists, a national advocacy organization that works to create a bicycle-friendly America. With over a decade of experience working in transportation policy and advocacy, Caron is a leading voice for active transportation and safe streets. She has worked on numerous federal transportation bills, including the FAST Act and the recent infrastructure bill, and has collaborated with cities and states across the country to advance bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects. Caron is committed to making biking a safe and accessible transportation option for everyone, and works tirelessly to build partnerships and coalitions to achieve this goal.