November 2025 | Raccoon River Valley Trail Association Newsletter
- Shaun Riekena
- 24 hours ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 minute ago
Lighted Bridge Repairs Set to Begin - Fundraising Goal Surpassed!
The long-awaited repairs to the Lighted Bridge in Adel are officially on the horizon! Dallas County will enter into construction contracts in December 2025, marking an exciting milestone for one of the most recognized landmarks along the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
Project Overview
The total cost for the bridge restoration — including construction, engineering, and a 10% contingency — is currently estimated at $804,289.This project is being funded through a partnership led by the Dallas County Board of Supervisors and the Dallas County Conservation Board, with additional support from the Bridge Us Back community campaign organized by the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association (RRVTA) and Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce.
Fundraising Success
Thanks to the generosity of trail supporters, the Bridge Us Back campaign has raised $111,669.83, surpassing its original goal of $100,000.Donations came from individuals, local businesses, and civic organizations — including several anonymous contributors whose quiet generosity made a meaningful difference.
While the campaign met its goal, additional contributions are still welcome to help offset any unforeseen costs and to strengthen the RRVTA’s capacity to support future trail improvement projects. You may do so at this link.
Construction Details
Engineering plans are complete, and the project is moving toward a December 9, 2025, bid letting and construction start.The scope of work includes structural repairs, new decking and handrails, and updated lighting, ensuring the bridge remains both safe and visually striking for decades to come.
For those interested in seeing a comparable project, visit the Dallas County Conservation website to learn more about the Mosquito Creek Bridge renovation, which inspired many of the same design and engineering approaches being applied here.
Timeline and Celebration
If all proceeds on schedule, the Lighted Bridge will reopen by June 5, 2026. The RRVTA and Dallas County Conservation plan to host a community celebration to recognize the donors, volunteers, and partners who made the project possible. A donor recognition board will also be installed on-site to honor those who contributed $500 or more, permanently commemorating their role in bringing the bridge back to life.
PURCHASE RRVT APPAREL
100% of proceeds support RRVT
RRVTA Banquet Set for April 11 in Adel
Save the date! The RRVTA’s 2026 Banquet is set for Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Country Lane Lodge in Adel. Join trail friends, partners, and supporters for an evening celebrating the people and projects that keep the Raccoon River Valley Trail thriving.
Ticket and table details will be announced soon. Mark your calendar now—we can’t wait to see you on April 11 in Adel!
Raccoon River Valley Trail User Survey
The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association wants to hear from you! Whether you’re a daily rider, a weekend walker, or an occasional visitor, your input helps shape the future of the Raccoon River Valley Trail.
We’re conducting a brief Trail User Survey to better understand how people use the trail, what amenities matter most, and where improvements are needed. Your feedback will guide future projects, enhance user experiences, and strengthen our efforts to keep the RRVT one of Iowa’s premier recreational destinations.
The survey takes just a few minutes to complete — and every response helps us plan for the next generation of trail users. Please complete the survey by December 31, 2025.
The Evolution of the Bicycle Helmet: Protecting Riders Through the Years
Each month, the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association is featuring a special article that explores a unique aspect of cycling — from the history that shaped our trail system to the innovations that keep riders safe and inspired. Last month we looked at railbanking and how it preserves trail corridors for future generations. (See the October 2025 Newsletter) This month, we turn our attention to an equally vital part of cycling history — the evolution of the bicycle helmet.
When you clip on your bicycle helmet before a ride on the RRVT, you’re putting on more than a piece of gear — you’re wearing over a century of innovation, engineering, and advocacy for safer cycling. From early leather “hairnets” to today’s lightweight, high-tech helmets, the story of helmet design reflects the broader evolution of cycling itself: faster, safer, and more accessible for everyone.
Early Days: Hats, Hairnets, and Hard Lessons
In the 1880s, cyclists on high-wheel “penny-farthing” bikes sometimes wore cork-lined caps or stiff hats, more for show than for safety. Crashes on cobblestones quickly revealed their limits. By the early 20th century, racing cyclists adopted soft leather “hairnet” helmets — strips of padded leather woven together to cushion scrapes and abrasions, but offering little protection in serious falls.
For decades, that was as good as it got. Cyclists accepted that head injuries were just part of the sport.
The 1970s Revolution: Science Meets the Bicycle
As recreational cycling boomed in the 1970s, so did concern for safety. Engineers and doctors began studying how to protect riders from impact injuries. The Bell Sports company introduced the Bell Biker in 1975 — the first mass-produced helmet using a hard polycarbonate shell bonded to expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam.
This design absorbed crash energy instead of simply padding the head. Around the same time, the Snell Memorial Foundation and ANSI developed the first helmet safety standards, pushing manufacturers toward consistent testing and reliability.
Why Helmets Work (and Why They Look the Way They Do)
Every modern helmet shares the same key idea: manage energy.
The foam liner compresses on impact, lengthening the time it takes for your head to stop — which reduces the force.
The hard shell spreads out the impact and prevents sharp objects from penetrating.
Straps and fit systems keep the helmet snug so it stays in place during a crash.
Ventilation, light weight, and aerodynamics also shape the look of helmets. Designers constantly balance comfort, style, and protection — a challenge that has produced everything from sleek racing helmets to urban commuter designs with built-in lights.
The 1980s–1990s: From Bulky to Breezy
As materials improved, helmets became lighter and cooler. In the late 1980s, Giro introduced the no-shell foam helmet, and later, the in-mold technique — bonding the shell and liner into a single, stronger unit.
By the 1990s, helmets offered better ventilation, easier strap systems, and more consistent protection. Helmet use began to rise, encouraged by safety campaigns and new laws for youth cyclists.
Modern Innovations: Smarter and Safer
Today’s helmets are the result of decades of testing and innovation. Many now feature MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) or similar technology — a low-friction layer that allows the helmet to rotate slightly on impact, reducing rotational brain injuries.
Some models integrate LED lights, crash sensors, or communication systems, making them both safer and smarter. And sustainability is entering the conversation, with recycled materials and biodegradable foams appearing in newer designs.
Helmet Standards and Safety Laws
In the United States, all helmets sold for bicycle use must meet CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards.
Dozens of U.S. states and cities have youth helmet laws, and while adult mandates remain debated, there’s no debate about their value: studies consistently show helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury by as much as 60–80%.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Helmet Design
Expect to see more helmets designed with:
Rotational-force protection beyond MIPS (e.g., WaveCel, Koroyd)
Smart sensors that alert emergency contacts after a crash
3D-printed custom fits for better comfort
Eco-friendly materials that reduce waste
Just as bicycles have evolved from steel frames to carbon fiber and e-assist motors, helmets are on their own high-tech journey.
A Final Thought: The Best Helmet is the One You'll Wear
A helmet only works if it’s on your head and properly fitted. It should sit level, low on your forehead, and snug — not rocking or sliding. Replace your helmet after any major crash or every 3–5 years, since materials degrade over time.
So next time you hit the Raccoon River Valley Trail, take a moment to appreciate that simple piece of gear protecting your ride — the product of over a century of ingenuity, trial, and passion for safe cycling.
Sources: Bell Sports, Snell Foundation, Helmets.org, Wired, Fast Company, and the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.
Welcoming New Board Member Rylan Voss of Minburn
The Raccoon River Valley Trail Association is pleased to welcome Rylan Voss of Minburn to its Board of Directors. A lifelong Dallas County resident, Rylan brings a strong blend of community commitment, small business experience, and passion for the outdoors to the RRVTA team.
Born and raised on a farm just south of Minburn, Rylan graduated from ADM High School and later founded his own motorcycle repair business near his hometown in 2009. A self-described “hands-on problem solver,” he has built a reputation for hard work and community involvement. He currently serves with the Adel Rotary Club as its president.
An avid runner and trail user, Rylan completed his first 50-mile ultramarathon at Whiterock Conservancy earlier this year. He and his family—regular users of the RRVT—have also adopted a section of the trail west of Perry, volunteering their time to help keep it clean and welcoming for others.
“I’ve come to truly appreciate how much of a treasure the Trail is for our community,” Rylan said. “I want to do my part to ensure it remains strong and vibrant for future generations.”
Please join us in welcoming Rylan to the RRVTA Board!
