By Chris Hahn
Next time you stop in at Sunshine Foods in Spring Valley, you may notice something as you walk up to the door, specifically a rack full of brand-new bicycles. These bicycles might look familiar if you have spent time in other Fillmore County communities, including Chatfield, Fountain, Harmony, Peterson, Preston, and Rushford.
The new bikes, eight in all, are part of the Root River Trail Towns bike fleet. “The goal is to get people physically active as part of a healthy lifestyle,” said CEDA team member Chris Hahn. Hahn applied for and received funding from the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) and the Osterud Winter Foundation.
“Spring Valley, like many of our neighboring Fillmore County communities, offers a variety of trails, parks, and fun outdoor recreation activities and the Root River Trail Towns bike program provides a great way to take advantage of them,” he said.
There is no cost to rent the new bikes. People wishing to check out a bike and explore Spring Valley will need to provide a driver’s license, complete the rental agreement, grab a helmet (or provide their own), get a key for the bike lock, and head out on the bike trail just behind Sunshine Foods off of North Park Drive.
“These programs only happen with the support of our community businesses and organizations,” Hahn added. “The EDA is especially thankful to Sunshine Foods and the Osterud-Winter Foundation for their generous support and involvement in making this a reality for our community. We could not offer this program without them.”
Bikes are readily available for check out at the Sunshine Foods Service Counter, 501 North Park Drive during regular store hours.