Published June 26, 2024
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,” says Chris Hahn, EDA Director for the City of Spring Valley. “Spring Valley, like many of our neighboring Fillmore County communities, offers a variety of trails, parks, and fun outdoor recreation activities. The Root River Trail Towns bike program provides a great way to take advantage of them.”
The Spring Valley bike fleet is made possible through Fillmore County Public Health as part of the State Health Improvement Partnership, or SHIP. According to the Minnesota Department of Health website, (SHIP) supports community-driven solutions to expand opportunities for active living, healthy eating, and commercial tobacco-free living, helping all people in Minnesota prevent chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
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,” adds Hahn. “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 Dr. during regular store hours.
For more information about how the program works, where to check out the bikes and rental requirements, click here, or contact Sunshine Foods at 507-346-2804.
