Bike Safety

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Safe Bicycling Tips

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Use a rear-view mirror to check on traffic behind you.
  • Wear bright colored clothing to make yourself more visible to motorists.
  • Travel with a buddy in case of an emergency.
  • Make eye contact with motorists. Use caution at intersections.
  • Watch out for vehicles turning across your path and be prepared to stop.
  • Always lock your bike when left unattended.
  • Register your bike if your community has a registration/licensing program.
  • Encourage your employer to provide safe bicycle parking facilities.
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Bicycling Rules of the Road

  1. Ride only where permitted
    1. Bicyclists are allowed on Iowa roads except for interstates, highways with posted minimum speed limits, and streets when bicyclists are prohibited by local ordinance.
  2. Obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane pavement markings
  3. Always ride with the flow of traffic and on the right
    1. Ride in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards.
  4. Pass on the left
    1. Always pass a vehicle or bicycle on the left. First move to the left. After overtaking the vehicle, return to the right lane once reaching a safe and clear distance in front of the vehicle
  5. Signal your intentions when turning and stopping
    1. Use your left hand to signal when you plan to turn, change lanes, or stop
  6. Riding at night (sunset to sunrise)
    1. Always use a white light on the front and red light or reflector on the rear, both visible for a distance of at least 300 feet.
  7. Limit riders to those your bicycle is designated and equipped to carry
    1. Exceptions include adult bicyclists carrying a child securely attached to the bicycle in a seat or trailer designed to carry children.
  8. Stop for school buses with flashing signal lights
  9. Bicyclists have the same protections as pedestrians on crosswalks and pass on the left.

These laws are current as of May 4, 2024. Please verify the Iowa Bicycle laws with the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

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Involved in a Crash?

  • Be sure your bicycle is out of the path of traffic.
  • Contact law enforcement to report the crash by calling 911.
  • Describe as many details as possible, including possible injuries and location of the crash.
  • Exchange insurance and contact information with all involved in the crash.
  • Report the crash to your insurance company.
  • Check your bicycle for damage before continuing your ride.
  • Always seek medical help. you may not feel an injury immediately.
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Educational Materials

Documents & Brochures

Educational Programs

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