Iowa Bikes

BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN EDUCATION


Live Tabs

Sharing Iowa's roads with bicycles


  • Bicycles have a right to use Iowa's roads.
  • Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motorists.

Safety tips for motorists

  • Do not honk your horn at bicyclists.
    They may be startled and lose control.
  • Use extra caution when passing bicycles.
    Move entirely into the left lane; on a two-lane road, do not pass a bicycle if oncoming traffic is near.
  • Bicyclists might swerve to avoid road hazards.
    Common road hazards for bicyclists are potholes, debris, drainage grates, railroad tracks and narrow bridges.
  • Be careful when opening your vehicle door.
    Road widths often force bicyclists to ride close to parked vehicles where they may be injured by an opening door.
  • When in doubt, yield to bicycles.

Safety tips for bicyclists

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Ride on the right.
    Ride in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards.
  • Never ride against traffic.
    Always ride with the flow of traffic.
  • Obey traffic signs and signals.
    Use hand signals to advise motorists you plan to turn, change lanes or stop.
  • Make eye contact with motorists.
    Never assume a motorist sees you or that you have the right-of-way. Expect the unexpected such as: parked vehicles pulling into traffic; vehicle doors opening into your path; and debris on the road.
  • At night use a headlight, taillight and reflectors.

Rules for Iowa's off-road trails

 

Bicyclists

 

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Yield to pedestrians and skaters.
  • Give audible warning when passing other trail users. A friendly greeting like, “Hello, passing on your left,” or ringing a bell is considerate.
  • Ride at a safe speed. Slow down and form a single file in congested areas, reduced visibility or other hazardous conditions.
  • Be mindful of all other trail users and young children on the trail as their actions could be unpredictable.

Pedestrians and skaters

  • Use the right side of the trail, except when otherwise designated.
  • Watch out for other trail users.
  • Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail users to pass safely.

All trail users

  • Show courtesy to others.
  • Use the right side of the trail, except when otherwise designated.
  • Always pass on the left.
  • Respect the rights of property owners.
  • Keep pets on a leash and remove pet feces from trail.
  • Travel with a buddy in case of an emergency.
  • Always pass on the left.
  • Obey and respect all trail rules, hours, and traffic signs.
  • Move out of other users' way while taking a break or looking at a scenic view.
  • Keep children close by and teach them to be courteous to trail users.
  • Be considerate with your smartphone.

Educational materials


Safety brochures


Pedestrian Safety for Kids

Pedestrian Safety for Kids

Safe Bicycling in Iowa

Safe Bicycling in Iowa

NOT FINDING WHAT YOU NEED? WE CAN HELP.

Login  |  ©  Iowa Department of Transportation.  All rights reserved.