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Iowa Bikes home page
Transportation map for bicyclists
Interactive Iowa bike map
Iowa Trails
Trails of statewide significance
Iowa Trails Summit
Multiuse trails
Trails funding
Bicycle and pedestrian education
sharing Iowa's roads
Iowa Bicycle Summit
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
Bike/pedestrian long-range plan
Systems Planning Bureau
Iowa Bikes
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN EDUCATION
Live Tabs
Sharing Iowa's roads with bicycles
Rules for Iowa's off-road trails
Educational Materials
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.
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.
Obey all traffic signs and move to the side when looking at a scenic view.
Always pass on the left.
Follow all trail rules and hours.
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.
Educational materials
Safety brochures
Pedestrian Safety for Kids
Safe Bicycling in Iowa
Educational programs
Blank Children's Hospital: All Heads Covered