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Iowa Bikes

SHARING IOWA'S ROADS WITH BICYCLES

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.