SHARING IOWA’S ROADS WITH BICYCLES

Safety Tips For Motorists
Under Iowa law, bicycles have a right to use Iowa’s roads.

1. DO NOT HONK YOUR HORN AT BICYCLISTS
   They may be startled and lose control.
2. USE EXTRA CAUTION WHEN PASSING BICYCLES
   Move entirely into the left lane; on a two-lane road, don’t pass a bicycle if oncoming traffic is near
3. BICYCLISTS MIGHT SWERVE TO AVOID ROAD HAZARDS
   Common road hazards for bicyclists are potholes, debris, drainage grates, railroad tracks, and narrow bridges.
4. 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.
5. WHEN IN DOUBT, YIELD TO BICYCLES.

Safety Tips For Bicyclists
Under Iowa law, bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motorists.

1. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
2. RIDE ON THE RIGHT
   Ride in the right lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards
3. NEVER RIDE AGAINST TRAFFIC
   Always ride with the flow of traffic.
4. OBEY TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS
   Use hand signals to advise motorists you plan to turn, change lanes or stop
5. WMAKE 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..
6. AT NIGHT USE A HEADLIGHT, TAILLIGHT AND REFLECTORS