Iowa Bicycle Laws: Everything You Need To Know

Summary of Iowa Bicycle Laws

For the most part, Iowa bicycle laws are like traffic rules for motor vehicles. The big difference is that Iowa law defines a bicycle differently than other states. In general, the definition of a bicycle is a human-powered vehicle having two or three wheels. Iowa Code section 321.1(3) defines a bicycle as follows:
"Bicycle" means a device, regardless of type, which…
…is designed to be pedaled by human power, or is operated by a combination of human power and a fuel-powered engine, or is operated by a battery-powered motor, or is trotted by other similar means. Bicycle includes an electric bicycle if it meets both of the following requirements:
…i. The maximum power output is less than seven hundred fifty watts.
…ii. Either the maximum speed is not greater than twenty miles per hour on a flat surface when powered solely by a motor described in subparagraph (i), without human pedaling and when the operator reaches the maximum speed permitted under Iowa Code section 321.236, subsection 3, paragraph "b", subparagraph (4), or the motor is otherwise disabled.
This definition came from Iowa’s original electric bike law in 2012 (Iowa Code section 321.236B), passed with much fanfare to incorporate electric bicycles into existing state framework for bicycles. It later found its way into the definition of bicycle under Iowa Code section 321.1(3). So electric bicycles are really just classified as something called a "human-powered vehicle," and they can be split into 3 different categories: e-bikes without pedals , e-bikes with pedals, and e-bikes without pedals but other "similar means." We have a blog post dedicated to the definition of a bicycle which expands on the definition of a bicycle further.
Similarly to traffic laws for motor vehicles, all of Iowa’s traffic laws apply equally to everyone on bicycles. We have a blog post dedicated to listing all of Iowa’s traffic laws that apply to bicycles, motor vehicles, pedestrians, and other traffic.
By and large, bicyclists have the same rights to operate their bikes on any road or street in Iowa as do motor vehicles. Bicyclists also have the same responsibilities. But there are a few exceptions to the general rule:
Some of the main takeaways from the above list of exceptions to the general rule that motorists and bicyclists are treated the same under Iowa law are as follows:
But, just like motor vehicles there are traffic rules that bicyclists have to obey when operating bicycles on Iowa roads. And, just like motor vehicles violating traffic rules can lead to civil liability in the event an accident occurs. When you add in the fact that the cost of serious injuries and property damage in an accident involving a car and a bike can easily exceed the limits of coverage available under most auto insurance policies, it is important to know Iowa bicycle laws and how they can affect liability in the event of an accident. Failing to know and follow the bicycle laws in Iowa can lead to civil and criminal penalties.

Iowa Helmet Laws

Unlike in many other States across the country, Iowa has no mandatory helmet use laws for cyclists. There is, however, an Iowa law that states any person under the age of 11 must wear a helmet while operating or being a passenger on a bicycle in order to have that child covered by their medical insurance and not be required to pay co-pays or deductibles. However, if you are a parent or guardian, you are still responsible for making sure that your child is wearing a helmet.
Even without this law, bike safety administrations have recommended that regardless of age, and whether you ride in the city or on rural roads, it is still important to always wear a helmet, in case of a crash situation. While you may have grown up riding your bike without one, keep in mind that law enforcement did not previously recommend or require them. The larger issue is that many cars today are larger than the cars of years past, which means if you are struck by a vehicle, the force of that impact as well as the likelihood of it happening is much greater.

Bike Lane and Roadway Use in Iowa

Bicyclists must follow the same rules as vehicles when it comes to their position on the roadway. Iowa Code § 321.297 says:
"A person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal and reasonable flow of traffic shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway …"
Iowa Code § 321.297 (emphasis added).
That said, bicyclists are expected to ride the same direction as traffic and not impede the flow of traffic in a significant way. A person riding a bicycle is not considered to be in violation of the law if they are simply slowing down traffic or causing vehicles to slow down. A bicyclist, however, cannot "stop, turn suddenly, decrease speed, increase speed, or change lanes . . . without giving an appropriate signal as necessary under the circumstances." Iowa Code § 321.297.
More importantly, Iowa Code § 321.298 grants bicyclists permission to use the full lane of traffic when:
Keep in mind that your right to use the full lane ends when you reach the edge of the lane or when it becomes unsafe to use the lane.
Simply put, Iowa allows bicyclists to use the entire lane of traffic until there’s a reason not to.

Traffic Lights and Stop Signs

As with any motor vehicle, cyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs on the road. When a cyclist nears an intersection, he or she must be cautious of traffic signals or other markings. Many cyclists operate according to the same rules as a motor vehicle: Cyclists must yield to vehicles and pedestrians with the right-of-way. They are also entitled to the same right-of-way as other vehicles and must follow the same rules and signals. However, cyclists should keep caution because in Iowa, cyclists always have the right-of-way at a stop sign (Code section 321.329). Kansas City Cycling claims that this is not the case nationwide, meaning that some states grant cyclists the same right-of-way as vehicles, and others place them lower. The bottom line is whether in a bike lane or on the road, you must obey traffic signals and signs.

Iowa Right-of-Way Laws for Bicycles

In Iowa, a cyclist is not required to ride in a bicycle lane when such a lane is available. If the lane is available to bike fitments, they must nevertheless ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, unless otherwise directed by their position. The exception is where it is unsafe to do so: where the roadway is too narrow to allow for safe passing, or where there are potential hazards that could affect the safety of the cyclist. Pedestrians have the right of way over cyclists, just as they would over motor vehicles. If a pedestrian has posted signs or signals prohibiting entry, such requirements must be obeyed by a cyclist . As is often the case, however, the requirement only exists up to the point where it makes it unreasonable for the cyclist to enter. Iowans should always follow proper cautions-if it is reasonable to heed traffic signs and signals, they should do so, but if it is not, then they should not feel beholden to do so. In any event, a cyclist must yield the right of way to a pedestrian who is using a public walkway, crossing a roadway, or entering an adjacent or connecting private property. The caveat is that the cyclist must give the pedestrian plenty of room to safely cross.

Iowa Bicycle Equipment Regulations

In Iowa, every bicycle rider is regulated by the laws of Iowa that govern the entire state, in addition to any local ordinances and regulations that may also apply. The law requires that every bicycle be equipped as follows: For every bicycle manufactured after January 1st, 1975, the following equipment requirements are necessary: Every bicycle shall be equipped with at least one and not more than two handlebar brakes which shall be capable of stopping the bicycle within a distance of 15 feet at a speed of ten miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement. Every bicycle shall be equipped with one or more adequate and operable brakes. Each bicycle shall be equipped, at the option of the operator, with any of the following: a. A bell or other warning device on a bicycle which is not otherwise equipped with an audible warning device in working order which is upon a sound producing device other than a horn or bell and which, when sounded from a distance of not less than one hundred feet to an operator or rider of a neighboring vehicle shall impart the same notice of approach as does a signal horn or bell of a bicycle. b. a rearview mirror. Every bicycle shall be equipped with reflecting devices as follows: a. Bicycles manufactured on or after January 1, 1975, shall be equipped with a reflectorized material of sufficient area so as to be visible from a distance of six hundred feet from the rear when directly in front of lawful low beam headlights on a motor vehicle. b. Bicycles manufactured on or after January 1, 1975, shall be equipped with a reflectorized material of sufficient area so as to be visible from a distance of two hundred feet to the front when directly in front of lawful low beam headlights on a motor vehicle. Every bicycle shall be equipped as follows: a. Every bicycle when in use at night shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which emits a white light visible from a distance of five hundred feet to the front. b. Every bicycle when in use at night shall be equipped with a red light, or reflective material, or both, on the rear which shall be visible from a distance of three hundred feet to the rear. Every bicycle manufactured after July 1, 1967, shall be equipped with a chain guard so designed and installed so as to effectively prevent the operator or other person from coming into contact with the moving mechanism.

Fines for Iowa Bicycle Law Violations

Violating the various laws that apply to bicycles in Iowa can result in fines and penalties. Lawmakers routinely increase and escalate potential penalties for violating public safety laws, which means you could face a fine for a given violation even if you didn’t last year. The Law of Increasing Fines and Penalties also finds that the most dangerous violations have the lowest fines.
Most bicycle law violations fall under either:
Departmental regulation violations, which often have fines set by the city or county. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sets the fine for public land violations, and they’re typically very low ($10-$25, but as high as $500 depending on the violation).
State law violations, including Iowa Code Section 321, transportation law violations.
Under Iowa Code Section 321.236, most violations of Chapter 321 are minor infractions with a fine of $26. These include such common violations as speeding and operating without a valid license.
Larger bicycle-related fines exist under Section 321.345, riding a bicycle without a helmet on certain roadways is a fine of $75 to $100.

Safe Cycling Tips for Iowa

By observing these simple safety tips, cyclists in Iowa can comply with the law while also looking out for their own safety: First and foremost, make sure your bike is equipped with lights and reflectors. On all bicycles used for night riding, bright lights (white forward-facing and red rear) are required. In addition, the law requires that a red reflector must be attached to the rear of your bike. Make sure you’re visible at all times. Bright colored clothing and reflective gear are especially important when you’re riding at dawn, dusk, or after dark. Be aware of passing and parked cars. Bicyclists are required to use hand signals at least 100 feet before making any turns or changes of lane . Make sure you have time to signal and look around before you make your turn. When you’re pulling out from a curb or parked car, use caution and make sure the way is clear. Even if you do everything right, always assume drivers won’t see you, and take steps to ensure your own safety. Don’t ride your bike under the influence. This should go without saying, but just as you shouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car after you’ve been drinking, you shouldn’t hop on a bike, either. Police in Iowa are more frequently stopping cyclists suspected of operating their bikes under the influence, and cyclists convicted of DUI face the same penalties as motorists convicted of the same thing.