Chapter 76

CHAPTER 76

BICYCLE REGULATIONS

76.01 Scope of Regulations
76.02 Traffic Code Applies
76.03 Double Riding Restricted
76.04 Two Abreast Limit
76.05 Bicycle Paths
76.06 Speed
76.07 Emerging from Alley or Driveway
76.08 Carrying Articles
76.09 Riding on Sidewalks
76.10 Towing
76.11 Improper Riding
76.12 Parking
76.13 Owner’s Consent Required for Use
76.14 Equipment Requirements
76.15 Special Penalty

76.01 SCOPE OF REGULATIONS. These regulations shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any street or upon any public path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, subject to those exceptions stated herein. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])

76.02 TRAFFIC CODE APPLIES. Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by the laws of the State declaring rules of the road applicable to vehicles or by the traffic code of the City applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. Whenever such person dismounts from a bicycle the person shall be subject to all regulations applicable to pedestrians. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.234)

76.03 DOUBLE RIDING RESTRICTED. A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto. No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.234 [3 and 4])

76.04 TWO ABREAST LIMIT. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. All bicycles ridden on the roadway shall be kept to the right and shall be operated as near as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])

76.05 BICYCLE PATHS. Whenever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])

76.06 SPEED. No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])

76.07 EMERGING FROM ALLEY OR DRIVEWAY. The operator of a bicycle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall, upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway, yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on said sidewalk or sidewalk area, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on said roadway. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])

76.08 CARRYING ARTICLES. No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])

76.09 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS. The following regulations apply to the operation of coasters, skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates and similar devices as well as bicycles:

Business District. No person shall ride a bicycle or use coasters, skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates and similar devices upon a sidewalk within the Business District, as defined in Section 60.02(1) of this Code of Ordinances. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])
Other Locations. When signs are erected on any sidewalk or roadway prohibiting the riding of bicycles thereon by any person, no person shall disobey the signs. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])
Yield Right-of-way. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle or using coasters, skateboards, roller skates, in-line skates and similar devices upon a sidewalk, such person shall exercise due and proper care at all times and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])

76.10 TOWING. It is unlawful for any person riding a bicycle to be towed or to tow any other vehicle upon the streets of the City unless the vehicle is manufactured for such use.

76.11 IMPROPER RIDING. No person shall ride a bicycle in an irregular or reckless manner such as zigzagging, stunting, speeding or otherwise so as to disregard the safety of the operator or others.

76.12 PARKING. No person shall park a bicycle upon a street other than upon the roadway against the curb or upon the sidewalk in a rack to support the bicycle or against a building or at the curb, in such a manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.† (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])

76.13 OWNER’S CONSENT REQUIRED FOR USE. It is unlawful for any person to use or operate any bicycle within the City without the consent of the owner.

76.14 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS. Every person riding a bicycle shall be responsible for providing and using equipment as provided herein:

Lamps Required. Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least three hundred (300) feet to the front and with a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear except that a red reflector on the rear, of a type which shall be visible from all distances from fifty (50) feet to 300 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle, may be used in lieu of a rear light. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.397)
Brakes Required. Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. (Code of Iowa, Sec. 321.236 [10])

76.15 SPECIAL PENALTY. Any person violating the provisions of this chapter may, in lieu of the scheduled fine for bicyclists or standard penalty provided for violations of the Code of Ordinances, allow the person’s bicycle to be impounded by the City for not less than five (5) days for the first offense, ten (10) days for a second offense and thirty (30) days for a third offense.