Andrew Huck
Published: April 15, 2009

DUBUQUE — Spring is here and as the temperatures begin to warm up you will start to see more bicycles on the roads. Iowa bikers hoped to begin this season with some new laws passed that would require drivers to take more precautions when encountering them on the road.

While the bill passed the Iowa Senate it remains stalled in the House unlikely to pass this session. Mark Wyatt, the head of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, sent an email to LCTV13 describing the details of the proposed law. They can be read on our blog.

Local cyclists are disappointed that the bill will not become law this season including Dubuque cyclist David Hartig who spends hours riding his bike.

“We ride three to five times a week,” says Hartig.

As President of Chain Reaction Cycling Club he enjoys mostly positive experiences with drivers on the road.

“Our experiences are good most people acknowledge us, they’re friendly, and they wave,” explains Hartig.

Other cyclists have had different experiences.

“Several of my friends have been hooked into the ditch, been hit by mirrors, been flipped off, been caused,” describes Hartig.

“I’ve been hit a lot of my friends have been hit by cars sometimes it’s by accident,” says Brain Walsh owner of Free Flight.

Brian offers these tips to help you stay safe when riding your bike on the street.

“The first thing you have to have is a helmet, the next thing you need to do is be visible, be seen so dress in bright color clothes, and stay in places where people would expect to see you, and then obey the laws yourself,” says Walsh.

Drivers need to be on the lookout for cyclists on the road.

“Legally speaking and this is nothing new we’ve got a right to be on the road,” says Hartig

David has seen a change in attitude towards cyclists in recent years.”When I was a young guy I road my bike to school every day, not something I feel comfortable would feel comfortable sending a young person out to do anymore.”

There is one reason why cyclists want this bill passed.

“We just want to be protected to the same degree that I would be if I was in my car, says Walsh.

Here are a few useful links about cycling in Iowa:
Full text of bicycle bill
Iowa Bicycle Coalition
Iowa Rules of the Road Bicycle rules are located on page 54.

Andrew Huck can be contacted at Andrew.Huck@lctv13.com