Bicycles and Pedestrians

As a Healthy Hometown community, Cedar Rapids continues to focus on permanent environmental and policy changes that will support quality of life issues such as easy movement. Bike-friendly communities also attract a younger workforce and more diverse retail.

Under Iowa law, bicyclists have a right to use the road and, at the same time, bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motorists.

Bike Symbols

Green Bike Lanes

What it means: The green increases visibility of the intersection and alerts motorists and cyclists to potential areas of conflict. Motorists must first yield to cyclists prior to passing through a green bike lane. Learn more about green bike lanes.
Where to find them: Visible on 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue SE, and 42nd Street NE.

Sharrows & Super Sharrows

What it means: Indicates a “Shared Use Lane.” Helps identify where people riding bikes should safely be positioned on the road in order to avoid “dooring,” and reminds drivers to watch for bikes. Motorists may drive their vehicles as normal but should give cyclists at least three feet when passing.
Where to find them: Sharrows are visible on Bever Avenue SE. Super Sharrows are visible on 4th Avenue SE.

Protected Bike Lanes

What it means: A cyclist is protected from the travel lane by planters, curbs, or parked vehicles. Protected bike lanes separate cyclists from moving vehicles, create a more comfortable experience for those riding bikes, and decrease incidents of “dooring.” More info on the benefits of protected bike lanes can be found on PeopleforBikes.Org
Where to find them: A parking protected bike lane appears on 3rd Avenue, between 6th Street SW and 3rd Street SE.

How do Protected Bike Lanes Work?

Making Turns

For Motorists: Entering Bike Lanes
After yielding to bikes, drivers may use the bike lane to make turns or other maneuvers. It's okay for drivers to enter bike lanes:

When making a right-hand turn up to 50 feet from the intersection (approximately 2 parallel parking spaces)
When they are pulling into driveways
When they are crossing the bike lane to park.
Buses can also temporarily move into the green bike lane when dropping off and picking up passengers.
Drivers must yield to cyclists

For Cyclists: Using Green Turn Box
The bike lanes on 3rd Avenue SE include a green turn box at intersections. Green turn boxes assist cyclists in making safe left-hand turns. Instructions for making a left-hand turn on a bike:

When approaching the intersection, pull forward and position yourself in the green turn box.
Wait at the green box until the next green light, then pull forward and continue through the intersection.

Diagram showing left hand turns

QUESTIONS? EMAIL TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

The Bicycle Advisory Committee
The Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) was established in 2008, and provides an opportunity for residents and organizations to discuss upcoming bike facility projects, plan events that bring cyclists together, and bring attention to issues. The committee meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m. at the City Services Center (500 15th Avenue SW).
Members include City traffic engineering and police department bike patrol staff, bike shop owners and managers, bike club members, and a local League of American Bicyclists Cycling instructor. The Committee’s goal is for the City of Cedar Rapids to become a Bicycle Friendly Community.

The City Council approved Action Plan is the City’s guide to becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community. The Action Plan includes action items in all of the 5 E's categories. The Comprehensive Trails Plan (CTP) will incorporate the Action Plan and the Priority Trails Plan.

Email Traffic Engineering to request information, report a concern to the Bicycle Advisory Committee, or subscribe to The Bike Lane monthly email newsletter and receive updates on trails throughout the metro area.

Bicycles and Pedestrians

Public Works

Making Turns