Bicycles and Pedestrians
As a Blues Zones 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
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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.
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Where to find them: Visible on 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue SE, and 42nd Street NE.
Sharrows & Super Sharrows
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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.
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Where to find them: Sharrows are visible on Bever Avenue SE. Super Sharrows are visible on 4th Avenue SE.
Protected Bike Lanes
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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
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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.
