Explanation:
House File 2568 is a proposed legislation that would require motorists to yield to bicyclists and pedestrians in crosswalks. Currently, the Iowa Code only requires motorists to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. The bill aims to promote safer roads for all users, reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians, and create a more welcoming environment for non-motorized transportation in Iowa. By ensuring that drivers yield to bicyclists and pedestrians, House File 2568 would improve the overall safety and experience of Iowa’s roadways for everyone.
Need:
- Total Crashes 2010-2020 involving bicyclists at marked or unmarked crosswalks: 2,034
- Fatalities: 13
- Serious Injuries: 175
- Minor Injuries: 1,044
- Possible Injuries: 862
Source: Iowa DOT
Sixteen states in the US require motorists to yield to bicyclists. The remaining states do not address the issue. Close to home, Minnesota, Nebraska, Illinois, and Wisconsin require motorists to yield to bicyclists.
Take Action:
Advocates are urged to take action and contact their legislators in support of House File 2568. By taking a few minutes to send a personal message or email to their legislator, attending a legislative public forum, or taking their legislator out for a coffee, advocates can make a real difference in the safety of Iowa’s roads for cyclists and pedestrians. Advocates are encouraged to take action today and help make Iowa a safer place for all.
Current Bills:
We are thrilled to share that House File 2568, which would require motorists to yield to bicyclists and pedestrians in crosswalks, has recently passed subcommittee. This is a major step forward in ensuring the safety of Iowa’s roads for all users. The bill will now move forward to the full committee for further review and discussion. We urge you to take action and contact your legislator in support of House File 2568 to help make Iowa a safer place for everyone on the roads.
Language:
§321.327 Pedestrians’ right-of-way.
- Where traffic-control signals are not in place or in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield, to a pedestrian or bicyclist crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
Other Legislation:
Return to our legislative page
Support Iowa Bicycle Advocacy:
When you bicycle on Iowa’s trails or roadways, you want an enjoyable ride taking you safely to your destination. We work to make Iowa bicycling safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all. Please consider giving today with credit cards, gifts of stock, or donor-advised funds on our donation page.
