DES MOINES, IOWA (May 3, 2024) — HF 2568 has been signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds in a ceremony at the Iowa Statehouse. The bill was championed by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, AARP Iowa, researchers at the University of Iowa Injury Prevention Research Center, and bike shops and clubs across Iowa. It extends critical protections to benefit everyone who uses crosswalks, including all forms of pedestrians, cyclists, and people using any other mobility device or personal conveyance. The legislation was championed in the Senate by Iowa Senator Mark Lofgren and in the House by Representative Thomas Gerhold.
Luke Hoffman, Executive Director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, said of the bill signing, “Whether you are out on the trails as a cyclist, a person with disabilities in a wheelchair, a senior citizen on an electric scooter, a kid on a skateboard, or a parent with a baby in a stroller, this legislation is a clear victory for all Iowans. We thank Gove Reynolds for signing this bill into law and making Iowa a safer place for everyone who uses our shared roadways and crosswalks.” Hoffman was joined by advocates, partners, and cyclists who are counting on this legislation to increase safety in their daily lives.
Sen Lofgren, who introduced the Crosswalk Protections bill in the Senate, said, “Serving as Chair of the Economic Development Budget Subcommittee for the Senate, I’ve heard many times over how entertainment and cultural events are so important to bringing people to visit and to live in our state. RAGBRAI is one of our more prominent summer events that brings thousands of bicyclists into our state. This new layer of safety and accountability makes a strong statement that we are committed to ensuring safety for our residents and visitors to make Iowa the best place in the country to live, work and play.”
Rep Tom Gerhold, the House bill champion, said, “After working on this bill for a couple years, I am very happy it made it to the Governor’s desk and has now been signed into law. I am very hopeful these new crosswalk protections for folks using strollers, wheelchairs, bicycles, and other conveyances will save lives and prevent accidents in the future.”
The legislation will go into effect on July 1, 2024. Click here for photos from the bill signing.
The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a statewide non-profit organization in Iowa that advocates for safe, enjoyable, and accessible bicycling in Iowa through education, events, better policy, and building a community of supporters. Our vision is that bicycling in Iowa is safe, enjoyable, and accessible for all. You can learn more at Iowabicyclecoalition.org.
