The City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County are completing a community-driven planning process for the Linn County and Cedar Rapids Trails & Bikeways Plan. Tell us what you think by completing the online questionnaire, interactive mapping survey, and/or attending an in-person event! Learn more about the project and how to provide your feedback by visiting the project webpage.
Ride the Districts Group Bike Ride
June 10, 2023
The annual Ride the Districts Bike Ride will be Saturday, June 10 – departing at 10:00 AM. Please use this registration link to sign up for this free event. Rain date is June 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Weather-related updates will be posted on this webpage.
The 15.1 mile route will begin and end at Ellis Park, 2000 Ellis Blvd. NW (meet near pool).
- Stop 1 – Cherokee Trail Phase 2B update (Wiley Blvd NW and Cherokee Trail)
- Stop 2 - Morgan Creek Park, snacks and update on the Morgan Creek Trail
- Stop 3 - Cherokee Trail Phase III and Phase IV update
View the bike route
Micromobility Program
A bike-share program allows residents to conveniently check out and rent a bike or scooter for short trips, returning them to a designated parking station once they are done. The bikes and scooters are electric assists. Smart transportation is easy to use — locate an e-bike or scooter on the VeoRide app, scan to unlock, and you’re on your way in seconds! Learn MORE HERE.
Bike Symbols
Green Bike Lanes
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What it means: The green increases the visibility of the intersection and alerts motorists and cyclists to potential areas of conflict. Motorists must first yield to cyclists before 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 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.
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.
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 on 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.
Related Links
- Bicycle Advisory Committee Facebook Page
- How to Ride the Bus with your Bike
- Linn County and Cedar Rapids Trails and Bikeways Plan
The City of Cedar Rapids Bicycle Ambassadors are representatives from bicycle clubs, running and triathlon clubs, area businesses, and schools. They plan and volunteer at events, promote bike safety education and encouragement at bicycle-friendly events, and act as liaisons between the cycling community and the Bicycle Advisory Committee. For more information about becoming a bicycle ambassador or volunteering at events, email Traffic Engineering.
Cedar Rapids Area Clubs and Advocacy Organizations
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Bicyclists of Iowa City (BIC) |
BIKEIOWA |
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Corridor Running (f/n/a Cedar Valley Running Assoc) |
Cedar Rapids BMX |
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East Iowa Ski Club (EISC) |
Hawkeye Bicycle Association (HBA) |
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Iowa Bicycle Coalition |
Iowa Bicycle Racing Association |
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Iowa City Cycling Club |
Iowa Coalition of Off-Road Riders (ICORR) |
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Linn County Trails Association (LCTA) |
League of American Bicyclists |
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Midwest Xtreme Triathlon Club |
Marion-Cedar Rapids RHINOs Bike Club |
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University of Iowa Cycling Club (UICC) |
