There Were No Laws Protecting Some People on the Road in Iowa City – That All Changed July 1st

A new law in Iowa City is shaking up the rules of the road by expanding the definition of “pedestrian.” This narrow definition meant that drivers were only required to yield to people walking, leaving bicyclists, wheelchair users, and other vulnerable road users (VRUs) without legal protection in crosswalks. Under this updated legislation, the term now covers everyone from bike riders and wheelchair users to people pushing strollers, skating, or scootering. In other words, if you’re in a crosswalk, drivers have to yield to you—no exceptions. 

Failing to yield could lead to trouble

While many drivers were already doing the right thing by yielding, cycling advocates are celebrating this new rule as a significant victory.  Importantly, bicycles are not included in this definition of "Pedestrian," but this change means that drivers are now legally required to yield to individuals using these conveyances in crosswalks, just as they would to people on foot. Under the new legislation, failing to yield to pedestrians can result in a misdemeanor charge. If the failure to yield leads to injuries or fatalities, the offense can escalate to a felony. With these changes, Iowa City is taking a bold step toward safer streets. 

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What are the statistics on pedestrian crashes?

From 2018 to 2023, there were 885 crashes in Iowa involving VRUs such as bicycles, wheelchairs, and other non-motorists in crosswalks. The new legislation aims to address this issue by providing enhanced protection for these individuals and making our roads safer for everyone. 

With these updates, Iowa is taking a bold step toward protecting all road users, but there’s still a long road ahead in the fight for traffic safety.