Iowa City Police remind public to "walk your wheels" in Downtown Iowa City
The Iowa City Police Department would like to remind the public that wheeled vehicles such as bicycles, e-scooters, skateboards, mopeds, and similar devices are banned on Downtown Iowa City sidewalks. To help spread the message, 12 "Walk Your Wheels" markings have been added to sidewalk intersections throughout the downtown.
Crowded downtown sidewalks are not a safe place to operate these wheeled devices and users put both themselves and pedestrians at risk of injury when operating on sidewalks. Scooters and skateboards are allowed to use bike lanes and may operate within the streets of downtown, similar to bicycles.
Downtown Iowa City is defined by the boundaries of Capitol Street, Burlington Street, Gilbert Street and Jefferson Street. The ban includes the Pedestrian Mall. Violation of this ordinance is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $15.
Wheelchairs and similar mobility devices for those in need are not subject to this ban.
Learn more about the importance of walking your wheels downtown from ICPD therapy dog, Rosie, in this video.
Additional safety tips for wheeled device users
Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
All wheeled vehicles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
Avoid riding on sidewalks, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Scooters and skateboards are allowed to use bike lanes.
Be mindful of speed: slow to pedestrian speed when entering the street at crosswalks or approaching pedestrians (throttle down and coast).
Be courteous: when approaching pedestrians from behind (or slower-moving scooter-users/bicyclists), indicate your approach by saying, “Passing on your left.”
Be predictable and consistent: ride to the right; do not weave between the sidewalk and roadway.
Lights and reflectors are required when operating in dark conditions. Reflective clothing is highly recommended.
Wear a helmet.
Always be scanning the roadway or path in search of uneven surfaces or other hazards.
Anticipate the need to stop suddenly—it is almost certain someone will walk or roll unexpectedly into your path.
