Bicycle Owner Information

Bicycling in Dubuque

Bicycling is a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation and entertainment enjoyed by many Dubuque residents and visitors alike. Dubuque has a wide range of offerings for bicycle riders, from streets and trails to a BMX course, flat stretches to challenging hills, and even a Rack & Ride Program for combining modes of transportation.

Registration

The Dubuque Code of Ordinances, section 7-7-30, states that "every bicycle owned or ridden within this city shall be registered pursuant to the provisions of this chapter within ten (10) days of the date the bicycle is acquired or the residency of the owner is established."

Registration of bicycles shall be made at the City Clerk's office. Exempt from the registration requirements of this chapter are bicycles in the possession of bicycle dealers and available for sale to others and bicycles owned and operated by nonresidents of the city in competitive events or demonstrations conducted within the city.

Click here for the City Clerk's Bicycle License webpage.

Bicycle owners should maintain a copy of their bicycle's information (make, model, serial number, and registration number) in the event it should be needed, such as for a loss or theft, or for insurance purposes.

Bicycle Safety and Security Information

Always wear an appropriately fitted helmet.
Only ride a bicycle suitable for your size and needs.
Always secure your bike when not in use.
Use appropriate lighting and reflectors and wear bright clothing.
Wear eye protection while riding.
Wear comfortable clothing that will not interfere with the operation or mechanics.
Use hand signals.
Keep both hands on the handlebars.
Obey all applicable traffic/bicycle laws (below).
Ride on the right hand side of the road, with traffic.
Yield and thoroughly survey the area before entering traffic or crossing an intersection.
Do not ride a bicycle while intoxicated or under the influence of any substance.

Sharrows

Sharrows, also known as shared-lane markings, are roadway markings used to remind motorists to share the road. They also serve to guide bicyclists to the best portion of the road to ride on. The don't, however, designate a separate bicycle lane.

Dubuque's Bicycle Laws

The following are highlights from Title 7, Chapter 7 of the Dubuque Code of Ordinances. Please see the code for details.

Bicycles must be equipped with:
- A white light on the front
- A red light on the rear
- A functional brake
- A permanent and regular seat
A bicycle can only be ridden by the number of people it was designed for. Pegs are not intended to carry passengers.
Operators must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
Every person riding a bicycle upon a street shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle except as modified by Title 7, Chapter 7.
No bicyclist shall attach the bicycle or himself to any vehicle.
Every person driving a bicycle shall ride in the right hand through lane of the roadway except:
- When driving in a bicycle lane
- When preparing for a left turn
- When necessary for safety
- When passing on the left
- When on a one-way street, driving in the left through lane
- When driving on a sidewalk as permitted by section 7-7-18
If any person drives a bicycle so slow as to impede or block the normal and legal forward movement of traffic proceeding immediately behind such vehicle, then such person shall drive within the right four feet of the street until such impeded traffic has passed by, except when reasonably necessary for safety. A person driving on a one-way street may satisfy this requirement by driving in the left four feet of the street.

The driver of a bicycle is exempted from giving the hand and arm signal continuously if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle, but it shall be given for a substantial period while stopped waiting to turn.
A bicycle may pass on the right if it is traveling to the right of vehicles stopped or moving in the right hand lane of travel, but the bicycle may not pass the first vehicle stopped at an intersection unless the bicycle is preparing to turn right and the vehicle is not signaling a right turn, nor may the bicycle pass a moving vehicle that is signaling a right turn, nor may the bicycle pass vehicles within an intersection except a vehicle signaling a left turn.
No driver of any bicycle shall pass another vehicle other than a bicycle within the same lane, but any bicycle may pass to the left of a bicycle within the same lane if it is done safely.

Hand Signals

Bicyclists on a street or a bicycle path shall not ride more than two abreast. Bicyclists operating bicycles two abreast on a laned street shall do so within a single lane. Bicyclists operating vehicles two abreast on a street should not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.
A person driving a bicycle upon a sidewalk or in a crosswalk shall yield the right of way to any pedestrian.
No bicyclist shall operate a bicycle recklessly or at a speed faster than is reasonably proper or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of the bicyclist or of any other person.
The owner of a bicycle shall firmly attach the registration sticker or decal to the frame of the bicycle for which issued.
No person shall remove a license sticker or decal from a bicycle except upon transfer of ownership as provided herein.

In the Event of an Accident

If someone is injured, dial 9-1-1 immediately. Other accidents should be reported by calling the non-emergency dispatch number, (563) 589-4415.

Record the following information, and report it to the Dubuque Police Department:

Driver info including name, phone, license plate info (state and plate number)
Insurance company
Time and location of accident
Witness info including, name, phone, email address

Bike Trails
	A current map of bicycle trails is available at www.cityofdubuque.org/trails The Iowa Department of Transportation has regular and mobile versions of an interactive bike map available at: https://iowadot.gov/iowabikes/