Ames, IA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Roadway riding position
- as near right-hand side as practicable
- Abreast limit
- two riders, except reserved bike paths
- First violation penalty
- $50 municipal infraction
- Repeat violation penalty
- $100
- Alternative charge
- simple misdemeanor by peace officer
Summary
In the City of Ames, Iowa, cyclists on roadways must ride as near the right-hand side as practicable, may not ride more than two abreast except on paths reserved for bicycles, and must yield to cross traffic when entering a roadway from a bicycle path. Riders on lane-designated bike paths must obey the same traffic-control signals and signs that apply to vehicles.
Sec. 4.8. RIDING ON ROADWAYS, SIDEWALKS, BICYCLE PATHS. (1) Every person operating a bicycle, tricycle, unicycle or personal transportation devices upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right-hand side of the roadway as practicable and safe, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. (2) Persons riding bicycles, tricycles, unicycles or personal transportation devices upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Single file when traffic is heavy. (3) Persons riding bicycles, tricycles, or unicycles or personal transportation device upon a bicycle path not affixed to a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicular traffic traveling on the public roadways which intersect with the bicycle path.
Full Breakdown
Ames Municipal Code Sec. 4.8 governs riding on roadways, sidewalks and bicycle paths. Subsection (1) requires every person operating a bicycle, tricycle, unicycle or personal transportation device on a roadway to ride as near the right-hand side as practicable and safe, exercising due care passing a standing or same-direction vehicle. Subsection (2) limits riders to two abreast on a roadway except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, and requires single file when traffic is heavy. Subsection (3) requires riders on a bicycle path not affixed to a roadway to yield the right-of-way to vehicular traffic on intersecting public roadways, while riders on a bicycle path that is a designated lane or part of a roadway must obey official traffic-control signals, signs and other devices applicable to vehicles.
Subsection (4) bars powered motor vehicles, motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds or motorized bicycles from any sidewalk or bike path separated from the roadway, except golf carts on three specifically described bike-path segments near Jack Trice Stadium, Beach Avenue and Center Drive. The section traces to Ord. No. 800 and was last amended by Ord. No. 4584 on 01-27-26.
Violations & Fines
Ames Municipal Code Sec. 4.22 makes a violation of any provision of Chapter 4, Bicycles and Personal Transportation Devices, a municipal infraction punishable by $50 for a first violation and $100 for each repeat violation, or the City may instead charge the violation as a simple misdemeanor through a peace officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can cyclists ride side by side on Ames roadways?
Do golf carts belong on Ames bike paths?
What happens if I violate Ames bicycle riding rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ames
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