Des Moines, IA Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 114-688
- Turn-prep distance
- 200 feet from intersection
- Motor vehicle entry
- park, cross, or turn only
- Applies to
- Des Moines city streets only
Summary
Cyclists must ride within marked bike lanes on Des Moines streets, and drivers may only enter one to park, cross it, or turn within 200 feet of an intersection.
(a)Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway moving in the same direction may ride within the bicycle lane.(b)Any person operating a bicycle within a bicycle lane may move out of the lane when overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if such overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane.(c)No person operating a bicycle shall leave a bicycle lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal.(d)No person shall drive a motor vehicle in a bicycle lane established on a roadway except as follows:(1)To park where parking is permitted.(2)To enter or leave the roadway.(3)To prepare for a turn within a distance of 200 feet from the intersection. (O.15,083)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Des Moines Municipal Code § 114-688 requires a cyclist riding in the same direction as traffic to use a marked bicycle lane when one exists, though a rider may leave it to pass another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian if it can't be done safely inside the lane, and must signal before merging back into the roadway. The same section bars motor vehicles from driving in a bike lane except to park where parking is allowed, to enter or exit the roadway, or to line up for a turn within 200 feet of an intersection. Violations fall under the city's general traffic-ordinance enforcement in Chapter 114.
Violations & Fines
Riding outside a marked bike lane without a safety reason, failing to signal before leaving one, or driving/parking a motor vehicle in a bike lane outside the three listed exceptions is a municipal infraction cited under Chapter 114.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in a Des Moines bike lane to parallel park?
Do these rules apply in West Des Moines or Urbandale too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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