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Chapter 40 – Bicycle and Electric Mobility Device Regulations

(Regents 6/30/95; amended 11/04; 12/06; 8/8/18; 10/18; 5/28/24)

Effective May 28, 2024, this policy has been revised. For individual changes, see the redlined version. 

The university has adopted the following regulations for the operation and parking of bicycles and electric mobility (e-mobility) devices on campus. They have been adopted in accordance with IC 262 and IAC [681]4.

40.1 Bicycle and Electric Mobility Device Operation

(Amended 8/8/18; 5/28/24)
  1. Definitions. For the purpose of these regulations the following definitions will be used.
    1. “Bicycle” means any vehicle having two or three wheels and fully operable pedals and which is a traditional bicycle designed solely to be pedaled by the rider.  
    2. "Electric mobility devices" include any devices or vehicles that use a motor of less than 750 watts (one horsepower) to assist rider. E-mobility devices include electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), hoverboards, electric skateboards, electric skates, single-wheel electric boards, and e-unicycles. They do not include any electronic mobility advice used for ADA accommodations.
    3. "Pedestrian areas" or "slow zones" include any walkway, sidewalk, crosswalk, plaza, patio, play court, parking facility, loading zone, and any other university facility that is intended primarily or partially for use by pedestrians. In pedestrian areas, individuals traveling on foot or in a wheelchair always have the right of way.
    4. "Reckless operation" is defined as operating a bicycle or e-mobility device in such a manner as to indicate either a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
  2. Operation of bicycles and e-mobility devices on public streets. Bicycles and e-mobility devices operated on public streets are governed by the same regulations as motor vehicles and by the Iowa City ordinances regarding the operation of bicycles.
  3. Operation of bicycles and e-mobility devices in pedestrian areas (slow zones).
    1. When riders are within five bicycle lengths of other individuals who are in a wheelchair, walking, bicycling, skating, or skateboarding, they must slow their speed to match the general pace of the pedestrian flow.
    2. Riders must always maintain a minimum of one bicycle-length separation from other individuals in a pedestrian area. If riders are unable to maintain a one-bicycle-length separation, they should proceed no faster than at the pace of a slow walk, or dismount and walk until a legal pass is possible.
    3. When passing, riders should notify others on which side they intend to proceed.
    4. Riders are responsible for the safe operation of their bicycle or e-mobility device at all times. Any "reckless operation"  is not permitted.
  4. Operation of bicycles and e-mobility devices In all other areas.
    1. Bicycles and e-mobility devices are prohibited from being ridden within university buildings.
    2. Bicycles and e-mobility devices are prohibited from being ridden on nonpaved areas such as grass and planting beds, unless otherwise designated as a bicycle trail. 

40.2 Bicycle and Electric Mobility Device Parking

(Amended 5/28/24)
  1. Definitions. For the purpose of these regulations the following definitions will be used.
    1. "Handrail" is any railing intended to provide physical support to a pedestrian.
    2. "Immobilization" of a bicycle or e-mobility device consists of restricting the bicycle or device's use by detaining it at the point of infraction with a university locking device.
    3. "Impoundment" of a bicycle or e-mobility device consists of removing the owner's locking device, transporting the bicycle or e-mobility device to a university facility, and detaining it with a university locking device.
    4. "Street furniture" is any structure or accessory in a university pedestrian area or slow zone designed for the benefit of pedestrians. This includes, but is not limited to, benches, tables, lamp posts, and trash receptacles.
  2. Registration.
    1. A voluntary and free registration program for bicycles and e-mobility devices is offered to all university students, faculty, and staff. Registration is available at the university's Bike Index web page at https://transportation.uiowa.edu/alternative-transportation/bikewalk/bicycle-registration-and-regulations.
    2. Bicycles may also be registered with the cities of Iowa City and Coralville. If these registrations are current and the decal is affixed to the bicycle, the university will accept them in lieu of a university registration.
    3. Placement of registration decal. The registration process is completed when the registration decal is securely and visibly affixed in an easy-to-view area of the bicycle or e-mobility device (i.e., the down- or seat-tube).
    4. An official university bicycle registration decal is valid if the address and ownership given on the registration form is current. Change in ownership of a bicycle or e-mobility device must be reported to the Parking and Transportation office. Proof of change in ownership is required.
  3. Violations.
    1. Bicycles or e-mobility devices attached to, or rested against, trees, shrubs, handrails, handicapped parking meters, or limiting access to, or use of, any university facility may be impounded and/or the owners fined.
    2. Bicycles or e-mobility devices parked inside a university building which is not designated for bicycle parking may be impounded and/or the owners fined.
    3. Bicycles or e-mobility devices bearing proper registration decals which are attached to, or rested against, street furniture may be ticketed or immobilized and the owners fined. If a bicycle or or e-mobility device interferes with the use of the furniture, it may be impounded.
    4. Bicycles or e-mobility devices not bearing proper registration decals which are attached to, or rested against, street furniture may be immobilized and the owners fined. If a bicycle or e-mobility device interferes with the use of the furniture, it may be impounded.
    5. Bicycles or e-mobility devices considered abandoned may be labeled for impending impoundment by placing impoundment tags on the bicycles or e-mobility devices. If a bicycle or device  displays the proper registration decal, an attempt will be made to contact the owner to remove the bicycle or device. If a bicycle or device does not display the proper registration decal, the owner has seven days to contact the Parking and Transportation office from the time the bicycle or device is tagged until the bicycle or device may be impounded.
  4. Fines and fees.
    1. Fines and fees may be assessed against the owner, operator, or registrant of the bicycle or e-mobility device involved in each violation and shall be billed through the University Billing Office.
    2. The person in whose name the bicycle or e-mobility device is registered with the university shall be responsible for all violations attached to the bicycle or device and is thus subject to any and all fines and fees resulting from these violations.
    3. Violations of the regulations may also be enforced by the immobilization and/or impoundment of a bicycle or e-mobility device.
    4. Schedule of fines and fees.
      1. The fine for the first five parking violations in a year will be $5 each. All subsequent violations will be $10 each. Bicycles or e-mobility devices accumulating ten or more violations in a year will be subject to impoundment at the time of each additional infraction. Bicycles or e-mobility devices  will continue to be subject to impoundment until the end of the year if found in violation. Violations are cumulative for the year beginning on August 1 and continuing through July 31.
      2. The fee for immobilization will be $10 for each incident.
      3. The fee for impoundment will be $25 for each incident. Additional storage costs will accrue at $1 per day after the first day of impoundment.
      4. The fine for cutting, removing, or damaging a University of Iowa locking device will be $50.
  5. Immobilization.
    1. Bicycles or e-mobility devices bearing proper registration decals that have been immobilized may be claimed by proving ownership, paying the immobilization fees, and any fines.
    2. Bicycles or e-mobility devices not bearing proper registration decals that have been immobilized may be claimed by proving ownership, registering the bicycle or e-mobility device under a valid name and address, and by paying the appropriate fines and immobilization fees. Immobilization fees for first-time offenders may be waived after immobilized bicycles or e-mobility devices have been registered.
    3. Immobilized bicycles or e-mobility devices not reclaimed after two working days may be impounded.
  6. Impoundment.
    1. Bicycles or e-mobility devices bearing proper registration decals that have been impounded may be claimed by proving ownership, paying the impoundment fees, and any fines.
    2. Bicycles or e-mobility devices not bearing proper registration decals that have been impounded may be claimed by proving ownership, registering the bicycle or e-mobility device under a valid name and address, and by paying the appropriate fines and impoundment fees. Impoundment fees for first-time offenders may be waived after impounded bicycles or e-mobility devices have been registered.
    3. All impounded bicycles or e-mobility devices will be held for 60 days, during which time they may be claimed by the owners upon payment of all outstanding fines and charges. After 60 days, all unclaimed impounded bicycles or e-mobility devices will be deemed abandoned property and sold pursuant to Iowa law, and the proceeds applied to the costs of impoundment, storage, and sale. The balance, if any, shall be sent to the owner, if known.
    4. The university will not pay for locking devices damaged or destroyed during impoundment.
  7. Appeals. Violations may be appealed by first paying the fines and fees, and filing a written appeal with the Parking and Transportation office.