A bill requiring drivers to yield the right-of-way to cyclists, wheelchair users and other crosswalk users who aren't on foot is heading to the desk of Gov. Kim Reynolds after the Iowa Senate approved it unanimously on Wednesday.
The House passed House File 2568 on Feb. 29. Backed by Luke Hoffman, Iowa Bicycle Coalition executive director, the bill amends the definition of a pedestrian under state law to include not only people on foot but "a person using a pedestrian conveyance." It requires drivers to yield to people using "human-powered" devices, including bicycles, wheelchairs, strollers, skateboards, scooters or other "low-speed" devices, including 750-watt-or-less electric bicycles.
The bill was scheduled for a Senate vote last week, but was tabled after resistance. There was no debate before Wednesday's vote.