State has a Far Right as Practicable Requirement

A bicyclist proceeding more slowly than the normal speed of traffic must ride in the right-hand lane available for traffic, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn. This general "slower traffic keep right" rule applies to bicyclists because Iowa Code § 321.234 gives bicyclists the rights and duties of vehicle drivers.

Allows Two Abreast Riding

Iowa Code does not have a statute that expressly permits or prohibits riding two abreast. Bicyclists are subject to the general lane-use and keep-right rules that apply to vehicles, and a local authority may adopt its own bicycle-operation ordinances, so whether two-abreast riding is permitted can depend on local rules and road conditions.

Single File is Required

Iowa Code does not contain a statewide single-file-riding requirement for bicyclists. As with two-abreast riding, this is left to general traffic rules and any local ordinance a city or county may adopt.

Has a Safe Passing Law

A person operating a motor vehicle may not steer the vehicle unreasonably close to or toward a person riding a bicycle on a highway. Iowa's statute does not set a specific minimum passing distance (such as three feet); it only prohibits passing unreasonably close.

Helmets are required on the road

No statewide bicycle helmet requirement appears in Iowa Code ch. 321. Section 321.235B, which imposes labeling and equipment rules specifically for low-speed electric bicycles, does not include a helmet mandate at any age. Local ordinances may impose one.

If Bike Lanes are present, they are required ( except when unsafe )

No statewide statute requires a bicyclist to use a bike lane or path when one is present. Section 321.236(10) allows a local authority to regulate bicycle operation, provided its regulations do not conflict with § 321.234, but Chapter 321 itself imposes no mandatory-use requirement.

Riders may use the sidewalks

Iowa Code ch. 321 does not itself state whether bicyclists may ride on sidewalks. Section 321.236(10) gives a local authority power to regulate bicycle operation (as long as its rules do not conflict with § 321.234), so sidewalk riding is allowed or restricted at the discretion of each city or county rather than by a uniform statewide default.

Does the Impeding Statute Apply to Bikes

A bicyclist, like any vehicle operator, may not drive at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or is otherwise required by law.

Whether cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs (the "Idaho stop").

Iowa has not adopted an Idaho-style stop-as-yield law. Because bicyclists have the rights and duties of vehicle drivers, they must obey stop signs and yield signs the same way a motor vehicle operator must under § 321.322, which requires a full stop at a stop-controlled intersection before proceeding.

Restrictions exist on e-bikes and usage

Iowa defines low-speed electric bicycles by three classes (§ 321.1(36A)) and regulates them under § 321.235B: manufacturers must label the class, top speed, and motor wattage; the motor must disengage when the rider stops pedaling or brakes; a Class 3 electric bicycle must have a speedometer and may only be operated by a rider at least 16 years old (a younger rider may ride only as a passenger). Qualifying electric bicycles are exempt from vehicle registration, titling, and license requirements and may be ridden anywhere a traditional bicycle may.

Allows the concept of Contributory Negligence that allows any contributory fault resuls in 'no fault'

Iowa uses modified comparative fault, not contributory negligence. A claimant's own fault does not bar recovery unless it exceeds the combined fault attributed to the defendant(s); otherwise, damages are reduced in proportion to the claimant's percentage of fault.