Last week, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition and its Safe Routes to School program proudly participated in the 33rd Annual Traffic Safety Conference, hosted by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) this past week, at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny.
Bringing “Walk, Roll & Ride” to the Table
The Conference is a premier gathering for traffic safety experts across local, state, and federal levels, offering workshops, keynote sessions, and vendor networking. It’s a prime venue for sharing successful community programs—and our presence truly highlighted how active transportation is integral to safer road systems.
New Hands‑Free Driving Law: A Game-Changer for Safety
A major highlight this year is Iowa’s newly signed Hands‑Free Bill (Senate File 22), which takes effect on July 1, 2025. This law prohibits the use of handheld cellphones or electronic devices while driving unless they’re in voice‑activated or hands‑free mode. Officials will issue warnings during the first six months, and beginning January 1, 2026, violations will carry a $100 fine—rising to $500 or $1,000 if serious injury or death occurs. The law passed nearly unanimously and is designed to close enforcement loopholes by expanding beyond just texting bans—it truly embodies the “seatbelt law of our generation.” The Iowa Bicycle Coalition was a vocal advocate in this effort, working for nearly seven years to get it passed and help make roads safer for everyone. apnews.com+13dailyiowan.com+13governor.iowa.gov+13
Showcasing Safe Routes Impact
Our team hosted an exhibit booth and connected with fellow advocates, city planners, and law enforcement. We highlighted:
- Our record-setting Walk Bike Roll to School 2025, with over 130 schools participating, encouraging healthy habits and reducing traffic congestion.
- Low-cost initiatives from our toolkit—ranging from walking school buses and bike rodeos to high‑visibility crosswalk painting—that schools and communities can implement right now.
Empowering Educators & Planners
Beyond showcases and discussions, we attended workshops on creating effective safety task forces, high‑visibility enforcement, and “roadside manners” for law enforcement. Networking with officers and policy-makers helped reinforce the messaging: community-based active transportation is a powerful part of traffic safety culture.
Thank You!
Huge thanks to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau for hosting the Conference, to Iowa DOT and law enforcement partners for their leadership.
Together—with stronger laws, smarter design, and more walking and biking—we’re steering Iowa toward a future where every child can safely walk, bike, or roll to school.
Iowa Safe Routes to School is funded through a matching grant, help us raise our 20% of the grant right here to continue our efforts to expand active transportation opportunities across the state. Thank you.