The Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments is an association of local governments that is committed to identifying, securing, and coordinating local, regional, and federal government projects and programs for the enhancement of our region and member communities.

Park Avenue Green Bike Lanes

The first green painted bike lanes in the Black Hawk County metro have been installed on Park Avenue in Waterloo, from Franklin Street to the new Park Avenue Bridge! The new design will make the bike lanes easy to see, creating a “Greenway” through the heart of downtown. The project seeks to minimize conflicts between cyclists and motorists, enhancing safety and improving the overall roadway experience for everyone. Plans are in place to extend the green bike lanes south to South Street in conjunction with future reconstruction or pavement rehab of Park Avenue, with the exact timing to be determined.

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What are Green Bike Lanes?

Brightly colored sections of the road designated for cyclists. Their purpose is to enhance visibility, clearly mark where cyclists should ride, and alert drivers to the presence of bike traffic. For bicyclists, they provide a safer, more defined space to travel. For motorists, they serve as a reminder to watch for cyclists and reduce conflicts at intersections and other areas of shared roadway.

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Community Benefits

• Promotes the multi-modal nature of a corridor
• Increases the visibility of bicyclists
• Discourages illegal parking in the bike lane
• Raises motorist & cyclist awareness in potential conflict points
• Increases bicyclist comfort though clearly delineated space
• Increases motorist yielding behavior
• Helps reduce bicycle conflicts with turning motorists

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Nationwide Examples

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Point of Contact

For questions about the project, contact Nick Fratzke.