Cedar Rapids gets Iowa’s first permanent green bike lane

CEDAR RAPIDS - Iowa's first permanent green bike lane was painted on Thursday in Cedar Rapids.

The city was also the first to test green bike lanes in June, painting a 50 square foot green section on Third Avenue Southeast.

Clearly marked bike lanes increase safety for drivers and cyclists, Emily Muhlbach, communications coordinator for the City of Cedar Rapids, said.

'Green bike lanes help call attention to areas where cyclists may be driving. So it enhances safety, promotes connectivity and gives cyclists a good designated place to travel on the roads,” Muhlbach added.

After yielding to bicyclists, drivers can use the green bike lane when making a right turn, pulling into driveways or crossing the bike lane to park.

The green paint includes anti-skid additives and will not require maintenance for 4 to 5 years, Muhlbach said.