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Bike Lane Pilot Project
As an extension of the Move DBQ Smart Parking and Mobility Study, and as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to enhance affordable transportation options and promote a healthier, more sustainable community, bike lanes were installed in downtown Dubuque in 2024.
This bike lane pilot project included a westbound bike lane on 10th Street and an eastbound bike lane on 9th Street. The routes for the bike lane project were determined following engineering analysis and a significant community engagement campaign. Both streets utilize a combination of shared bike lanes (bicyclists ride in mixed traffic) and conventional painted bike lanes (bicyclists ride in a dedicated/exclusive space).
10th Street Bike Lane
The westbound shared bike lane begins at Elm Street in the Millwork District and continues to Jackson Street. From Jackson Street to Main Street, it is a conventional bike lane. It then continues south as a shared bike lane from Main Street to 8th Street, and then west on 8th Street to Bluff Street.
9th Street Bike Lane:
The eastbound conventional bike lane starts on 9th Street at the Bluff Street intersection, and then continues east all the way to White Street, where it changes to a shared bike lane, and transitions back to a conventional bike lane at Washington Street until it ends at the 9th & Elm Street intersection.
Project Area Maps
- Overall Area Map
- 8th Street: Bluff St. to Main St. & Main Street: 8th St. to 10th St.
- 9th Street: Bluff St. to Locust St. & Locust St. to Main St.
9th Street: Main St. to Iowa St. & Iowa St. to Central Ave. - 9th Street: Central Ave. to White St. & White St. to Jackson St.
9th Street: Jackson St. to Washington St. & Washington St. to East - 9th Street: East of Washington St. to Elm St.
- 10th Street: Main St. to Iowa St. & Iowa St. to Central Ave.
10th Street: Central Ave. to White St. & White St. to Jackson St. - 10th Street: Jackson St. to Washington St. & Washington St. to East
10th Street: East of Washington St. to Elm St.
Types of Bike Lanes
Two types of bike lanes were installed as part of the bike lane pilot program:
Conventional Painted Bike Lanes
Conventional bike lanes are dedicated spaces in the street for bicyclists to operate one-way on the roadway. They include a solid white stripe between the general travel lane and the bike lane and are marked by a bicyclist symbol and arrow indicating the direction of travel.
Bike lanes are typically on the right side of the street, between the adjacent travel lane and curb, road edge, or parking lane. Note, bicyclists may need to leave the bike lane to pass other bicyclists, make left turns, avoid obstacles or debris, and avoid other conflicts with other users of the street.
Shared Bike Lanes or Sharrows
Shared lane markings, also known as sharrows, are markings in the street that look like a bicycle and two chevrons. It informs drivers and bicyclists that the roadway should be shared by all users. Motorists should expect to see bicyclists on the street. Bicyclists use sharrows to help guide where to ride in the lane.
Tips for Better Biking
- Visit the League of American Bicyclists for more tips on safely riding your bike in traffic and sharing the road with cars.
- Learn more about bicycle laws in Iowa and Dubuque.
Tips for Motorists
Why Bike Lanes Matter
Bike lanes play a crucial role in creating a safer and more accessible urban environment. They provide dedicated space for cyclists, encourage active transportation, and help reduce traffic congestion. Expanding bicycle and pedestrian connections is also listed as a Transportation Objective in the City’s Imagine Dubuque Comprehensive Plan.
The City’s goal is to create over time a low-stress bike network that appeals to people of all ages and experience levels. This network will include on-street and off-street bike routes designed to reduce traffic stress and encourage cycling.
If you have questions or comments regarding this pilot project, contact City of Dubuque Engineering at 563-589-4270.