Iowa Quad Cities Communities and Organizations Launch 'Ride Safe 'n Smart' Campaign

August 31, 2026 - Cities, school districts, and healthcare professionals in the Iowa Quad Cities are teaming up to launch a campaign focused on the safe use of electric bikes and scooters on sidewalks and trails. The "Ride Safe 'n Smart" campaign encourages safe speeds, trail etiquette, and education on what devices are allowed on public sidewalks and trails.

Participating organizations include:

• City of Bettendorf
• City of Davenport
• City of Eldridge
• City of LeClaire
• Scott County
• Bettendorf Community School District
• Davenport Community School District
• North Scott Community School District
• Pleasant Valley Community School District
• UnityPoint Health-Trinity

"E-bikes and e-scooters can be a fun and convenient way to get around, but it's important to remember that they are motorized vehicles that can reach high speeds," said Zac Rasmussen, MD, Emergency Department Medical Director, UnityPoint Health-Trinity. "Wearing the proper helmet, staying alert, following traffic laws, and maintaining your device can greatly reduce your risk of injury. We want everyone to enjoy riding safely and avoid a trip to the emergency department."

The campaign launch includes the placement of three billboards in Davenport and Bettendorf, reminding people to slow down and stay alert when riding electric bikes
and scooters. To support the campaign, each participating organization will do its part to share safety messages on its website, social media pages, and printed materials. While individual cities may enact different ordinances regarding electric bike and scooter use, the common goal is to make our streets, sidewalks, and trails safer for cyclists, pedestrians, and fellow riders alike.

"As electric devices become more common and accessible, we have seen a significant increase in activity on our trails, sidewalks, and streets," said John Byrnes, Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Director. "These devices allow for greater mobility, specifically for our youth, than we have ever seen. The goal of this education campaign is to build a positive culture around the safe and appropriate use of electric devices on trails and sidewalks while addressing the unique safety considerations that come with increased speeds, particularly among younger users."

The Ride Safe 'n Smart campaign is an expansion of a campaign that started earlier this year in the Des Moines metro area.

"Expanding this message to our side of the state recognizes that our trails don't stop at city lines," said Becca Niles, Davenport Parks and Recreation Interim Director. "Our trail network connects communities across the Quad Cities and extends throughout Iowa, making safe riding a regional issue, not just a local one. "

Six simple ways to ride safe and smart:

1. Ride right, pass left. Stay on the right side of the trail. Pass others on the left.
2. Speak up before you pass. Announce yourself by saying "On your left! " to make others aware.
3. Pedestrians always have the right -of -way. Riders should slow down, yield, and pass with care on sidewalks, trails, and crosswalks.
4. Slow down. Even if your e-bike or scooter can go fast, ride at a speed that gives you time to react to people, pets, and turns.
5. Look both ways. Stop and look before you cross the street, enter an intersection , or turn onto another trail or sidewalk.
6. Be visible. Make sure people can see you, day or night. Use bike lights or reflective gear.