Iowa Bicycle Coalition Submits Share The Road License Plate Applications

On December 31, 2007, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition presented the Iowa Department of Transportation with 550 applications for the new Share The Road license plate. Iowa has become the 24th state to offer a Share The Road specialty plate.

The process began last July with after legislation filed by Sen. Joe Bolkcom (D-Iowa City) to designate a new specialty plate. The DOT stepped forward to sponsor the plate and offered to designate the funding towards bicycle safety education and motorist awareness.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition took the lead to sell the first 500 plates as required before the plates were issued. There was immediate enthusiasm from cyclists across the state. Within weeks, there was a list of over 500 people who said they were interested in the plate before the application was prepared.

Soon, the plates will be available at every county treasurer's office. Numbered plates are available for $35 with a $10 annual renewal fee. Personalized plates with up to 5 characters are available for $60 with a $15 annual renewal fee.

Congratulations to all of the Iowa cyclists who helped make the license plate a success.

Show your love of cycling and help make the roads safer for everyone. Whether you're a competitive racer, daily commuter or recreational rider, the new Share the Road license plate is the ultimate cycling accessory. Transform your car into a bicycling billboard and remind others to share the road every time you drive.

The Iowa DOT has stepped forward to sponsor their first and only specialty plate. But before the plates can be issued, there must be an advance order of 500 plates in one year from the date of application.

What does it cost?
There is a $35 initial fee and a $10 annual fee to the Bicycle Safety Education Fund for numbered plates. If you would like to order personalized plates the fees are: $60 initial fee ($25 plate fee + $35 initial fee) and a $15 annual validation fee ($5 validation fee + $10 annual fee to the Share the Road Fund ).  You can search for personalized plates at the Des Moines Register.

Where do the funds go?
The funds will be available as the Share the Road Fund to:
* Educate motorists on how to safely share the road
* Educate bicyclists on the rules of the road and safe riding
* Educate event directors and bicyclists on best practices for event safety
* Outreach to law enforcement on the rights and responsibilities of motorists and bicyclists