CLIVE, Iowa (AP) – Efforts to increase speed limits on Iowa freeways and rural roads failed in the Legislature this year amid safety concerns, but officials acknowledged such moves are popular with drivers and likely will come before lawmakers again.

Several bills were introduced in the state House this session, but all died before votes by a full committee. One measure would have allowed speed limits of 75 mph on some stretches of interstate freeways, up from the current 70 mph. Two other bills aimed to raise speed limits on some rural, two-lane roads from the current 55 mph limit.

Lawmakers on the House Transportation Committee ended up having more questions than answers, including concerns about safety and cost.  But some truckers seemed ready for the higher speeds allowed in states neighboring Iowa.

Spring arrives this weekend and while the weather is still far from being springlike, soon, Iowans will be zipping around on their bicycles. A new survey finds many Iowans who enjoy pedaling their two-wheelers could use a refresher course in cycling laws. Gail Weinholzer, spokeswoman for Triple-A-Iowa, says the results were something of a surprise.

“We asked people how confident they were knowing the bike laws in their state,” Weinholzer says. “Apparently, only 61% of all Iowans feel comfortable that they know the bike laws in the state of Iowa.” Studies find that wearing a bicycle helmet can prevent 85-percent of all traumatic brain injuries in cycling accidents, but many Iowans don’t bother to buckle one on.

“There isn’t a helmet law, but we did ask them how often they wear a helmet,” Weinholzer says. “Only 58% of Iowans actually admitted to wearing a helmet some of the time.” Before pumping up the tires and heading out on the trail for the first time, she suggests cycling enthusiasts review the safety recommendations and familiarize themselves with the laws.

“The most important thing I would remind people, if they’re biking on roadways, you bike with traffic,” Weinholzer says. “Many times, people think they should be riding into traffic, but that typically has more to do with pedestrians. Make sure you obey all of the traffic safety laws that other vehicles need to obey. You’re not exempt. You still have to stop for stop signs and red lights and those sorts of things.”

For more tips on choosing a bike and helmet, as well as maintaining and riding a bike, download Bike Basics – The AAA Guide to a Great Ride here:

http://exchange.aaa.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/AAA-Bike-Basics.pdf

(Radio Iowa)

A traffic stop late Friday night in Montgomery County resulted in the arrest of a Villisca man on a charge of OWI/2nd offense. 29-year old Anthony Duane Pond was taken into custody just before midnight in the 300 block of E. High Street, in Villisca. Pond was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $2,000 bond.