An image forming apparatus having a print member for forming an image on a recording sheet while reciprocating in a predetermined direction includes a pair of conveyance rollers and a separating member for separating the of conveyance rollers from one another. A control lever for controlling the separating member is provided as is a changeover element for permitting the control lever to rotate when said print member moves in a predetermined direction and is not located at an interference area in which the print member would collide with the conveyance rollers if they were separated, and for prohibiting the control lever from rotating when the print member is located at the interference area.