1. The
RIGHT stuff
Keep
your bicycle in good repair.
Have it readied for RAGBRAI, and then keep it safe to operate.
It is especially important to make sure your brakes work
well.
|
2. The
RIGHT gear
Wear
a protective helmet.
It is estimated that 85 % of bicycling
accidents result in injury to the face or head.
Wear
bright clothing
to be noticed.
At night,
wear light-colored clothing
and have a bright headlight
and taillight. Better yet, don't ride at night on
RAGBRAI.
|
3. The
RIGHT communications
Signal
turns and stops.
The law says you must, but this point can't be emphasized
enough. Most accidents on RAGBRAI involve two or more bicycles
and most are the result of riders not letting others know
of their intentions.
Sound
off when passing.
Use phrases such as "on your left," "on your
right," or "coming through the middle."
|
4. The
RIGHT riding
When
stopping along the RAGBRAI routes,
let those behind know of your plans. Make sure no bicycles
or motor vehicles are immediately behind you when you stop.
Stop at the right edge of the roadway and immediately move
to the shoulder. Stay clear of the roadway, and park completely
off of the roadway to make repairs, rest, visit, etc.
Stopping is especially dangerous at the crest of a hill
or on a curve, so be careful.
Don't
weave.
Ride in a straight line to make it easier for those riding
behind you.
Don't
draft.
Drafting (similar a pace-line) in a crowd is dangerous to
yourself and others around you. There is no place for it
on RAGBRAI. Likewise, drafting vehicles is also dangerous
and will not be tolerated on RAGBRAI.
Ride
to the right.
Leave room for others to pass on your left. There have been
many close calls and at least one serious accident because
a passing rider was forced into the opposite lane.
When
turning,
turn left from the center of the roadway, turn right from
along the curb or shoulder, and stay to the right
|
5. The
legal RIGHT
Obey
traffic laws.
In Iowa, bicyclists enjoy the same rights as motorists.
In accepting those rights, bicyclists also assume the responsibilities
for riding in a safe and legal manner by:
|
6. The
RIGHT frame
of mind
Stay
alert
and use your brain when you ride. You must be constantly
thinking and aware of what's going on around you.
Pace
yourself.
RAGBRAI is not a race. It is a touring bicycle ride across
the state of Iowa. Not all riders travel at the same speed,
so don't try to keep up with someone who rides too fast
for you. Riding too fast or in too high a gear is
tough on your knees, heart and lungs.
|
7. The
RIGHT abilities
Do NOT drink
alcohol and ride.
|
8. The
RIGHT attitude
Be considerate.
The bicycling skills of those participating in RAGBRAI cover
the full range of the spectrum. Each rider must look out
for someone else, as well as for himself.
Be a
predictable rider.
Don't keep other bicyclists and motorists guessing about
what your next move will be. A predictable rider is a safe
rider.
Be courteous
to passing vehicles and other bicyclists. Instead of riding
several abreast, go single file and let those behind you
pass.
Cooperate
with RAGBRAI officials.
State troopers and other law enforcement personnel will
be present at busy intersections. Obey their signals.
Please
stay on the marked route.
The RAGBRAI route has been selected for your
safety. Services are not available to you if you are off
the route.
|
9. The
RIGHT attention
Keep
your head up and your ears open.
Do not wear radio headphones while riding!
Give
the right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
Pull to the right and stop if you hear a siren.
Beware
of loose gravel and watch for debris on the pavement.
Trucks carrying sand, gravel and rock often spill some at
intersections. It is sometimes necessary for RAGBRAI to
take unpaved stretches of road in order to avoid busy highways.
Take extra care on unpaved roads, watching for loose gravel,
rocks, soft spots, holes and ruts.
Avoid
wide cracks in the pavement.
Narrow bicycle tires can easily get caught in wide cracks.
Be especially careful on roadways paved with concrete. Center
cracks on concrete roads are dangerous.
Look
out for railroad tracks
and cross them at right angles. There are fewer tracks these
days, but there are still rough tracks and some at bad angles.
Raise yourself off your seat and stand on your pedals to
absorb the shock and lower the center of gravity. Watch
out for other riders and let those behind know of your intentions.
Angled tracks and low shoulders are major causes of accidents.
|
10. The
RIGHT condition
Get yourself
in good physical shape.
RAGBRAI is a ride totaling about 500 miles over seven days.
The longest day is about 100 miles. You should be in good
shape and capable of riding those distances before you come
on the ride. A good way to get ready is to join a local
bicycling club. A sports health clinic can also provide
you with suggestions for a good conditioning program.
Eat and
drink frequently.
Rather than loading up once in the middle of the day, stop
frequently for fluids and food. Carry water with you.
|
