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RIDE RIGHT Safety Guide
RIDE RIGHTâ
Rules of Safety and Etiquette
This list of
rules for safety and etiquette has been developed as part of an overall
RIDE RIGHTâ
bicycle safety campaign. When combined with the legal rules of the road and
when adhered to by riders, these rules make this event safer and more enjoyable
for everyone. This section outlines these rules and gives some suggestions for
physical preparation.
For additional help, you might also like to visit our new
road signs page!
Ride Safe - Ride
Smart - RIDE RIGHT!
Here's what you need....
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 to 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:
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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. Unclip from your pedals as you prepare to cross
railroad tracks. 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. |
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Designed by Sandy Stachowiak
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