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Tripoli, Iowa...
RAGBRAI® XXVII
the Breakfast Stop...July 29, 1999
...just where is Tripoli, anyhow?...click!

 

Please Practice Safe & Sane Cycling!...
The person most responsible for your safety is...YOU!
The following material is presented in the interests of safey and, we believe, constitutes sensible practices. These safety points and reminders are from material provided the Tripoli RAGBRAI Committee by RIDE RIGHT®. For more information on safety and related issues, we refer you to the Iowa State Patrol and to RAGBRAI, The Des Moines Register, PO Box 622, Des Moines, IA 50303. E.mail should be addressed to jmg@ragbrai.org and we also recommend you visit the official RAGBRAI web site at www.ragbrai.org, if you have not done so, already.

RIDE RIGHT Tips & Hints for Safe Cycling!
(From RIDE RIGHT® materials developed by The Des Moines Register)

1. The RIGHT stuff.
Your bike is in good working condition and safe to operate.

2. The RIGHT gear.
You wear a helmet and gloves, use a mirror, and have securely fastened other items such as water bottles to your bike.

3. The RIGHT communications.
You communicate and signal to other riders, i.e., "on your left," "pulling off," etc.

4. The RIGHT riding.
You do not draft, jump out in front of others, etc.

5. The legal RIGHT.
You obey the laws.

6. The RIGHT frame of mind.
You think when you ride. You're alert when stopping and move off the traveled portion of the road.

7. The RIGHT abilities.
You do not drink and ride.

8. The RIGHT attitude.
You ride with courtesy and keep a passing lane open.

9. The RIGHT attention.
You keep your head up and your ears open. You do not wear radio headphones while riding.

10. The RIGHT condition.
You eat right, train right, and drink right.
(plenty of water)

 

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SHARE THE ROAD: Things to Think About!

Bikes & Big Trucks

What cyclists need to know about professional drives:

• Because bicycles are vehicles, truck driver expect cyclists to obey the same traffic laws as motorists.
• If cycling behind a truck, stay back and position your bike slightly right within the lane so you can have a clear view of the truck's mirrors.
• When a semi-trailer passes, don't assume the road is clear: There may be a second trailer or "pup."
• In city traffic, pay special attention to a truck's turn signals. If a truck is turning right, don't even think about cutting around on the right.
• The bigger the truck:
  --the larger the blind spots.
  --the more room required to maneuver.
  --the longer it takes to stop.
  --the more likely you're going to be the loser in a collision.
• At 55 mph, it takes a truck 300 feet to stop (plus reaction time). Don't pull in front of a large truck and suddenly slow down or stop--the driver can't stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
• Sun glare during early morning and late afternoon hours make cyclists hard to see.

The road to safety is pave with healthy attitudes and cooperation.

What professional drivers need to know about cyclists:

• Cyclists skills vary. When possible, assess the rider's capabilities. A safe rider holds a steady line.
• Even though a bycyclists pase may pose a momentary delay in your schedule, it is important to respect the bicyclist's safety and legal right to roadways.
• Yield the right-of-way to the bicyclist as you would a car.
• Use extra caution during peak morning and afternoon riding hours.
• Keep cool and lay off the horn and flashing headlights, either of which may startle a cyclist.
• A moving truck creates wind turbulence that seriously affects a cyclist's control. When meeting or passing cyclists, slow down and give the widest berth possible. Crosswinds compound the problem for cyclists.
• Cyclists worry about road defects you'd never feel in your cab. Allow them plenty of room in case they swerve to miss a pothole, storm drain, debris, or other obstacle.
• Cyclists require extra courtesy while negotiating railroad tracks and narrow bridges.
• On a two-lane road, don't pass a cyclist if oncoming traffic is near.
• For safe passing, allow three to five feet of space; add one foot for every 10 mph over 50 mph.

Cyclists: Become predictable!

• Always ride with traffic.
• Before making a lateral move, turn your head to check for following traffic.
• In light traffic, you may ride tow abreast--but don't obstruct traffic.
• Ride as far right as is practical, but allow 24" to swerve out for hazards.
• On a group ride, split up into clusters of six or fewer bikes so drivers can safely pass.
• In traffic keep your hands on your brakes and be prepared to stop.
• If you're slowing traffic. pull of the road and allow traffic to pass.
• Whenever possible, make eye contact with the driver--especially at intersections.
• Look and listen to the environment. No headphones!
• Ride a roadworthy bike. If you must stop for any reason, pull completely off the road.
• Always wear an approved helmet.
• Mirrors help you observe following traffic.
• Wear bright colors to be visible.
• If you ride at night, be sure lights and reflectors are part of your equipment.

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