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Safety

RIDE RIGHT®
The Des Moines Register/RAGBRAI has developed as a part of an overall RIDE RIGHT® bicycle safety campaign the following list of rules regarding safety and etiquette. “RIDE RIGHT®” is a registered trademark. The DesMoines Register/RAGBRAI granted Permission to BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA –BAM, INC. to post on the website (with emphasis added.)

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.

RULES OF SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE

Ride Safe – Ride Smart – RIDE RIGHT®!

Here is what you need….

1. The RIGHT stuff.
Keep you bicycle in good repair.  Have it readied for BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA - BAM, 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 and 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 BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA -BAM.

3.The RIGHT communications.
Signal turns and stops. The law says you must, but this point can’t be emphasized enough.  Most accidents involve two or more bicycles and most are the result of riders not letting others knows 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 BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA - BAM route 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 highway, 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 BAM.  Likewise, drafting vehicles is also dangerous and will not be tolerated on BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA - BAM.  Ride to the right.  Leave room for others to pass on your left. 
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 rules.  In Minnesota, bicyclists enjoy the same rights as motorist.  In accepting those rights, bicyclists assume the responsibilities for riding in a safe and legal manner by:
  • stopping completely at stop signs
  • obeying yield signs
  • not crossing yellow lines in your lane
  • riding to the right
  • signaling for turns
  • not cutting corners
  • riding in a respectable manner

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. BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA - BAM is not a race.  It is a touring bicycle ride around the state of Minnesota.  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 BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA -BAM may vary.  Each rider must look out for someone else, as well as for him or herself.
  • Be a predictable rider.   Don’t keep other bicyclists and motorist 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 BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA - BAM officials. If State Troopers and/or other law enforcement personnel are present at busy intersections.  Obey their signals.
  • Please stay on the marked route.  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-a-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 BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA - BAM 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 you know your intentions.  Angled tracks and low shoulders are major causes of accidents.

10.The RIGHT condition.
Get yourself in good physical shape.  BICYCLING AROUND MINNESOTA – BAM 2010 is a ride totaling approximately 267 miles over four days.  The longest day is about 75 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.  It is recommended that rather than loading up once in the middle of the day, stop frequently for fluids and food.  Carry water with you.




BAM SPONSORS - THANK YOU

"Bicycle safety on Minnesota's streets and roads is a top priority for the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and the State Nonmotorized Transportation Advisory Committee (SNTC). So Mn/DOT and the SNTC have joined together as partners to eliminate deaths and reduce injuries due to bicycle-motor vehicle collisions." > >