Holding a safety seminar for community residents is an effective way to prepare for an event like RAGBRAI and ensure the safety of both riders and residents. The objective of the seminar is to provide valuable information and safety tips that will help prevent crashes with cyclists. In this seminar, residents will learn how to navigate the increase in bicycle traffic, understand the rules of the road, and communicate effectively with riders. By working together and following best practices, we can create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone during RAGBRAI.
Outline for Community Safety Seminar
- Welcome and introduction to RAGBRAI
- Importance of safety during the event
II. Overview of RIDE RIGHT campaign
- Explanation of RIDE RIGHT campaign and its pillars:
- The Ride Right campaign is an initiative aimed at promoting safe and responsible bicycling practices for all cyclists, particularly for those participating in events like RAGBRAI.
- The campaign focuses on 10 pillars of safe riding.
- Through education, resources, and community outreach, the Ride Right campaign seeks to make cycling safer and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
- Importance of understanding RIDE RIGHT principles for community residents
The Ten RIDE RIGHT PILLARS:
III. Specific safety concerns
- Explanation of specific safety concerns that apply to community residents
- Encouragement to follow RIDE RIGHT principles in addressing these concerns
- Increased traffic and congestion on the roads
- Bicyclists riding in large groups, sometimes taking up the entire lane
- Inexperienced or distracted riders who may not be paying attention to their surroundings
- The potential for crashes between bicyclists and motor vehicles
- Hazards on the road such as potholes, gravel, or debris
- Pedestrians crossing the street or walking near the bike route
- Increased car door opening on the bike route
IV. Safety tips for residents
- Tips for residents to stay safe during RAGBRAI
- Ways to prevent accidents involving cyclists in the community
- Give cyclists plenty of space: Always pass cyclists at a safe distance and give them enough room to maneuver around obstacles.
- Be aware of cyclists when turning: Before turning, check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to make sure there are no cyclists in your blind spots.
- Yield to cyclists: Cyclists have the right of way on bike lanes and multi-use paths. Yield to them when merging or turning onto these paths.
- Look before opening doors: When parked on the street, look for cyclists before opening your door. Do not open your door into a bike lane or traffic.
- Avoid distractions: Avoid distractions such as using your phone while driving, as it can be dangerous to cyclists and other road users.
- Be patient: Cyclists may ride slower than traffic, but they have the same right to use the road. Be patient and wait for a safe opportunity to pass.
- Use signals: Use turn signals to communicate with cyclists and other road users.
- Keep the road clear: Do not park or stand in bike lanes or multi-use paths. Keep the road clear for cyclists to ride safely.
- Be courteous: Be courteous and respectful to cyclists, just as you would with other road users.
- Follow the rules: Follow traffic rules and obey traffic signals. Cyclists are expected to follow the same rules as other road users, and it is important for drivers to be aware of this.
- Discourage young people from joining in as the riders come into town and leave in the morning. Inexperienced riders pose a risk when riding with large groups.
- Refrain from giving riders “high-fives.” This can cause accidents and be dangerous for those too close to the bicycle route.
- Do not spray riders with water unless they ask for it. Many riders do not want water on their equipment or supplies, and this can distract them, leading to accidents.
- Do not hand out flyers or other items to the riders as they enter the town. Riders cannot carry anything on their bicycles, and reaching for something can be distracting and cause accidents. It is best to distribute handouts and maps in campgrounds or downtown after the riders have dismounted their bikes.
- Open Q&A session with attendees
- Answering questions on RIDE RIGHT and specific safety concerns in the community
- Recap of important RIDE RIGHT principles and safety tips
- Encouragement to spread the word to others in the community
- Closing remarks and thanking attendees for their participation
Outline for Youth RIDE RIGHT Safety Seminar
- Welcome and introduce yourself as a cycling safety instructor
- Explain the importance of cycling safety and how it can prevent accidents and injuries
II. The 10 RIDE RIGHT Pillars
- Explain each of the 10 RIDE RIGHT Pillars and how they apply to young cyclists
- RIGHT Condition
- RIGHT Stuff
- RIGHT Gear
- RIGHT Communications
- RIGHT Riding
- Legal RIGHT
- RIGHT Frame of Mind
- RIGHT Attitude
- RIGHT Attention
- Provide examples of how each pillar can help keep young cyclists safe
III. Bicycle Maintenance
- Discuss the importance of properly maintaining a bicycle for safety reasons
- Demonstrate how to perform basic bike maintenance, such as checking tire pressure and brakes
IV. Helmet Fitting
- Explain the importance of wearing a helmet while cycling
- Demonstrate how to properly fit a helmet to ensure maximum protection
V. Road Safety
- Discuss the rules of the road and how they apply to cyclists
- Demonstrate proper hand signals and explain their purpose
- Discuss common hazards on the road, such as potholes and debris, and how to avoid them
VI. Practice Ride
- Lead a short ride to practice the skills and principles covered in the seminar
- Observe and provide feedback on the cyclists’ techniques and habits
- Allow time for questions and answers from the young cyclists and their parents/guardians
- Provide additional resources for cycling safety education and support
- Thank the young cyclists and their parents/guardians for attending the seminar
- Encourage them to continue practicing safe cycling habits and to spread the word to others in their community.