My best advice is to join a local bicycle club for a few rides before you go on the big one.  This gives you some extra training, but you also experience riding with others.  It is a new skill to be able to look around, see where others are, judge pace and distance, and operate your bike safely.  Practice, practice, practice.  

This is exactly why iPods or such devices are a bad idea on RAGBRAI.  You must look and listen to know where others are.  

And just because you are riding with other people doesn’t mean you have to go their speed.  Ride at your own pace.  There is nothing worse than being exhausted just trying to keep up with your buddy who won’t slow down.  

Make sure you stop and take adequate breaks along the way.  There are plenty of people to visit with, places to take pictures, things to see, etc.  Enjoy the opportunities to visit the best Iowa has to offer.  

Finally, figure out how to use the gears on your bike.  I rode with another rider once who didn’t know how to shift properly.  He used the hardest gears up hills because he didn’t understand spinning in lighter gears.  It was painful on his knees and taxing on his lungs.  Once he learned to shift, it was so much easier.  And more fun!

In conclusion, use your training time wisely and learn to ride with others.  Don’t use an iPod.  Ride at your own pace and stop and smell the… well… roses.  Figure out your gears because you are going to need every one of them on this ride.  

If you are going to ride RAGBRAI safely, you are going to keep in mind the following safety tips:
1. The RIGHT stuff.
2. The RIGHT gear.
3. The RIGHT communications.
4. The RIGHT riding.
5. The legal RIGHT.
6. The RIGHT frame of mind.
7. The RIGHT abilities
8. The RIGHT attitude
9. The RIGHT attention.
10. The RIGHT condition

Mark Wyatt is the executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, a statewide advocacy organization for bicycling.  Mark is also a League Cycling Instructor (LCI), board member for the Alliance for Bicycling and Walking.  More information about the Iowa Bicycle Coalition can be found at www.iowabicyclecoalition.org.

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.

With this many people, there is no room to bob and weave your way down the road.  Keep in a straight line.  Be predictable to others riding nearby.  

Pacelines and drafting is very dangerous.  Drafting is riding close enough to another rider that you receive an advantage in efficiency from the turbulence of the front rider.  When you ride that close to another rider, you lose the ability to see road defects and other riders.  Worse, if you cross wheels, you will likely crash and so with others around you.  The RAGBRAI ambulance crew describes pacelines similar to handgrenades.  When one rider crashes, it causes injuries for multiple riders.  

Likewise, drafting vehicles is also dangerous and will not be tolerated on RAGBRAI.

Ride to the right and leave room for others to pass on your left.  I know that everybody thinks they are in the fast lane, but you are not.  Move back towards the right side as soon as you can.  

When turning, turn left from the center of the roadway.  This will prevent someone from trying to pass on your left as you are turning left.  If you are turning right, turn right from the right side of the roadway.  

Have fun and avoid crashes with the RIGHT Riding.  If you are not riding, get completely off from the roadway.  Avoid pacelines and drafting – it’s just too dangerous.  Left turns from center lines, right turns from right side.  Finally, keep to the right side of the road to help everybody out.  

If you are going to ride RAGBRAI safely, you are going to keep in mind the following safety tips:
1. The RIGHT stuff.
2. The RIGHT gear.
3. The RIGHT communications.
4. The RIGHT riding.
5. The legal RIGHT.
6. The RIGHT frame of mind.
7. The RIGHT abilities
8. The RIGHT attitude
9. The RIGHT attention.
10. The RIGHT condition

Mark Wyatt is the executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, a statewide advocacy organization for bicycling.  Mark is also a League Cycling Instructor (LCI), board member for the Alliance for Bicycling and Walking.  More information about the Iowa Bicycle Coalition can be found at www.iowabicyclecoalition.org.

People who ride RAGBRAI do so at their own pace.  No matter who you are, you are going to pass another rider or you will be passed by another rider.  Communication is essential, especially when starting, stopping or passing.  Most crashes on RAGBRAI involve two or more bicycles and most are the result of riders not letting others know of their intentions.“Bike Off” is called out when leaving the roadway.  People know you will be slowing and pulling off to the right of the road or onto the shoulder.  

“Bike On” is commonly heard on RAGBRAI.  It means a rider is entering the roadway.  The rider has checked for oncoming traffic, but people can change lane positions in an instant.  Verbally calling out “Bike On” is the best way to let people know you are entering the roadway.  

“Stopping” Law enforcement will often stop riders in order to let traffic through an intersection.  If you need to stop, let others around you know by saying “Stopping”.  

“Slowing” Once in a while, the route will become so congested that riders will slow their pace.  If you are going to slow to less than the speed of traffic around you, call out “Slowing”.  

“Right Turn”, “Left Turn”, “Turning Right”, “Turning Left” is said when making turns at intersections.  The verbal cue is often accompanied by an arm pointing in the direction of turning.  On the open road, everybody is turning at the same intersection.  In towns, it is a much different story.  You may be looking for a kybo on the left side of the road and others are going straight.  Verbalize your direction of travel.

Do not be afraid to use hand signals in addition to calling out your turn.  The more predictable you can be to other riders, the safer it is for everyone.  Extend your left arm for a left turn.  Bend your elbow 90 degrees with your hand pointed downward for stopping.  Bend your elbow 90 degrees with your hand pointed upward for a right turn.  Legally, turns are signaled with the left arm in Iowa, but most people understand the right arm extended means turning right.  Just be careful because your right arm controls your rear brake.  

“On Your Left”. You will hear “On Your Left” a few thousand times during the week.  This means you are passing or being passed.  The overtaking rider is on the left of the rider being overtaken.  More often the not, slower traffic will be on the right of the road and passing will occur on the left.  

Occasionally, you will pass on the right.  Imagine a rider is starting to turn left to Mr. Pork Chop on the left side of the road.  The hungry rider has moved towards the centerline to turn left.  You are going straight.  Call out “On Your Right” as you pass the rider on the right side.  

Maybe there are two riders traveling at the same speed, but far enough apart that you can go through the middle of the two riders.  This doesn’t happen very often and can be startling.  Avoid surprising the riders by announcing “Passing Through The Middle”  

In conclusion, remember that  you are not alone on RAGBRAI.  You need to communicate with others for safety.  If you have the opportunity, practice by riding with a bicycle club.  It really is the best way to learn how to ride with other people.  Most clubs will spend time teaching new riders about the rules of the road.  

If you are going to ride RAGBRAI safely, you are going to keep in mind the following safety tips:
1. The RIGHT stuff.
2. The RIGHT gear.
3. The RIGHT communications.
4. The RIGHT riding.
5. The legal RIGHT.
6. The RIGHT frame of mind.
7. The RIGHT abilities
8. The RIGHT attitude
9. The RIGHT attention.
10. The RIGHT condition

Mark Wyatt is the executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, a statewide advocacy organization for bicycling.  Mark is also a League Cycling Instructor (LCI), board member for the Alliance for Bicycling and Walking.  More information about the Iowa Bicycle Coalition can be found at www.iowabicyclecoalition.org.

Don Benes and Casey Martin headed up the Clear Lake RIDE RIGHT Committee, but they credit the entire committee and community for the success.  “We started early and got everyone involved,” reflected Benes.  “The residents, schools, businesses, the police, the county engineers… everyone was enthusiastic about making a difference.”  

The town was already pretty bike friendly, but the committee took it to the next level.  “I never seen so many people in town riding this year,” claimed Benes.  You oftern saw bike safety stories run on local television and in the paper touting safety. 

Benes credits Martin with rallying the local bicycle community.  “Casey is so involved in cycling in the area and was able to pull people together.”  The North Iowa Touring Club traditionally puts on one of the state’s top bike festivals in Clear Lake with their Bicycle, Blues and BBQ Festival, that was held in July.  In addition, the committee hosted a bike rodeo for fifth grade elementary kids and had a fun ride to preview the RAGBRAI XXXVIII route from Clear Lake to Charles City. 

Kids in Clear Lake observed biking correctly were stopped by the police and given a certificate for a free ice cream or snow cone.  The Clear Lake RAGBRAI Ride Right committee worked with law enforcement to encourage safe and courteous bicycle riding including: obeying traffic laws, keeping to the right, wearing a helmet, using safe equipment, and displaying a positive attitude towards cycling.      

Also new around town are several orange rectangular bicycle safety signs designed by Clear Lake High school students.  The Ride Right Committee sponsored a bicycle safety sign contest for students in elementary through high school.  Students were asked to design bicycle traffic signs that promote the goals of ‘Ride Right’ with a focus on simplicity, clarity and easy reading for bicyclists. 

The community worked hard to continue that cycling legacy even after RAGBRAI was over.  “I still see police officers handing out Dairy Queen treats for kids’ good riding habits and it is great to see the road signs that the students worked on,” stated Benes.  Clear Lake’s Police Chief, Greg Peterson, headed up the town’s Law Enforcement Committee and was an integral part of the town’s safety plan.  “We were happy to report that we were able to keep people safe during RAGBRAI,” recapped Chief Peterson.

In early June, the statewide RIDE RIGHT committee held its official inspection ride that was joined by many area cyclists.  Part of the task was to spot road imperfections and communicate with the county engineers and local officials.  “It was great working with Mary Kelly, the Cerro Gordo County engineer,” claimed Benes. “She made a difference in getting the roads ready for RAGBRAI.”

“We are so honored to be named the RIDE RIGHT Community of the Year!” stated an excited Diane Thompson, the chairwoman of the Clear Lake RAGBRAI Committee.  “People in town are still talking about how great it was to host RAGBRAI.” 

Congratulations to Clear Lake on making RAGBRAI as safe as it can be!

Dress appropriately

You might want to invest in a lightweight rain jacket.  If it below 65 degrees (F), rain can be chilly. A rain jacket will retain some of your warmth.  Be sure to bring a long sleeve jersey and tights in case you do run into a cool rainy day – not likely in Iowa in July but you just never know – last year it was actually chilly some mornings. 

Above 65 degrees you are typically warm enough when you get soaked without a rain jacket.  Avoid wearing anything cotton when it’s raining – cotton holds a lot of water and will not keep you warm so save your t-shirt for another day.   Also, be sure to wear bright colors when it’s raining so other cyclists as well as motorists can see you.  Visibility isn’t as good when it’s raining.  

Consider getting a taillight for your bike 

These are small, lightweight and extremely bright. They are great for riding at dawn and dusk and very useful when it’s raining.  These light can either be set to be on steadily or to blink, which increases their visibility for both other cyclists and vehicles.

Be careful when the roads are wet

Wet roads are slippery.  Be especially careful around painted lines and metal manhole covers – these are especially slick when wet.  If you have to ride over these objects, go in a straight line and don’t brake.  Also be very careful crossing wet railroad tracks.  Avoid quick and sharp turns when riding on wet roads.  Also be on the lookout for sand and gravel that may wash across the road during a heavy rain. This typcially occurs on hills where water runs across the roads.

Don’t ride too closely behind other cyclists in the rain

Your brakes don’t work as well when wet and your stopping distance is greater so give other riders plenty of room. When you need to stop, squeeze your brake levers a few times to rub the water off your riims before applying firm pressure.   Also, if you follow too closely the rooster tail coming off their back wheel will hit you right in the face.  You may also want to wear your sunglasses to keep the water and grit out of your eyes.

Obviously if it is a downpour or if there is a thunderstorm, riding is not advised

Find shelter until the worst of it passes.  Do not stand under trees if there is a thunderstorm either.  Try to find a building.

After riding in the rain, be sure to wipe down your bike

This is best done when it is still wet as it will clean up more easily than the road grime dries on.  If nothing else, dry off and lube your chain.  It will rust overnight and your bike will squeak the next day and you don’t want to be ‘one of those riders’.   Be sure to check your tires.  Wet tires pick up sand and grit and glass so be sure they are in good shape after a wet day.  Stuff wadded up newspaper (Des Moines Register preferably!) inside your shoes overnight to help dry them out.  There’s nothing worse than putting your feet into cold wet shoes first thing in the morning.

Ride on, and try to stay dry!     – Coach David Ertl

David Ertl is a USA Cycling Level 1 (Elite) Coach and owner of Cyclesport Coaching (www.CyclesportCoaching.com) . He coaches individual cyclists, the Des Moines Cycle Club Race Team and the JDRF Greater Iowa Chapter for the Ride to Cure Diabetes.  He can be contacted at Coach@CyclesportCoaching.com.

Checking your bicycle before you ride is the most important step for a safe and enjoyable bike ride.  The Iowa Bicycle Coalition recommends you do an ABC Quick Check each time you ride.

A is for Air

Be sure your tires are inflated to the proper level.

The most accurate way to measure tire inflation is using a tire pump with a gauge.  Each tire has a inflation level stamped on the sidewall.  You can also use your fingers if you don’t have a pump available.  If you can make a dent in the tire by pinching the tire, you need to add air.

B is for Brakes

Functioning brakes will save your life.  Your brakes should be able to stop your bicycle before you are involved in a crash.  To test your brakes, squeeze the brake lever.  If the lever touches the handlebars it needs adjusted.  Sometimes, there is an adjuster barrel on the brake.  You can also visit your local bike store for service.

C is for Chain

Make sure your pedals turn freely and move the rear wheel.  If your chain or pedals are loose, be sure to have them serviced before riding.

Quick is for Quick Release.  Many bicycles are equipped with a quick release axel.  If not tightened, your wheel could fall out causing a certain crash.  Make sure the quick release is locked before riding.

Check is for everything else.  Make sure there are no loose parts or things that can get caught in the chain or spokes.

The ABC Quick Check is the first step to make sure your bike ride is safe and enjoyable.  Visit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition website for more information on bicycle safety.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a state-wide bicycle advocacy organization with 1,150 members and over 5,000 partners through affiliate organizations throughout Iowa.  The Iowa Bicycle Coalition builds partnerships, educates Iowans, and helps to establish safe and enjoyable bicycle transportation and recreation networks throughout Iowa.

By Michelle Stepanek, Bike Safety Communications Intern
Iowa Bicycle Coalition

Hand signals not only prevent accidents among other bicyclists, motor vehicles and pedestrians, they also aid in helping bicyclists feel more comfortable and confident on the road.  When Meleah Droll, Community relations officer of the Coralville Police Department was asked what the dangers of bicyclist not using hand signals are, she responded, “A bicyclist who turns without signaling causes confusion in fellow motorists, especially when making an abrupt or unexpected turn.  Just like a turn signal is appreciated (and required, according to Iowa Code) for a motorist, hand signals are appreciated by motorists.  It’s a way to communicate with drivers, and many times communication alleviates confusion and frustration”. 

Hand Signals tell others what you intend to do and is a matter of law. Meleah Droll goes on to explain,  “Since bicyclists have to follow the same rules of the road and laws as motorists and most bikes aren’t equipped with turn signals, the bicyclist needs to let other motorists know their intentions in traffic, and hand signals are the most effective way to do this”.

So others on the road have enough time to respond to you, it is important that to signal long before that action is actually made.

The proper hand signals that are to be used in Iowa:

When you are about to make a stop: Bend your left arm to a 90 degree angle with your hand pointing towards the ground. When you are about to make a left turn: Parallel to the ground, stick your left arm straight out from your body. When you are about to make a right turn: Bending are left arm to a 90 degree angle, point your hand upward towards the sky.

Additionally, noted by Dan McKay of Ride Right, “Cyclists do have other hand signals that they use for loose gravel, pot holes, road kill etc. These signals are usually to point down at the obstruction and call out the hazard to fellow riders. Riders, out of courtesy, should also call out there intent to pass another cyclist or pedestrian. For example saying on your left when you are about to pass”. Additional  information on Iowa hand signals can be found in Iowa’s state drivers license manual.

Ensure safety, feel confident and avoid confusion. Use Hand Signals.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is a state-wide bicycle advocacy organization with 1,150 members throughout Iowa.   The Iowa Bicycle Coalition builds partnerships, educates Iowans, and helps to establish safe and enjoyable bicycle transportation and recreation networks throughout Iowa.

On January 12, the DOT approved non-infrastructure grant money to Iowa Safe Routes to School, enabling the program to continue its role as a resource for communities throughout the state.  Iowa Safe Routes to School has already reached over 30 communities in Iowa and will be able to expand its offerings with the latest grant.

Molly Gable, Program Director of Iowa Safe Routes to School, said, “Our program has been successful since its start in 2007, as we have been able to impact 14,000 students.  We are happy to continue to receive funding and be able to increase our influence across the state.”

The Iowa Safe Routes to School Program plans to implement an on-site bicycle safety education course for students and publish a guide for law enforcement officials by January 2011.  The grant money also ensures the continuation of programs and resources that assist Iowa communities in establishing their own Safe Routes to School programs. 

“The past years we have focused the program on providing guidance and information to school and community leaders.  It is exciting that that this new funding will allow us to expand our outreach to the students,” Gable said.  

Currently, Iowa Safe Routes offers workshops for community leaders on how to start their own programs, resources for teachers and parents, and crossing guard training.  Digital publications, including an e-newsletter, are sent out by the Iowa Safe Routes Program to keep communities enthusiastic about Safe Routes and connected to the latest program information.

Iowa Safe Routes has developed several print publications, including a curriculum to help teachers  incorporate walking and bicycling into lesson plans and an encouragement guide that shows communities how to implement activities that increase walking or biking, as well as guides to assist communities in starting their own Safe Routes to School program.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Iowa Safe Routes to School program can visit www.iowasaferoutes.org or www.iowadot.gov/saferoutes.

John LaPlante will lead the bicycle facility design workshop on Friday, January 29, 2010 Iowa Bicycle Summit. John LaPlante is currently Director of Traffic Engineering for T.Y.Lin International, working out of their Chicago office.   

The Saturday, January 30th session features an expanded panel format that will allow for more presentations than before. Twenty speakers will present information during the Saturday sessions. Session topics include Bicycle Facility Design Innovations, Safe Routes To School Successes, Improving Bike Safety, New Marketing Ideas for Bikes, and Urban Dirt. Bicycle advocates are advised to come ready to learn about building bicycling in their home communities.

Here are some more details about the Iowa Bicycle Summit sessions:

Design Innovations

Adrian Holmes, P.E., 100-Year Bike Plan
A solid, well conceived master plan has become all but required in order to receive state and federal trail construction funding. This workshop style session will provide non-engineers enough information to be able to go back to their communities and either create their own trails master plan or at least know what to expect when working with a planning consultant.

Brian Keierleber, P.E., Railcar Bridge Innovations
Any bridge can be expensive to build. Bridges on trails are difficult at best. Buchanan County has found an innovative way to convert retired rail cars into bridges – not just for people on bicycles, but for motor vehicles too. Learn how Buchanan County is leading the way with bridge innovations at a fraction of the price of a conventional bridge.

Jeff Geertz, GreenStreets
Green Streets promote public health, energy efficiency, water conservation, smart locations,  operational savings, and sustainable building practices. As a result, the strategies enhance affordable housing, community facilities, town centers, and communities as a whole.

Safe Routes To School

Melissa Stovers, Imagine Grinnell
Grinnell-Newburg School District joined schools from around the world to celebrate International Walk-to-School Day with a district-wide contest encouraging all of the district’s families and students to take a break from driving and walk or bike to school.

Lynette Anderson, NE Iowa Food and Fitness
The five county region is on the ground floor of a movement to improve the policies, practices, and systems that determine how food arrives on our tables and how NE Iowa communities can grow opportunities for physical activity for all.

Traci Kepley, Go The Distance Day
Go The Distance Day is a FREE one-day event for Iowa Schools! Its purpose is to show Iowa youth that physical activity is fun and makes them feel good; increase public awareness of youth physical inactivity; and inform the public that physical education programs are needed in our schools!

Patty Guevara, Bookin’ on Bikes
A little more than a year ago, I wrote and received a grant from the Michael Jordan Foundation (yes, MICHAEL Jordan of the Bulls) to start up a bike club at Scavo Alternative High School. We have no physical education program at our school. We have a lot of students with major obstacles to overcome in order to just GET their education. With some help from the Bike Collective and other great cycling souls, “Bookin’ on Bikes” was born! We do quite a bit more than cycling.

Cycling Safety

Julie Engeman, Drivers Ed Presentations
Julie and Steve Engeman have presented “Share The Road” sessions at drivers education classes across central Iowa. Their objective is to show younger drivers that a real person operates a bicycle. They use letters and photos from victims and personal stories to make an impact.

Ken Sherman & Bill Rosebrook, Cycling Safety in Iowa
While the debate rages over whether cyclists should continue to be allowed on the highways of Iowa, serious cycling accidents on our roadways continue to grow in both number and severity; and the circumstances of these tragedies seem to be getting more and more egregious, including  recklessness, serious driving impairments, impatience (road rage?), distraction and even unprovoked and intentional violence directed at cyclists who ride our roads.

This presentation explores what may be behind the deplorable situation outlined above, and it addresses what might be done to improve cycling safety on the streets and highways of Iowa.

New Marketing Ideas

Nannette Rodriguez, Social Media and the Latin Consumer
TBA

Lee P. Jones, B-Cycle
B-cycle is the only “next”-generation bike-share program. Integrated data tracking will automatically capture information such as your distance traveled, equivalent calories burned, and carbon offset after each ride. It will then upload this data to your personal user profile on Bcycle.com. B-cycle is the future of bike sharing, and it’s available to your city now.

Ryan Hanser, Building Cycling Community Through Social Media
TBA

Urban Dirt
TBA

Click here for the Iowa Bicycle Summit Schedule

For more information on the Iowa Bicycle Summit or to register, visit  www.iowabicyclecoalition.org.

Click here to download a printable order form for the Iowa Bike Summit.

———————————————————————————————-

Following the Iowa Bicycle Summit, join us for the RAGBRAI Route Announcement Party at Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines.  RAGBRAI will reveal the 2010 route to those in attendance.

Over half of the allotted tickets have already been sold.  A surprising and sizable percentage of attendees are traveling to this event from outside of Iowa including visitors from Oregon and Florida.  Only 500 tickets will be sold for the event.

The evening will feature live music with a special acoustical duo performance by The Nadas, who have entertained RAGBRAI riders for many years including recent stops in Greenfield, Ames and Cedar Falls.

In addition to live music and the RAGBRAI route announcement, this special night will feature:

* Live Auctions on Great Cycling Items
* Silent Auctions on Great Cycling Items
* Door Prizes
* “Guess the Route” Raffles
* Iowa Bicycle Coalition Updates
* Complimentary RAGBRAI-style Snacks & Soft Drinks
* Complimentary Drafts (also a Cash Bar)
* Special Commemorative Souvenir Gift
* Fun for ALL!

Tickets on sale now: $30
Click here to purchase tickets

All proceeds from the event benefit the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition builds partnerships, educates Iowans, and helps to establish safe and enjoyable bicycle transportation and recreation networks throughout Iowa.

4,152 online surveys were completed (an impressive 40% response rate), producing valuable information that will help make RAGBRAI a safer and more enjoyable ride. 

We thank you for your feedback that will help make RAGBRAI safer and more enjoyable for all!     

 RAGBRAI PARTICIPANTS’ HABITS 

• 78% of respondents ride every mile of RAGBRAI (70% in 2008)
• 77% of respondents preferred starting time is 6:00 am to 7:00 am
• 72% of respondents prefer to ride 11-20 miles between stops
• 86% of respondents prefer to stop in most or all towns
• 13% of respondents prefer to stop in every town
• 33% of respondents rode the Karras Loop (25% in 2008) 

RAGBRAI ROUTE 

• 56% of respondents rate the signage for the 2009 route excellent or above average (3% rated below average)
• 79% of respondents rate their overall RAGBRAI experience excellent or above average (2% rated below average)

RAGBRAI WEB SITE, REGISTRATION
& ONLINE STORE 

• 92% of respondents registered for RAGBRAI online
• 83% of online applicants rated RAGBRAI’s online application procedure excellent or above average
• 77% of respondents felt the registration fees are set just right
• 73% of respondents visited the RAGBRAI online store
• 71% of visitors rate RAGBRAI’s Web site excellent or above average

 AGE OF RIDERS

• Under 19       6.8%
• Ages 20-24    5.3%
• Ages 25-34    13.8%
• Ages 35-44    18.4%
• Ages 45-54    28.6%
• Ages 55-64    20.8%
• Ages 65+      6.3%
• Average age of this year’s RAGBRAI participants is 44.4 years.

GENDERS OF RIDERS

• Males            65%
• Females        35%

 OTHER 

• 75% of respondents used personal/rented vehicles to transport baggage
• For 35% of respondents, this was their first RAGBRAI
• 70% of respondents first heard about RAGBRAI from friends or family
• 59 riders come from 17 foreign countries
• Only 33% of riders are from Iowa

TYPES OF BIKES

• 80.8% of riders use a road bike
• 10.3% hybrids
• 2.4% tandems
• 2.7% mountain bikes
• 2.1% recumbents
• and less than 2% all others

RAGBRAI SAFETY CHALLENGES 

• Erratic or unpredictable riding
• Riding left of center
• Communication and signaling intent
• New rider education
• Pace lines
• Riding in a large group
• Cell Phone / Head Phone Use
• Helmet use
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Large bicycles (quads, tandems, etc.)
• Early and late starts or finishes

We thank you again for your feedback that will help make RAGBRAI safer and more enjoyable for all, and we hope to see you July 25-31, 2009 for RAGBRAI XXXVIII!

 The Des Moines Register conducted these surveys from August 5-20, 2009.