The Des Moines Register and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition are proud to sponsor the Iowa Goes by Bicycle Challenge.  It’s pretty simple: ride your bike, log your miles and win prizes.

The Code of Iowa states bicyclists have the same rights and duties of the operators of vehicles. This means you can use the roadways, but you must follow the traffic rules. Just because you are on RAGBRAI doesn’t mean the rules are suspended. These are public roads that are open to trucks and cars. Attention to the traffic laws could save your life.

The Iowa State Patrol and local law enforcement are present at many intersections along the RAGBRAI route. If a law enforcement officer is at an intersection they may direct traffic and supercede the traffic sign or signal. If an intersection is being directed by a law enforcement officer, you should follow the signals of the officer.

It is not unusual to have uncontrolled intersections along the route, especially on the right turns and lower traffic roads.  If no officer is present, follow the traffic control sign or signal as you would in your car or on your bike during any other week of the year.

Some of the main rules to follow are:

• 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

One of the biggest problems is when the RAGBRAI route enters a town. The bicycle traffic becomes congested and people are trying to go every direction. Be careful, slow down (you may even be walking your bike through congested towns), and follow the traffic rules to be safe.

This is especially true in the overnight towns. Remember that many of the riders are not from Iowa. They are trying to navigate a new town and locate their campgrounds or other services. Combine the bicycle traffic with support vehicles and spectators and things can quickly become chaotic. Simply follow the traffic rules and everybody will reach their destinations safely.

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 usually are not.  Ride 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.  This may require you to signal turning left several times.  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.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition is merging the popular Iowa Goes By Bicycle Challenge with the newly created National Bicycle Challenge to encourage more people to ride bicycles.  The Iowa Challenge will be given new online tools allowing more competition between individuals, workplaces, communities, and states.  

“We had almost 1,000 participants last year,” says Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  “The new website and smartphone app will make it even easier for more people to participate.”  

To join the contest, participants visit www.iowagoesbybicycle.com and clicks to join the challenge.  Bicyclists can use their Facebook login and share their rides with their friends.  

“The new website allows people to share their rides, routes, and times.  If a friend of mine is riding the same route, the website will tell me if I am faster or slower,” Wyatt said.  “I can even record my ride by clicking start on my smartphone.  The ride is automatically recorded and uploaded to the site.  It is just so easy.”  

The National Bicycle Challenge is sponsored by Kimberly Clark, the League of American Bicyclists, and Bikes Belong.  The contest will have prizes in 16 different categories and runs from May 1 to August.  

For more information visit www.iowagoesbybicycle.com.

Let’s just talk about it! 

Have you ever been on a group ride when someone in front stops abruptly and makes you slam on your brakes?  I have.  If there was only someway to let everyone else know that a rider wanted to stop or slow down?  I know, communication!

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 On” is commonly heard on RAGBRAI.  It means a riders 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.

“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.

“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 awhile, 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 than 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.

by Mark Wyatt, Iowa Bicycle Coalition

Almost all RAGBRAI riders will agree that a helmet is an essential piece of equipment that every rider needs.  A helmet will protect your brain if you are involved in a crash.  Lights are required if you ride after sundown or before sunrise and could prevent you from being involved in a crash.

If you have ridden RAGBRAI before, you already know that it is pretty rare to see someone without a helmet.  If you are one of the new riders, get a nice helmet and remember to pack it.

There is more to it than having a helmet.  You need the RIGHT gear. Pick a helmet that is comfortable and well fitted.   All new helmets meet the same safety standard set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission regardless of cost.  Look for a CPSC sticker on the inside of the helmet. 

The helmet should be adjusted properly to fit your head.  Make sure the helmet is level and covers your forehead.  There should only be two fingers width between the bottom of the helmet and your eyebrows.

If your helmet has a retention ring (the dial that tightens around the circumference of your head), make sure it is snug.  Test by shaking your head “no”.  Your helmet should move with your head and not wiggle independently.

Finally, adjust the straps.  The straps should meet in a “V” shape just below your ears.  The chin strap should be tight enough that you can only fit two fingers between your chin and the strap.

 Nothing screams “Newbie” like an ill-fitting helmet.

Lights are another essential piece of the RIGHT Gear.  I have to be honest – I no longer pack a headlight or taillight for RAGBRAI.  I’ve used it once in my 10 years of RAGBRAI.  I plan my ride to be complete before dark.

There is plenty of daylight to ride each RAGBRAI day.  The RAGBRAI route and services times are set to encourage riders to be in before dark.  For safety’s sake, plan to be in before dark on RAGBRAI.

If you ride before sunrise or after sunset, remember lights are required by the Iowa Code.  Bicyclists must have a white headlight and red taillight or reflector.  They must be visible for 300 feet.  There are plenty of good lights available with a variety of options.  Check with your local bicycle shop for details and prices.

You can do more to be visible at night.  Reflective vests or clothing, additional lights, and blinking lights could prevent you from being involved in a crash.

As you begin your training for RAGBRAI, be sure you have a helmet that fits and meets the CPSC standards.  The helmet and straps should be adjusted for maximum protection.  .  If you are going to ride at night, the law requires you have a headlight and taillight or reflector.

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.

As I write, there is still snow on the ground.  Tomorrow, however, is one of the first warm spring days.  It seems early to start talking about RAGBRAI safety, but it isn’t.  The big ride is 18 weeks away.  It is time to start making plans to ride RAGBRAI. 

If you have committed to riding RAGBRAI this year, it all starts with Tip #1, the RIGHT stuff.  And when I say stuff, I mean bicycle.  Every RAGBRAI veteran knows having a smooth running, well-serviced bicycle can mean the difference between an enjoyable or not very enjoyable RAGBRAI. 

Over the past 40 years of RAGBRAI, every type of bicycle imaginable has crossed the state.  The most famous bicycle might be Clarence Pickard’s ladies Schwinn.  Pickard’s bike must have weighed 50 pounds, but it carried him from river to river. 

A klunker or bargain basement special might be just fine for getting around town, but if you are going to ride across Iowa, you might need a better bike.   Investing in a road bike (that fits) can make riding the 60 to 90 miles per day on RAGBRAI much easier and more comfortable. 

On of my friends told me, “I know you said a road bike would make a difference in my ride.  I just didn’t believe you until I test rode one and you were right.  It made riding effortless and fun.”

Road bikes are usually the double diamond frame bicycles with dropped handlebars.  They generally have skinny tires.  There are many variations and brands of road bicycles.

Start with a budget in mind.  Decide how much you can afford to spend on your new bike.  But remember, you will likely keep this bike for more than a decade – longer than your cell phone or laptop.  Purchase as much of a bicycle as you can afford. 

If you need a new bicycle, the first place to start is your local bicycle retail store.  Many people are going to the local bicycle stores right now to shop for that new bike that will take them from Sioux Center to Clinton.  Your local bicycle store will have knowledge and experience to find the bicycle that fits your needs. 

So maybe a new bicycle isn’t in your budget.  Many people purchase used bicycles or borrow one from a friend.  If you are going that route, be sure the bicycle is in good working order and has serviceable parts.  Take it to a local bicycle retailer for a tune-up. 

Also, be sure your used or borrowed bicycle actually fits you.  Bicycles come in different sizes.  A tall person needs a larger bicycle and a short person needs a smaller bicycle.  They are not generally interchangeable.  One of the simple ways to measure is stand-over height.  Stand astride your bike with your feet planted firmly on the ground.  You could be able to lift your bike 1-2 inches off the ground. 

For a more exact fit, visit your local bicycle retailer and schedule a fitting session.  It could cost a little bit or they may include it with a purchase.  A good fitting bike will make you more comfortable on the long rides. 

A little planning for the RIGHT Stuff now, can equal more riding this summer.  If you need to invest in a new bicycle for RAGBRAI, make sure it is smooth running and efficient.  If you are going with a used bicycle, be sure it fits. 

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. 

Enter them into the Iowa Bicycle Coalition’s 2012 Cover Contest!  We are looking for beautiful,  funny, or nostalgic images of you, your friends and your bikes to put on our cover of this years Iowa Bikeways Guide.

A few things to keep in mind:  Helmets are required.  Activities that appear dangerous will not be considered.  Images must be from Iowa.

Submitting your photo will give rights to the Iowa Bicycle Coalition to publish your image in the 2012 Iowa Bikeway Guide.

To submit your photos simply email a high-quality jpeg to bikeinfo@iowabicyclecoalition.org between March 1 and April 1, with the subject title – COVER CONTEST.  We will pick the winning entry April 1st and your image will be featured and distributed on 15,000 copies of the 2012 Iowa Bicycle Guide!

Iowa has been building a reputation as a bicycling destination.  As The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa™, RAGBRAI®,  begins to celebrate it’s 40th ride across Iowa cyclists continue to come fromevery state and many foreign countries.  Cities, counties, and the State of Iowa have invested in trail infrastructure to brand Iowa as the World Capital of Trails.  

It is not difficult to determine an increase of quality of life along trails or places where more people bicycle. But from a business aspect, what is the return on the investment? One statewide bicycling group was determined to answer that question.  

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition began the Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling (View Full Report) in Iowa study by working with the University of Northern Iowa Sustainable Tourism and Environment Program (STEP).  The project was sponsored by a grant from Bikes Belong, Creating Great Places, and members of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  Research tools were created to survey Iowa bicyclists, bikes shops, and bike clubs.  

The study cites the economic impact of recreational cyclists’ spending to generate $364.8 million in direct and indirect impacts to the State of Iowa. This is equivalent to $1 million per day spent for cycling.

“The return on investment was much larger than expected.  We know that communities recognize the impact that an event like RAGBRAI has on the local economy.   But what about the rest of the year when cyclists aren’t concentrated on one route?” said Mark Wyatt, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.  

In addition to being an economic generator, bicycling can curb health care costs. Iowans need more physical activity.  The Iowa Department of Public Health reports 29.3% of Iowans do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity.  The Centers for Disease Control report 67.2% of Iowan adults were overweight or obese.  Being sedentary and overweight leads to health problems increasing health care costs.

Bicycling can be part of the solution to Iowa’s health issues.  The study estimates that bicycling saves the State of Iowa $73.9 million in healthcare costs for those who cycle recreationally. Another $13,266,020 in health care costs is saved by those who commute to work.

“More opportunities for Iowans to bicycle will help Iowa become the healthiest state,” says Wyatt, referring to the Healthiest State Initiative to make Iowa number one in health and wellness.  “We know a lot of Iowans have bicycles, but may not have ridden them in some time.  We need to find ways to encourage more bicycle riding.” Trails are an investment in which 41% of Iowans use for physical fitness and 51% of the population is interested in using trails according to the 2006 Iowa Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Encouraging bicycling means continued investment in bicycle infrastructure like trails.  The study indicates 66.5% of respondents would bicycle more often if there were more or better bicycle facilities.  “Bike lanes, trails, cycle tracks, and other treatments make bicycling more convenient than driving.” states Wyatt.  “The bicycle facility workshop at the Iowa Bicycle Summit shows how cities can integrate bicycle facilities into their community infrastructure.”  

Small investments are made each year through the Iowa Recreational Trails Fund administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation through the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund.  In 2011 the legislature invested $3million for trails. $2.5 million is in the budget for 2012. Efforts are underway to see the fund raised to $3 million or more.  “This study indicates there is a solid return on investment through trails with more than $21 million being returned to the state in the form of sales tax.  This study doesn’t include out of state tourism dollars and the potential in recreation tourism.  As demonstrated during the Iowa Bicycle Summit, there is more we can in addition to trails to encourage more bicycling in Iowa.”