A note from the Hampton Ride Right Committee...
 
The roads will be inundated with cyclists, and at times it will be extremely difficult to cross the road.  Please try to keep to the right of the road and keep the shoulders clear of debris.
Cyclists will respect your space and we, in turn, should respect theirs.  Please keep the following in mind:

Safe Passing
* Pass as though the cyclist were a car - move entirely into the left lane.

* On a two lane road, don't pass a bicyclist if oncoming traffic is near.

* Cautiously return to your lane - a bicyclist cold be in your blind spot.

* When in doubt, yield to the bicyclist.

* Bicyclists require extra courtesy to negotiate railroad tracks and narrow bridges.

* It takes just a few extra seconds - which a driver can make up within minutes - to safely pass a bike.

Share the road
* Bicyclists' skills and ages vary.  When possible, assess the rider's capabilities.  A safe and skillful cyclist rider predictably and holds a steady line.

* Keep cool and lay off the horn and flashing headlights, either of which may startle a bicyclist.  A friendly "tool" is appropriate, but rage has not room on the road.

* Use extra caution during peak morning and afternoon traffic - the morning or afternoon sun's glare may hide a bicyclist in your path.

* Road widths force bicyclists to ride close to parked cars.  An alarming number of accidents occur when someone opens a car door into a passing cyclist. 

Tips/Suggestions
* Young cyclists who want to follow along only make the ride more dangerous.  Please keep children away from the road and pathway of RAGBRAI.

* For the safety of your pets and the riders, pen all your animals and keep pets penned or leashed.

* Don't spray riders with water unless you ask them.  Many don't want water on the supplies they carry on their bikes.

* Before opening your car door, please look in your rear view and side mirrors for cyclists.

* Do not give riders "high fives."  Accidents can be caused when a rider reaches out to touch a hand, plus it is dangerous to have anyone that close to the bicycle route.

* Do not hand tabloids or anything else to the riders as they come into town.  Riders can't carry anything on their bicycles.  Reaching for something is distracting and could cause them to have an accident.  Handouts and information will be distributed to the riders at the campgrounds and while downtown.