With the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) starting up next week, there are several items to keep in mind to keep the bicyclists safe as they enter and leave Jefferson.

Don Van Gilder with the Ride Right Committee has a few safety reminders for the general public. He discourages anyone from trying to join in with the cyclists as they enter Jefferson on July 23rd. Those who try to do that can cause an accident to happen when a cyclist doesn’t expect anyone approaching from that angle and can cause that person to slide over and crash into another cyclist.

Giving cyclists “high-fives” or handing them something like bottled water, fliers or food while they are still on their bikes can also cause issues. Cyclists can’t hold onto everything and oftentimes, they will seek out information or food after they arrive in town. Van Gilder recommends not to spray the cyclists with water hoses, due to all of the electronics and sensitive equipment that a cyclist may have on their bikes.

Anyone looking to sell refreshments should do so on the right side of the roadway as another safety measure. Cyclists shouldn’t have to turn left because that could create an accident. Shoulders off roadways should also be cleared of debris to allow cyclists to pull off of the roadway if needed.

Finally, Van Gilder encourages everyone to be extra mindful of looking for increased bicycle traffic in and around Jefferson and if you need to drive anywhere, take extra time and expect possible delays on July 23rd and the morning of the 24th. He hopes everyone stays safe and enjoys RAGBRAI this year.