RAGBRAI is just a month away and bicyclists are training statewide. It is important for both bicyclists and drivers to be aware on the road and practice safety measures.

Bicyclists need to be sure and follow these tips to increase their safety on the road:

• Add lights to your bicycle. In early morning or late night rides when visibility is low, be sure to wear reflective, bright clothing.
• Always wear a helmet. Make sure that the helmet is properly fitted. A simple way to test this is by shaking your head “no”. Your helmet should move with your head and not wiggle independently. Look for a Consumer Product Safety Commission sticker on the inside of the helmet to insure good quality.
• Communicate with drivers. Use bells or whistles to catch drivers’ attention. When turning, use the proper hand signals. Make eye contact with drivers to be sure they see you.
• Follow traffic rules. Always stop at red lights and stop signs, and be sure to ride with the flow of traffic and never against it.

Because bicyclists are considered drivers of vehicles, they have the same rights to the road as motorists. Drivers can follow these tips to create a safer, shared road:

• Use extreme caution around bicyclists. Remember that they are not surrounded with metal and air bags.
• Be conscious of bike lanes. Yield to cyclists when turning left or entering the road from a side street, driveway or parking lane.
• Look twice for bikers. Bikers are more difficult to see than a vehicle so check your blind spots frequently.

Follow these tips, and the 41st RAGBRAI will be a safe one. We at the Beattie Law Firm are here to help you, should you become a victim of a vehicle/bicycle accident.