Click here to view the BRAG Safety Video

Click here for a safety video from San Francisco Bicycle Coalition

Click here for information on cycling with kids

Preventing Accidents on BRAG: Jerry Colley on Safety

Safety is, or should be, everyone's Number One concern on the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia. And yet, every year accidents happen, usually cyclists running into each other, or individual cyclists running off the road. Car-bike accidents are rare on BRAG. With 1,800 riders on the road, motorists are forced to pay attention to us.

Why do cycling accidents happen on BRAG? Consider these points:

· Riding with thousands of people is different from riding with your friends. It's also different from riding with your club with hundreds of people. You must be extremely cautious with bicycles around you all day.

· BRAG is a fun event. SAG wagons, rest stops, route markings and lots of people around make riders feel very comfortable. Some riders get caught up in the fun and forget about the serious issue of safety. They are surrounded by friends and fun and they get lulled into a false sense of security. They forget the first rule of cycling which is to always Stay Alert to everything around you.

· BRAG also attracts many inexperienced riders, children, and newcomers. These riders may not know the dangers inherent in riding in large groups.

· BRAG attracts many seasoned veterans. Experienced riders are not used to riding with inexperienced riders. They assume everyone is experienced. This is a bad assumption.

· BRAG attracts some "hot dog" riders who think everyone should get out of their way. This is extremely dangerous.

· BRAG continues even in bad weather, rain or fog, when brakes are not working well, roads are slippery, and visibility is poor.

· Everyone gets somewhat dehydrated in the hot Georgia sun. One of the first symptoms of dehydration is a loss of basic common sense.

· Not all bikes are well maintained. Brakes don't work, handlebars come off, pedals fall off, tires go flat. Lack of proper maintenance can cause accidents.

· Riders get tired. They ride all day, every day, and they may not be sleeping as well or as much as they should. One of the first symptoms of fatigue is a lack of paying attention to the details.

· Crossing railroad tracks is extremely dangerous: rough tracks, bad angles, cars and other bicyclists all around you. Add in rain, and the tracks become as slick as glass.

· Riders forget that BRAG's country roads are still open to cars and trucks.

What can we as riders do to prevent accidents?

· Adhere to the BRAG Safety Pledge.

· Experienced riders should adopt a mentor-like attitude on BRAG. You are an example, for good or bad, to all those around you. Be the best, safest example you can be!

· If you are a "hot dog" type rider, stay home. We don't want you on BRAG endangering those around you.

· If you stop for any reason, get completely off the road. This means you and your bicycle.

· Never pass up a rest stop. Drink before you get thirsty. Eat before you get hungry. Rest before you get tired.

· If you do decide to pass up a rest stop, at least slow down. There are people stopping and starting their bikes, and standing in the road ready to start. They do not expect to see someone flying by.

· Get yourself and your bike tuned up before the ride.

· If the weather is bad, or there is bike or car traffic around you, ride more cautiously and slower than usual.

· Remember, your bicycle is a vehicle under Georgia law. You must obey all stop signs, yield signs, and traffic signals.

· When you ride in a pack, you are at the mercy of everyone in the pack. If one goes down, you all go down. Spread out.

· Slow down crossing railroad tracks. Cross at a 90 degree angle. Walk across if it is raining. Stop, Look, Listen.

(Note: all railroad tracks on the route are noted in the Route Description).

· Get a map holder or clip for your handlebars. Keep the Route Description in front of you. Busy intersections are noted there.

· Slow Down. BRAG is not a race. If everyone will follow these simple procedures, BRAG will be the safest ride in the nation, in addition to being the best ride.