By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
As Guthrie Center, Panora and Yale prepare for thousands of bicyclists to come through in mid-July, safety is the top priority. Riders are expected to start arriving in Guthrie Center mid-morning on Monday, July 20. A steady stream of bicyclists will pour into town most of the day. The route will bring riders in from the west on Highway 44. On the morning of Tuesday, July 21, riders will begin riding east from Guthrie Center on Highway 44, arriving in Panora and then heading north on Highway 4 to Yale before traveling to Boone.
The RAGBRAI organization and local RAGBRAI event organizers have coordinated with local law enforcement, the Iowa State Patrol and local hospital/EMS services to assure that personnel and emergency vehicles will be available to respond throughout the time that thousands of additional people are in our county.
Remember that the RAGBRAI route is not closed to vehicle traffic, so everyone will be able to get to work or other places they need to go. However, motor vehicle traffic is expected to run considerably slower than usual along the route. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time or choose an alternate route if possible. In towns, motorists are advised to take a side street away from the mass of bicyclists.
Volunteers in Guthrie Center will be informed and trained on the steps to take in case of weather or other emergencies. Storm shelter plans will be shared to get everyone to safety if needed.
With these precautions in place, the event aims to provide fun and safety for everyone involved.