BRAG Home -> Resources -> Frequently Asked Questions -> Safety FAQ
Safety
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Is BRAG safe for children? Children are the future of our sport. Unlike some other statewide rides, BRAG is family-oriented and encourages children to participate. On a recent BRAG, we had 104 children on our ride 12 years of age and younger. The youngest child was a year old and rode on her father's bicycle in a child carrier. In our 30 years of cross-state bicycle rides, we have never had a serious injury to a child 12 years of age or younger. BRAG strongly emphasizes safety on all of its rides. Item 12 on the BRAG Safety Pledge states: “I will provide immediate adult supervision to my bicycling children under age 16.” When children ride with responsible adults, BRAG is a safe bicycling event. One of the prime advantages of a large ride like BRAG is that motorists are forced to pay attention to us. We have very few problems with motorists. Accidents on BRAG are usually caused by bicycles running into other bicycles. With a responsible adult nearby, the probability of a child having a cycling accident is minimized. We will have several SAG wagons. We will have rest stops every 15 to 20 miles with refreshments and snacks. We will have approximately 10 doctors and nurses on our Medical Team. We will have medical support at BRAG Headquarters each afternoon, staffed by medical volunteers working under the supervision of our Medical Director. We will try to have the Georgia State Patrol with us all week. We will notify all county sheriff departments and police jurisdictions along our route. We will also notify the Georgia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) along the route. If any parent has any additional concerns or questions about the safety of a child on BRAG, please contact the Ride Director at Vicki@brag.org, or call 770-498-5153. |
Will my baggage be safe? BRAG does not guarantee the safety of your baggage, bicycle, or other equipment. Thefts of baggage are rare. The usual culprit is someone who mistakenly picks up a bag thinking it is his or hers. Your bags should be distinctively painted or decorated with ribbons and your name so that you can find them easily. Riders under age 16 must have immediate supervision by an adult. What does this mean? Immediate supervision means that you ride with the child and that you verbally control his or her movements on the bike. Children are very unpredictable on bicycles. They tend to be unaware of the dangers of cyclists and cars all around them. Always ride immediately behind and slightly to the left of your child. Never ride anywhere near a child who is not yours. Minors sixteen and seventeen years old with a valid driver’s license can drive their vehicle (bicycle) on the roads alone. ALL minors (those under age eighteen) must have an accompanying adult with them for the week. Is BRAG appropriate for new riders, families, and/or children? Yes, definitely. BRAG is designed to make new riders feel safe and welcomed. We also cater to families and children. We have a "NEW RIDERS" meeting at on-site registration at the beginning to go over the dynamics of riding in a group and a children’s safety discussion at 6 pm. We have quiet time from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. We also have afternoon movies for children, plus various games and activities for the older kids. Some of the children on BRAG enter the Talent Show which is usually held later in the week. |
I'm not exactly in great shape. Do you think I can still do BRAG? If you are not in shape when you get to BRAG, you will be when you leave. Seriously, BRAG is a strenuous ride. It consists of seven days averaging 60 miles per day. There is a layover day on Wednesday; you can ride or not ride as you choose on the layover day. You should get in the best shape you can prior to the ride. You must start riding between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Most people are out of camp by 7:30 AM. The earlier you start, the cooler the weather, and the easier your day will be. But remember, it does not get light until 6:00 AM, and it’s against Georgia law to ride before daylight without adequate lights. Each day the route closes 1 hour after the last rest stop closes. This gives you 8 to 10 hours to complete your day’s ride at an average speed as low as 8-10 mph. Sag wagons will sweep the route prior to closing. If you are physically unable to complete the day’s ride, stop a sag vehicle and request assistance. Remember sag wagons are provided to assist riders in serious trouble and are not taxicabs for tired riders. If you cannot ride any more, you will be transported to the next rest stop. The sag wagons will take you into camp at the end of their workday. Does BRAG allow child carriers or trailers? I would love to participate with my 5 year old. Yes, some folks even put their dogs or goats in trailers. Just remember, your child needs to wear a helmet. Your dog or goat does not. You mean BRAG allows dogs? Yes, under these three conditions: No one wants to hear a dog barking. No one wants to step in dog doo. Most buildings will not allow animals inside. |
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