Front Page FAQs Trouble Printing? National MS Society Mid-Atlantic Chapter

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Sagger-Do's compiled by KC4YPB and the W4BFB gang

Cyclists are a strange lot, they ride for hours just watching their front tire turn. They are not watching for us, we're there to watch out for them.

1. Be an active listener -- ALWAYS LISTEN on the right frequency.
   
   
2. Safety first -- for both you and the riders. Cyclists are very exposed and vulnerable to vehicles, we at least have a vehicle for protection and to be seen by other vehicles.
   
   
3. Always drive with your 4-way flashers flashing.
   
   
4. Always be cognizant of your location relative to Rest Stops. When you happen upon an accident, be able to give your location accurately. (Example: 2 miles past rest 3, or 1.5 miles before rest 1).
   
   
5. Use massive amounts of common sense!
   
   
6. The word "Break" is used ONLY for medical emergencies!
   
   
7. Watch for riders weaving, wobbling, or obviously laboring. They may be exhausted, overheated, or worse. These are the ones who might need help or water.
   
   
8. Closer attention is warranted to more elderly, obese, or very young riders.
   
   
9. While keeping cyclists far to the right is preferred, we have no authority to enforce it. However a gentle friendly reminder to stay to the right may help.
   
   
10. Intersections (especially busy ones) demand special attention. Remember that riders may be fatigued and attention may be lax.
    
    
11. When high-speed traffic and bicycles mix, motorists get impatient and upset. This might cause dirty deeds (throw objects, run riders off the road, etc). Our job is to get vehicle descriptions, occupant descriptions, tag number (most important), check for injuries, and advise net control. Avoid altercations or chases of suspects.
    
    
12. Each rider has paid entrance fees, obtained pledges, and some have very expensive cycles with fancy paint jobs. They deserve respect and courtesy, they are hot, tired, and sweaty, so try to overlook minor transgressions. Friendly words and cheerful smiles go a long way to disarm flaring tempers.
    
    
13. Keep net traffic to a minimum. Use simplex (446.100) to communicate with other SAGs to determine the direction of travel. Try to maintain a reasonable distance between SAGs.
    
    
14. Helpful tools: jackknife, screwdriver, vice grips, wrenches, duct tape, tire pump, rags (instead of your tee shirt to wipe bike grease).
    
    
15. Wave, Smile, and give encouragement to the riders.
    
    
16. When you transport riders, make sure they sit on the floorboards, not on the side rails of a pickup bed.
    
    
17. We are on duty until the route is cleared each day. If you cut out early, it is much more difficult for the rest of us.
    
    
18. Don't tailgate too closely to bicycles (nervous bikers get irritable).
    
    
19. Look for traffic hazards, don't be one.
    
    
20. If you are running APRS, please notify net control at the beginning of the day.
    
    
21. Be an active listener -- ALWAYS LISTEN on the right frequency.

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