Thousands expected to ride in Spring Flood Run Saturday

Chad Corey
[Spring Flood Run]

(ABC 6 News) – Thousands of motorcycle riders will hit the road for the Spring Flood Run which takes place Saturday along the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials ask riders and motorists to share the roads. Riders should take safety into their own hands and motorists should look twice for motorcyclists.

“We want riders to ride smart, enjoy the spring ride and make it home safely. That takes motorcyclists and other motorists working together to share the road,” said Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol. “Motorcyclists should ride sober, ride at their own pace in groups, be prepared for potential road hazards, and know how to safely navigate curves in the road. Other motorists should give riders space and diligently check blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections.”

Riders should be aware of spring riding conditions and make safe riding a priority due to potential hazards such as:

  • Snow run-off freezing at night
  • Uneven pavement
  • Potholes
  • Loose sand and gravel, especially in the curves

Law enforcement agencies in southeast Minnesota, along with Minnesota State Troopers, will be out patrolling the area during the event to ensure a safe riding environment.

DPS offers these safety tips:

Riders

  • Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding, keeping your speed in check and maintaining a three-second following distance.
  • Wear the gear. Motorcyclists should wear a DOT-approved helmet and brightly colored protective gear for visibility and protection.
  • Don’t drink and ride. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities involve impaired riders.
  • Know how to navigate a curve. Here are tips to ride through curves safely:
    • Slow down for the curve.
    • Look through the curve.
    • Countersteer.
    • Gently roll on through the curve.
  • As the riding season begins, take a training course. Training season is underway, and courses are available for basic to expert riders. Taking a training course every couple of years will polish skills to stay safe on the road.

Motorists

  • Watch for motorcyclists. Due to the smaller size of motorcycles, their speed and distance is more difficult to judge.
  • Always look twice before entering a roadway, turning left or changing lanes.
  • Give riders room by maintaining a three-second following distance and check blind spots.
  • Pay attention and drive at safe speeds.