Welcome to the BP MS 150 Safety Zone
The Safety Zone is the National MS Society’s latest safety initiative to provide BP MS 150 participants with a safe, enjoyable cycling adventure from Houston to Austin. Together, we are raising funds and awareness in the fight to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.
BP MS 150 safety isn’t just about wearing your cycling helmet and knowing the rules of the road. Those are very important measures, but cycling safety involves much more. Tour safety includes a wide variety of topics, such as nutrition, hydration, conditioning and cycling etiquette, just to name a few.
The National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter strongly encourages you to review the compiled Safety Zone information. This information will help you prepare for the BP MS 150 and will guide you during the ride.
The Safety Zone is an exciting new initiative. The National MS Society welcomes any suggestions on enhancing or improving content. To submit comments or suggestions, please email Barry Turner, barry.turner@txh.nmss.org.
2008 BP MS 150 TOUR RULES
- All riders must raise the $400 minimum pledge by May 13, 2008.
- Failure to pay the minimum pledge will prohibit participation in any future Lone Star Chapter event.
- All riders must submit a signed Waiver Form at a Packet Pick-Up to receive a Rider Packet.
- Riders 17 and younger must have the Wavier Form notarized before attending a Packet Pick-Up.
- A parent or adult guardian must accompany riders 17 and younger at all times. The maximum ratio of adult-to-child riders is 1:3.
- The minimum age to participate is 10 years of age in the calendar year of the ride. For the 2008 Tour, riders must turn 10 years old before January 1, 2009.
- Riders 17 and younger must complete with their guardian the online safety quiz and review the safety brochure.
- All riders must obey all state and local traffic laws.
- All riders must obey all Law Enforcement Personnel, Ride Officials and Volunteers.
- Every rider must wear a bicycle helmet that complies with the US Consumer Products Safety Commission Safety Standard.
- Headphones, cell phones, ear buds, radios and similar audio devices used in, on or around the rider’s head or ears are not permitted while riding.
- Equipment and accessories attached to a bicycle for transporting children and pets are not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, bicycle trailers, Tag-along or Trail-a-bike products, and child carrier seats.
- Riders are not allowed to transport animals while riding.
- Inline skates (Rollerblades) are prohibited.
Action on Unsafe Rider Behaviors:
To further uphold the integrity and safety of the BP MS 150, the National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter has established specific courses of action for unsafe rider behaviors that may arise during the event.
Safety Links
Think Safe, Ride Safe—Safe Cycling: (PDF download) Download this presentation prior to this weekend’s Tour for a Safe Cycling experience.
Cycling Etiquette: When you are riding with 12,999 other riders, there are some cycling customs and etiquette points we all must follow.
Read the Safety Task Force presentation “Avoiding Hydration Issues” (PDF download, click here for PowerPoint) so you can stay well hydrated during the BP MS 150.
Cycling Nutrition: Do you “bonk” or completely run out of steam prior to finishing a ride? Check your knowledge here.
Safety Tips: Keep up with the Safety Tips series.
League of American Bicyclists (LAB): The National MS Society, Lone Star Chapter is partnering with the League of American Bicyclists (LAB), a national organization dedicated to cycling, cycling advocacy and cycling education.
Look for these special groups of cyclists and volunteers on the route who are trained for safety and first aid.
Bike Medic: A registered rider who provides medical assistance along the route.
Ride Marshal: Ride Marshals are registered cyclists who act as both Good Will and Safety Ambassadors for the BP MS 150 Recommended Rides and BP MS 150.
Sick Puppies: Certified medical professionals (EMTs, paramedics and nurses) who administer first aid.
