St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Thousands of riders are expected to participate in the 57th annual Flood Run Saturday, and the state patrol is urging caution for those traveling along the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers this weekend.

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The Flood Run signals the kick-off of the spring motorcycle season as the riders travel from the Twin Cities to Winona, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials ask riders and motorists to share the roads.

“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.”

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said those motorcycle riders should take safety into their own hands and motorists should look twice for motorcyclists.

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.

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.

The Flood Run commemorates and celebrates the response of a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who traveled from the Twin Cities to help with the clean-up following the devastating 1965 flood.

Temperatures in the Winona area are around 30 degrees as of Saturday morning, and the forecasted high is 41.

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