The City of Knoxville wants to remind the community of safety ahead of RAGBRAI’s overnight stop in Knoxville tomorrow

With the large event comes a large influx of people and public safety officials want everyone to make sure they are safe. On Wednesday, the riders will be coming into town northbound on Highway 14, and many will be staying at the main campground site. Knoxville Police Chief Aaron Fuller says on Wednesday that the area south of Madison St. will be extremely busy and the traffic will be slow as bicycles will receive the right of way. On Thursday, when the riders leave, they will be coming East on Robinson St, to the downtown square, then to Attica Rd., and out to Highway 5 so those areas will be just as busy on Thursday morning. It is important to be aware of traffic backups and make sure you are keeping an eye out for bicycles at all times during the event, and especially during the busy areas. 

Due to the large influx of people in town, the Knoxville Fire Department will have ambulances staged in different areas all throughout town in case of an emergency, and there is also a severe weather action plan in case that were to happen. The Knoxville Police Department wants to remind everyone to drink responsibly throughout the day and to never drink and drive. Fuller says safety is the number one priority for this event.

“While you’re downtown, there are going to be a lot of people downtown because our square is not that big. Just be patient with the volunteers, be patient with law enforcement, be patient with Fire and EMS staff, and just have a good time. Be safe, this is a once in a decade thing when RAGBRAI rolls through.”

Hear from Fuller and Knoxville Fire Chief Cal Wyman about RAGBRAI safety on today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.