Cycling to School Safely... with a little help from the MACEYS

Transcription

1 4168 M CYCLE PGUIDE A5 1/31/08 3:06 PM Page 3 Guide Contains: Cycling to School Safely Guide, for your children Safe Cross Code Parent Information FREE Safe to School Flashing Reflector offer The closing date for competition is Friday April 25th Cycling to School Safely... with a little help from the MACEYS info@safetoschool.ie Helpline Number:

2 The Road Safety Authority and MACE have teamed up to bring you this Road Safety Guide for primary school children, called 'Safe to School with the MACEYS'. Last year, Mark MACEY showed children how to walk to school safely and this year, Nikki MACEY is showing children to cycle to school safely. The Road Safety Authority says... We recommend that children under the age of 12 should not ride bicycles in any type of traffic! Ask your teacher or parents to contact the Road Safety Officer at your Local Authority to find out whether cycle training will be offered in your school! We've also distributed educational packs to every primary school in Ireland. These packs include 'Cycling to School Safely' animated videos on DVD, leaflets, posters and wall charts. Hi, I'm Nikki, I love my bike and I cycle to school every day. Let's learn the 'CYCLE SAFELY TO SCHOOL GUIDE' together Here's what you should do when cycling: When you're on your bike, ALWAYS wear a helmet! If you cycle to school with your friends, they should always wear a helmet too. Before you cycle on the main road, check with your Mum, Dad or an adult first. You might be too young! If you are old enough to cycle on the main road, obey ALL the traffic signs and traffic lights- like every other road user. When the traffic lights are red, always stop and wait for the green light. Be Safe, Be Seen- Wear a reflective belt and reflective armbands, especially when you are cycling at dusk or in the dark. Be sure that your bike is in good working order. Make sure your brakes and tyres are working properly. Ask your Mum, Dad or an adult to check them for you.

3 Turning left Turning right Stopping TIP FOR PARENTS! We recommend that you read this guide with your children. Even if your children don't cycle to school every day, they can still learn how to cycle safely. Be sure you have proper lights and reflectors on your bike. Use hand signals when turning or stopping (you'll see pictures of these above). Always cycle single-file when overtaking. Keep well back when cycling behind a motor vehicle in all traffic. Make sure your shoe laces are tied. You don't want them to get caught in your bicycle chain! Take care on wet or icy roads, or when there is a strong wind. Use your bell as a warning only, not for fun. Use cycle tracks, where they are available. If you're walking on the footpath with your bike, don't forget to use the Safe Cross Code. Ask your Mum, Dad or an adult to show you a safe route for cycling to school from your home. You can use that same route everyday Here's what you should NOT do: Never cycle with headphones. You must be able to hear as well as see. Never cycle more than two abreast. In heavy traffic or on narrow roads, always cycle in single file. If you are old enough to cycle in traffic, never cycle on or across a footpath. Never cycle with no hands - keep both hands on the handle bars. Never carry a passenger on your bike. Never cycle against the flow of traffic. Never hold on to a moving vehicle. Don't forget to use the 'Cycling to School Safely Guide' on your way home from school too!

4 Hi, I m Mark and when I cross the road, I remember the Safe Cross Code. You should use it too! But remember- if you're under 7, you should only cross the road with an adult, like your Mum or Dad. Here is the Safe Cross Code in 7 easy steps let's learn it together! Look for a safe place to cross Don't hurry! Always STOP and WAIT LOOK all around before you cross the road LISTEN for any traffic (like cars, buses & bicycles) If traffic is coming, let it pass. Then look around again When there is no traffic, walk straight across the road Look and listen for traffic while you cross REMEMBER THESE 7 EASY STEPS, EVERY TIME YOU GO TO SCHOOL. About An Hour Did You Know? According to health experts, children require around an hour of exercise every day. Walking or cycling to school is a great way for children to get the amount of exercise they need.

5 PICK UP YOUR FREE SAFE TO SCHOOL FLASHING REFLECTOR AT YOUR LOCAL MACE, WITH EVERY 5 YOU SPEND.* *AVAILABLE WHILE STOCKS LAST. Reducing the carbon footprint... Did You Know? If more children walked or cycled to school everyday, there would be fewer carbon emissions, which is good news for the environment!

6 Hi, I'm Nikki, I use the 'CYCLING TO SCHOOL SAFELY GUIDE' everyday on my way to school did you use it on your way to school this morning too? If you did, then today's box on the chart below... Well done and don't forget to use the 'CYCLING TO SCHOOL SAFELY GUIDE' tomorrow as well! WEEK ONE Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Nikki Macey WEEK TWO Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri The School Run... Did You Know? If more children cycled or walked to school, there would be fewer cars on the road. This would help reduce congestion around busy school entrances, making them safer for everyone!