BICYCLE. Published by Community Safety Net

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2 BICYCLE Safety for Kids Published by Community Safety Net No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, by photocopying or any other means, without written permission of the publisher. All associated graphic elements are trademarks of: Community Safety Net In The USA: P.O. Box 559 Pembina, ND In Canada: Unit C-3000, Birds Hill Road East St Paul, MB R2E 1J5 ISBN Printed and bound in Canada NOTE TO PARENTS: This book is intended to help kids live safely. It s aim is to teach that, by understanding and observing a collection of simple rules, young people can stay happy, healthy, and SAFE.

3 GUIDELINES FOR PRESENTING THIS MATERIAL Parts I - VIII are designed to provide parents and instructors with basic information on bicycle safety. Kids should be encouraged to take the pages home for their parents to read. Depending on the age/level of the students, these sections can be given as handouts for student reading, as well. For younger kids, the information should be distilled by an instructor, and presented in smaller, more manageable pieces. Parts IX & X are intended for both kids and parents. The lists can be covered in a class setting, taken home by all students, and also reproduced on a large wall chart for regular reference. Part XI is a quiz designed for kids of all ages. It may be taken before the material has been covered, then again after it has been studied, to measure the learning that has taken place. The quiz can be done individually or in a group setting. Parts XII is intended as a group exercise. It s designed to get kids to think for themselves about bicycle safety and the consequences of unsafe practices. It will allow them to voice their individual opinions and express concerns about bike safety. Try to ensure that everyone contributes. This activity is estimated to take about 30 minutes, but may last longer in larger groups. Part XIII is designed to suggest ways of incorporating what s been learned into fun activities. Games should be selected and organized based on the time, supplies, resources, and supervision available. Part XIV is for further reference. 1

4 PART ONE: INTRODUCTION Riding a bike is lots of fun. And almost everyone does it. In fact, 90% of kids between the ages of six and sixteen ride them. Many adults ride them, too both for recreation and exercise, as well as a means of transportation. But like lots of physical activities, riding a bike can be dangerous if safety precautions aren t taken. This program is intended to provide an overview of the most common safety concerns related to bike riding. You may be familiar with many of them already. Even so, it s a good idea to reacquaint yourself with the basics to ensure that your bike riding experiences are fun and safe! PART TWO: HELMET SAFETY Experts agree. The most important piece of safety gear you can wear while bike riding is a helmet. That s because you can die from an injury to your head. In fact, head injuries cause most bicycle-related deaths. But up to 85% of serious head injuries could be prevented by wearing a helmet. So it s so important to make sure your head is protected every time you get on a bike. THE RIGHT FIT Be sure you get a helmet that fits right. If it doesn t fit you properly, it won t be able to offer the protection it should. The helmet should fit snugly (but not uncomfortably) on the top of your head. If it tips back or slides forward, it s too large. Kids helmets often come with two or three sets of foam fitting pads. You can start with the thick pads, then switch to the thinner ones as your head grows (it won t affect the level of protection). 2

5 ...HELMET SAFETY TIPS CONTINUED But don t use extra pads to try and make an oversized helmet fit your head. Try to leave about two fingers width between your eyebrows and the front of the helmet. Chinstraps should be joined just under each ear at your jawbone. With your mouth open, the buckle should fit snugly. Be sure to check the strap regularly to ensure a good fit. Since your head doesn t grow as much as your hands or feet, you don t have to worry about quickly outgrowing your helmet. So you ll probably have it for a long time. Make sure you get one you like and that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) standard, which is required by U.S. law. In Canada, a helmet should be approved by the CSA (Canadian Standards Association). KEEPING COOL Good ventilation is also important in a helmet. In fact, a well-ventilated helmet will feel cooler than riding without one at all. Generally speaking, more vents are better, since poor ventilation can result in overheating. You can get a pretty good idea of a helmet s ventilation from looking at the size of the front vents. But bear in mind that most riders don t need all the vents that come with the most expensive helmet models. For most riders, it s not worth paying extra just for the extra vents or appearance alone. It IS worth paying more if it means getting a better fitting helmet. Protecting your head in an accident is well worth the cost. 3

6 ...HELMET SAFETY TIPS CONTINUED PICK ONE YOU LIKE A helmet s appearance isn t a measure of protection. But it may affect how you feel about wearing it. So pick a color or design you like! Shell color doesn t affect temperature, so a black shell won t be any hotter in the sun. Still, picking a bright color is a good idea because it makes you more visible to cars. A helmet should be replaced if: It doesn t fit properly. It doesn t meet safety standards. It s been involved in a crash (impact crushes some of the foam, rendering it less protective, even if the helmet still looks okay). The buckle is cracked or any piece breaks off. The exterior is foam or cloth, not plastic. You don t like wearing it. IT S THE LAW If you don t think safety alone is a good enough reason to wear a helmet when you ride a bike, think about this it s the law. Not everywhere (yet), but in 17 states and more than 55 localities in the U.S., it is. In parts of Canada, helmet use is also mandatory. Want more information on bicycle helmets? Try contacting the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI). You can visit them on the Web at or phone them at (703)

7 PART THREE: WHAT ELSE SHOULD(N T) I WEAR? It s very important to be sure that motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists can see you from a distance. That gives them (and you) lots of reaction time to avoid an accident. The best thing you can do is wear colors that are bright and easily seen. Fluorescent colors (like green, yellow, and orange) will make you visible, and they re fun to wear, too! DRESS SMART Comfort is also important. Since biking can be a workout, you should try to wear fabrics that are cool and lightweight. Of course, you should dress for the weather. If it s cool outside, you can dress in layers and remove clothing as you warm up. Appropriate footwear should always be worn. Make sure you wear shoes that are comfortable and won t slip off or get stuck in your bike s pedals. High heels, slippers, and flip flops are not recommended when riding. DON T GET TANGLED UP Anything loose should be avoided when biking, because it could get caught in the moving parts of your bike and cause you to lose control. That includes loose fitting clothing, as well as the straps from purses, knapsacks, book bags, and so on. Headphones should NOT be worn when biking. They re distracting, can get tangled, and will keep you from hearing important noises going on around you. 5

8 PART FOUR: RULES OF THE ROAD Always ride on the RIGHT. You should never ride against traffic. If there are multiple lanes, stay in the one that is furthest right (going in your direction). Although you should stay on the right side of your lane, be careful not to get too close to the curb. About three feet out is a good rule of thumb. Always stop at all red lights and stop signs. You can get a ticket for not obeying this rule, just like a motorist. Always signal your turns and your intention to stop. To learn the proper signals, see page 9. Always check behind you and signal when changing lanes. Smart cyclists know the meanings of all street signs. If you re going to ride on the road, you must abide by the rules, like everyone else. PART FIVE: SAFE RIDING SUGGESTIONS Young children should NOT ride their bikes on the road. It s safest for them to stay on sidewalks, driveways, and areas free of traffic. Once you re old enough, have developed strong bicycle riding skills, and your parents have given their permission, you may be ready to bike on the street. Before you do, though, it s critical that you know the rules of the road. Whenever possible, try to avoid busy streets. 6

9 ...SAFE RIDING SUGGESTIONS CONTINUED Although cyclists have a right to use the roads, they must also remember that they re subject to the same rules as drivers are. Even experienced cyclists may feel more comfortable walking their bikes across a busy intersection. If you re in a high traffic area, this might be a safer way to go. Be careful around parked cars. Don t weave in and out between them. The best thing to do is ride in a straight line. Watch out for cars that are stopped and about to emerge into traffic. You should also try to ride far enough away from parked cars so as not to get unexpectedly hit by a door that swings open. When riding out of your driveway, always proceed very cautiously and wait until the coast is clear. Most drivers are not expecting a bicycle to suddenly enter the road, so they may not have enough time to slow down and let you in. Always be prepared to stop! It s very important to stay alert at all times and watch for hazards like potholes, gravel, storm gates, and litter. These items can cause you to lose control of your bike. Stay alert and be cautious so that you can react quickly if you need to. Don t follow cars too closely; you may be riding in their blind spot. And NEVER grab on to a moving vehicle while you re riding. Only ONE person per bike! Giving someone a ride on your handlebars is extremely dangerous for both the rider and passenger. 7

10 ...SAFE RIDING SUGGESTIONS CONTINUED Make sure you re always aware of your position relative to other traffic. Assert yourself and take the right of way when it s yours. But don t assume that every motorist sees you. Listen carefully for cars approaching from the side or behind you. Make motorists aware of your presence by using hand signals, your voice, a bell, or whatever you need to get their attention. Even if you have the right of way, always be aware of a safe alternative, in case you need it. You may need to act to avoid a collision. When riding with other cyclists, always proceed single file. If you need to pass other cyclists or pedestrians, let them know your position by shouting something like on your left! Stay in control of your bike and don t swerve or turn suddenly. Obey traffic rules even if you re playing follow the leader. If your friend makes it through an intersection before a light changes, but you don t STOP AND WAIT until it s safe to proceed. Never run a light or stop sign just to keep up with someone. Ensure that you have a reflector on the front and rear of your bike. The rear one should be red and at least three inches across. It should be pointed straight back to reflect the headlights of cars that are approaching from behind. 8

11 PART SIX: HAND SIGNALS To signal a left turn, look behind you, hold your left arm straight out, and proceed carefully. Be careful to assess the speed of any oncoming traffic and only make your turn when you re confident you have plenty of room to do so. To signal a right turn, hold your left arm out and up in an L shape. Be careful to watch for cars in front of you that may also be about to make a right turn at the same spot. To signal a stop, hold your left arm out and down in an upside down L shape. Avoid making sudden stops. PART SEVEN: BIKES THAT FIT It s very important to ensure that you re riding a bike that fits you properly. If the bike is too big or small for you, it will be difficult to control. Here s a simple test to gauge the fit of a bike: Straddle the bike, and stand with your feet on the ground. There should be a 1 3 inch gap between you and the top bar. You ll need more room if you re riding a mountain bike. If you can t stand with your feet flat on the ground when straddling the bike, it s too big. And that s a safety hazard. Ensure the seat is adjusted to the right height. The way to tell is by sitting on the seat with your foot on the pedal. Your knee should be slightly bent. This will help avoid knee strain. 9

12 PART EIGHT: BICYCLE SAFETY CHECK Although a complete maintenance check at a bike shop is a good idea periodically, you can also do your part to make sure your bike is ready to go. Every time you go for a ride, it s a smart idea to give your bike a quick safety check to make sure it s in good working order. You should examine: The seat: It should be the right height for the rider, and attached securely. The bike s chain: It should be clean, as well as lubricated, and on snugly. The handlebars: These should be attached securely. The brakes: Ensure the pads are clean and working properly. Pads should be replaced if there is less than ¼ of pad left. Check the brakes for even pressure. They should make your back wheel skid on the dry pavement, but you don t want brakes that stick. The tires: They should be properly inflated and have enough tread on them. If the air pressure is low, refill. Check for punctures. The pedals: Make sure they are on securely and in good condition. TAKE A QUICK RIDE Before heading out for a long ride, take a short spin with the bike in a safe area to ensure it is working properly. This will help spot any potential problems before you get too far from home. 10

13 PART NINE: DID YOU KNOW? Most bike-related accidents are due to falls, collisions with stationary objects, and collisions with other cyclists or pedestrians. Most bicycle accidents happen within five blocks of home, in familiar surroundings. More than 95% of cyclist deaths involve motor vehicles. In 70% of bicycle collisions with vehicles, the cyclist is at fault either by violating a law or from poor road sense. Wearing a bicycle helmet while riding can reduce the risk of head and brain injuries by up to 85%. 50,000 children in Canada are injured every year in bike-related accidents. PART TEN: BIKE SAFETY TIPS Stay alert for parked cars that may be trying to join the flow of traffic and for car doors that may suddenly swing open. Know the rules of the road, and practice them when cycling. Always wear brightly colored clothing when biking. Carefully inspect your bicycle before every use; be sure to check the brakes, tires, chain, handlebars, pedals, and seat. Avoid riding in the dark. Equip your bike with reflectors. Always wear a proper-fitting helmet. Walk your bike across busy intersections. Signal all turns, lane changes, and stops. Keep to the right, and NEVER ride against traffic. 11

14 PART ELEVEN: BIKE SAFETY QUIZ 1) What s the most important safety gear you can wear? a) Kneepads b) A helmet c) Wrist guards 2) A proper-fitting helmet should: a) Sit snugly on top of the head b) Slip down the front or back of the head c) Be tight enough to give you a headache 3) A helmet should be replaced if: a) It doesn t fit properly b) It s been involved in a crash c) The buckle or chinstrap is broken d) All of the above 4) Why is it a good idea to wear bright colors when cycling? a) Because bright colors are more stylish than dull ones b) So you ll be more visible to motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists c) Bright colored clothing is less expensive 5) Children should only cycle on the road once: a) They re old enough b) They ve developed strong bike riding skills c) They have their parents permission d) All of the above 6) As a general rule, which side of the road should you ride on? a) Left side b) Right side c) Anywhere you want 12

15 ...BIKE SAFETY QUIZ CONTINUED 7) The proper way to signal a LEFT turn is: a) Hold your left arm straight out b) Hold your left arm out and up in an L shape c) Hold your left arm out and down in an upside down L shape 8) Before going for a long ride, a good way to test if the bike is working properly is to: a) Kick the tires b) Turn the bike upside down c) Go for a short ride in a safe area near home 9) When riding on the road, you should always stay alert for: a) Litter on the road b) Potholes c) Parked cars (doors may open suddenly) d) All of the above 10) When riding with other cyclists, it s best to proceed: a) Single file b) Side by side c) Any formation you feel like 13

16 Answers to quiz: 1) b 2) a 3) d 4) b 5) d 6) b 7) a 8) c 9) d 10) a PART TWELVE: DISCUSSION STARTERS Why is it so important to wear a helmet when cycling? What can happen to a person who s riding a bike that doesn t fit? Why is it so important to follow the rules of the road? List the things you can think of that might cause you to lose control of your bike. Why do you think it s a good idea to walk your bike across busy intersections? What can a cyclist do to make motorists aware of his or her presence on the road? What types of items should not be worn or carried while riding a bike? Why not? If you saw your friend riding a bike without a helmet, what would you say? How would you convince him or her to wear a helmet while riding? 14

17 PART THIRTEEN: EXERCISES & GAMES Here are some games and exercises that can help build riding skills and bicycle safety knowledge: Simon Says Bike Safety: This exercise combines the traditional game Simon Says with bike safety knowledge. Have the kids stand in rows. The leader (Simon) should call out safe cycling actions (eg. Simon says signal a left turn ). Participants are eliminated for following instructions not preceded by Simon Says. Cause & Prevention: Have the kids brainstorm a list of hazards and potential problems that could arise while cycling (eg. A parked car door swinging open, a driver who doesn t see you, etc.). Then have them go over the list as a group and generate suggestions on safe ways to prevent or avoid each problem. Bike Bingo: Make up bingo cards with traffic signs and bike safety symbols (helmets, turns signals, etc.). Call out the symbols until someone achieves bingo. Helmet Sizing: Bring in bike helmets of several different sizes. With your guidance, have the kids try them on and help one another gauge which helmets fit properly. Bike Derby: This should be held in a parking lot or blocked off street so as to allow for safe riding. Several stations should be set up and children should go through the stations on their bikes, wearing helmets. Extra helmets should be available for loan or sale, if some kids don t have one. Each station should give kids a chance to practice certain skills, such as stopping, riding around pylons, maintaining balance at low speeds, riding single file, using hand signals, etc. 15

PART FOURTEEN: SOURCES & MORE INFORMATION To locate additional safety information, including links to family-friendly websites, please visit...www.communitysafetynet.

18 PART FOURTEEN: SOURCES & MORE INFORMATION To locate additional safety information, including links to family-friendly websites, please visit... The following sources were referenced in the writing of this resource: Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute Bicyclinginfo.org: pedestrian and bicycle information center National Highway Traffic Safety Administration lllinois State Police Command Center Canada Safety Council City of Toronto Pennsylvania Safe Kids Coalition 16

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