Racing for Safety Planning Guide

Transcription

1 Racing for Safety Planning Guide A Guide for Planning and Presenting A Racing for Safety Course for Children In Your Community

2 Racing for Safety Planning Guide: A Guide for Planning and Presenting A Racing for Safety Course for Children in Your Community Copyright 2011, The Trustees of Indiana University. This work may be duplicated and distributed for use, as is, in your community. This work may not be used beyond its intended purpose. For information about this planning guide, please contact Riley Hospital for Children Community Education and Child Advocacy at Indiana University Health, 575 Riley Hospital Drive, XE 008, Indianapolis, IN , or or safestor@iupui.edu. The project team that developed this planning guide and Racing for Safety program has been recognized with these awards: The Prudential Spirit of the Community Awards Program Indiana winner U.S. Secretary of Transportation s Community Partnership Awards Program (honorable mention) Revised March/2011

3 1 Dear Community Educator: All children can win the race for safety every day. A Racing for Safety Course helps children of any age and ability to be safe on all kinds/types of wheels and as a pedestrian. At a Racing for Safety course, children learn about and practice how to be safe on whatever wheels they use. They gain confidence and experience so when they do go out riding, skating, or walking in their community, they know what to do and how to act safely in traffic. All children who attend must: Wear a properly fitted and Consumer Product Safety Commission approved bike helmet if using a bike, adapted bike, non-powered scooter, skates, or skateboard. Know how to use a bicycle or other wheels that must be the proper size, fit, and in good working order. Children who use wheelchairs, adapted bikes, non-powered scooters, skates, or skateboards can also bring this equipment to learn more about how to be safe. Use this planning guide to meet the needs of children in your community. Tell us how you use this planning guide and what we can do to make it better. Give children a safe place to go so they can learn how to use bike helmets regularly and how to be safe on any kind of wheels they use or when walking anywhere. The Racing for Safety Team: Riley Hospital for Children Community Education and Child Advocacy at Indiana University Health Think First at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Occupational Therapy Program Indiana University School of Informatics Indianapolis Motor Speedway Productions

4 2 BEFORE PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Organizing a Racing for Safety Course Planning Steps for Success Here s a blueprint to help you plan a successful safety course: Step One: Recruit Community Partners Possible partners to contact in your community: community service organizations churches schools fire departments police department bike patrols health department Step Ahead Council rehabilitation services driver s education teachers libraries bike shops cooperative extensions, 4-H parent-teacher organizations emergency medical services pediatricians family physicians hospitals Safe Kids Coalition or Chapter bicycle clubs scouts, girl/boy clubs Invite local community groups to participate on the planning team. Planning team members can assist in developing the program, providing refreshments, and recruiting volunteers. A sample letter of invitation can be found on page 6 of this Planning Guide.

5 3 BEFORE PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Step Two: Develop your plan A. What are our goals in presenting a safety course? Check with the local police department or hospital about the number of bike or pedestrian-related injuries and deaths to children in your community in the last several years. This information might be useful in identifying what age groups to target with your course and could also highlight some needs for education. The fact sheets on bike and pedestrian safety in this guidebook can help in showing the need for education. The ages and abilities of the children you want to attract to the bike and pedestrian safety course and the goals you identify will help define how you plan and present the course. Our resources give you an opportunity to pick and choose what areas you want to highlight in your course. You can make the course as complex or as simple as you choose. B. Who do we invite? Limit the number of participants and define the ages and abilities of the children who can take part in the Racing for Safety Course to help course staff have more time for individual instruction. Define your target population. Will you focus at a school, church group, neighborhood, or scout group versus an entire community? A sample letter of invitation to caregivers and children can be found on page 7 of the guide. C. When do we present the bike and pedestrian safety course? Consider limiting the hours of the course. For example, depending on the day you select, you could set up 2 hour blocks of time in shifts throughout the day or just presenting the course once. Give families choices for times that fit their schedule and give the volunteer staff time to re-energize. You also might want to offer the course several times throughout the year, such as once in the spring, once in the summer and once in the fall.

6 4 BEFORE PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE D. How do we present a safe course? At a Racing for Safety Course, these guidelines must be followed for children to be able to participate: a. A bicycle helmet must be worn properly at all times. If you are providing bicycle helmets for children to borrow, make certain that you also provide a covering for each child s head before the helmet is used (i.e. surgical cap or paper towel). b. The bike (or adapted bike, non-powered scooter, wheelchair, skates, or skateboard) used at the course must be of proper size, fit, and in proper working order with all parts intact. c. Children participating at the course must be able to ride a bike or use a wheelchair, non-powered scooter, skates, or skateboard. Put in promotional materials that if the weather gets too hot, the course will be cancelled for health and safety precautions. Make certain there is an area for shade or shelter near the course. Provide periodic breaks with water and light snacks for children. Have a first aid kit available and qualified staff person on hand to tend to any children who fall during the course. Step Three: Putting your plan into action Here is an ideal countdown calendar for presenting your safety course. Adjust your steps accordingly, depending on how much actual time you have. 3 months ahead: To Do: Review Racing for Safety Planning Guide and other available resources. Identify goals for your course. Gather information on bike riding, wheelchair, scooter, and skateboard use, and walking behaviors by children in your community. Determine the audience of children to invite. Recruit partners to conduct the course. Choose a location, date, and times. A parking lot, gymnasium, or playground area that is hard-surfaced and traffic-free works best. Make certain you have permission to use the site. Share the course plan with your insurance agent to determine if you are properly insured. Ask the agent for a letter that documents their recommendations and direction. Recruit volunteers and assign tasks.

7 5 BEFORE PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Visit to download, enlarge, and laminate traffic safety signs and mount onto sturdy structures that you can stand up at different points in your safety course. Review Bicycle, Skateboarding and Non-Powered Scooter, and Pedestrian Safety Fact Sheets. Contact potential sponsors to support the event by contributing such resources as refreshments, prizes, extra bicycles for use during the event, or publicity. Contact local emergency medical services to be present at the event for support. 2 months ahead: To Do: Begin preparing press and media information. A sample press release can be found on page 9 of this guide. Publish information about your safety course in local newspapers, newsletters, meetings, schools, churches, etc. Display posters about the safety course in your community. Invite a local official to proclaim a special day for your safety course. A sample proclamation can be found on page 8 of this guide. Other: 1 month before your safety course: To Do: Confirm location and finalize details for course. Contact radio, television, and newspapers for public service announcement support or coverage of course. Complete and distribute press packet to media. Secure all necessary supplies for the safety course. The supply list can be found on page 13 of this guide. Meet with volunteers to review their responsibilities for staffing the safety course. GO! Present your Racing for Safety course.

8 6 BEFORE PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Dear (Insert Partner Name): SAMPLE LETTER Of Invitation to Planning Team Members We need your help and support to plan and present a Racing for Safety Course for children in our community. At a Racing for Safety Course, children learn about and practice how to be safe on bikes and other types/kinds of wheels and as pedestrians. This invitation is being sent to partners from many local organizations and businesses that support children and families. You are invited to be a member of the planning team for our community s Racing for Safety Course. Our first meeting is scheduled for (date) and (time) at (location). At our first meeting: 1. tasks will be reviewed and assigned to team members based on interest, expertise, and availability; 2. we will ask your help to recruit volunteers and promote this event 3. we will plan a date for presenting the course 4. we will set a calendar for only (#) more planning meetings. We will stay in touch between meetings by s and phone calls. Before our meeting, make time to review the education resources found on. Please call (phone number) or ( address) if you or a representative can attend this first meeting. I look forward to working with you to help our community s children win the race for safety. Sincerely, Safety Course Coordinator

9 7 BEFORE PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE SAMPLE LETTER OF INVITATION for Caregiver and Children This letter can be sent to area schools to distribute to children in age appropriate classrooms to take home to their caregiver. Dear Parent/Caregiver: Come join us for a Racing for Safety course where your child gets the chance to learn and practice safety skills that can help save your child s life. Your child will learn: the importance of wearing a bike helmet basic rules of the road hand turn signals basic traffic safety signs If your child uses an adapted bike, wheelchair, scooter, skates, or a skateboard, please bring that equipment along. We will have bikes on-hand for kids to use along with bike helmets for kids to borrow while going through the course. If you like, you can also bring your child s bike along. We will be inspecting bikes, and only the bikes and other equipment that are of proper size and fit and in good working order will be allowed to be used. Your child must be able to use whatever equipment you bring or that is on-hand to take part in this activity. This Racing for Safety course is free. Your only cost is the time and effort to bring your child to and from the course. We welcome you to stay and be a part of your child s learning that day. Our Racing for Safety Course is presented by (list local partners) along with the Racing for Safety Team: Riley Hospital for Children Community Education and Child Advocacy at Indiana University Health Think First at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health Indiana University School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Occupational Therapy Program Indiana University School of Informatics Indianapolis Motor Speedway Productions Please don t miss out on this opportunity to teach your child important safety skills. Safety educators will be there to answer questions from you and to teach the children. To learn more about Racing for Safety, visit. Sincerely, Racing for Safety Course Coordinator Date: Time: Place:

10 8 BEFORE PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE RACING FOR SAFETY KIDS DAY (Sample Proclamation) Whereas, (Community name) s children are our most valuable resources and injuries are a leading cause of death to children throughout Indiana and this country, and; Whereas, many injuries can be prevented or reduced through public education and information provided by many partners working together, and; Whereas, hundreds of children of all ages and abilities use bicycles, adapted bikes, wheelchairs, skateboards, non-powered scooters, and skates and also are pedestrians in our neighborhoods and city streets, and; Whereas, many child injuries and deaths can be prevented or reduced by wearing protective safety gear, observing rules of the road, and practicing traffic safety skills, and; Whereas, (Names of Racing for Safety course sponsors) in partnership with Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health are presenting a Racing for Safety Course to help teach traffic safety knowledge and skills to all children in our community, Now, therefore, I (elected official) do hereby proclaim (date of bike and pedestrian safety course) as RACING FOR SAFETY DAY in (city name) and encourage all citizens to participate in activities in recognition thereof. Signature Date

11 9 BEFORE PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Sample Press Release Date: Phone: RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE FOR KIDS OFFERED Children are invited to attend a free Racing for Safety course on (date) from (times) at (location of safety course). At the Racing for Safety course, children learn about traffic safety basics and practice their skills and knowledge on how to be safe on bikes or whatever kinds/types of wheels they use or as pedestrians. Bike helmets and bikes will be there for children to use during the course. We are pleased to present a Racing for Safety course, which is open to all children in our community, says (safety course coordinator). A Racing for Safety course gives all children who use any kind of wheels, including bikes, adapted bikes, wheelchairs, nonpowered scooters, skates, or a skateboard, a chance to learn information and practice skills to be safe in traffic when riding or walking. Children will learn the importance of wearing a bike helmet basic rules of the road hand turn signals basic traffic safety signs The Racing for Safety course is being presented by (list sponsors and planning team members). To learn more about Racing for Safety and the Racing for Safety Team, visit.

12 10 BEFORE PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Observing Bicycle Riding, Wheelchair use, and Walking in Your Community Before you offer a safety course in your community, take the time to find out more about the biking, wheelchair use, and walking behaviors of children where you live. There are many sources of information available to you that could provide helpful direction on the type of education needed. The Observational Survey in the Appendix is provided for you to duplicate and use to gather information about how children ride bikes or use wheelchairs and walk in different areas of your community. The form can be adapted to collect observations on use of other types/kinds of wheels like non-powered scooters, skates, or skateboards. This is a project that can be done with service clubs, universities, schools, and other organizations.* Follow these general guidelines: 1. Hold a meeting for observation teams to explain the purpose of the survey and guidelines for completing the form. 2. Observation teams of two persons should be positioned at each site. 3. Possible locations for observation teams should include the immediate areas of local schools at the end of the school day and neighborhood parks and community centers. 4. Provide each observation team with a supply of observation sheets and two clipboards and pencils. 5. Bring your teams together to share compiled results. These results may also be used to share with local media, schools, and others. Consult local emergency medical services, your local hospital, insurance companies, pediatricians, and law enforcement officials for additional data and information. * Observation teams can include high school students, service club members, university students, and members of organizations on your Racing For Safety course planning team.

13 11 PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Planning, Designing, and Presenting your Racing for Safety Course Participants in your safety course will vary in age range and skill level. In planning the course, be prepared to anticipate these differences through the types of stations that are offered for children. Younger children or less-experienced riders will probably be challenged by keeping their balance on the bike, making proper hand signals, and executing turns. Before beginning the course... Everyone who is participating will need an orientation to the course. Prior to the start of the event, volunteers will need a clear understanding of their responsibilities at each station and should be familiar with activities taking place throughout the entire course. Course participants will feel more comfortable about what to do and how to move through the course if you provide them with a brief verbal presentation and walkthrough about the different stations as well as a photocopy of the course layout. Planning considerations Set aside enough space for the course. Anticipate that children will need lots of room to ride their bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, skateboards, and skates. 2. Block off the safety course with traffic cones or other colorful and visible barriers. 3. Divide your course into two separate areas: a. One area for children to practice on bikes or other wheeled devices. b. One area for children to practice rules of the road and traffic safety awareness. To help children learn to control whatever wheels they use, set up these stations: a. To practice riding or moving on a straight line in one direction: Follow the Line. Depending upon the ground surface, use tape or chalk to mark a line that children must follow on their bike, wheelchair, scooter, skateboard, or skates. There already may be lines on a parking lot that could be used. b. To practice riding or moving in and out between obstacles: Zig-Zag. Use sponges or traffic cones to set up a pattern that children must weave through on bikes or on whatever wheeled devices they use. c. To practice riding or moving slowly and learn how going slow helps you stay in control: Slow Race. Mark a start and finish line. You will need a stop watch at this station. Each child is challenged to ride her/his bike or use other wheeled devices as slowly as possible from the start to finish line without stopping. d. To practice turning the wheels in a changing direction: Figure 8. Use sidewalk chalk or tape to outline a figure 8 pattern that children must follow with their bike or other wheeled device. Be sure to make the 8 pattern large enough to allow the child to safely make the turns.

14 12 PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE When setting up an area that would help teach rules of the road and traffic safety awareness, consider the following: a. Put all or selected traffic signs using sample course layout across the designated area to give every rider adequate opportunity to respond properly to every sign. b. Put some of your volunteers at different points across this part of the course to interrupt the progress of a bike rider, wheelchair user, skater, skateboarder or pedestrian with typical obstacles: dog, pedestrians, school bus, another bike rider or a car. Obstacles could be constructed as cardboard cut-outs or as posters. c. Put 2-4 volunteers (depending on the number of participants) in this area of the course to help monitor each child s progress and to help the child repeat an area where improper responses are given. Bike Inspection Station Recruit many volunteers for this station. A quick safety check of all bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, or skateboards can be done before everyone begins the safety course and a repair/adjustment station can be set up as an option at the end of the course for lengthier inspections. Unsafe equipment should not be allowed onto the course and should go directly to the repair station. Invite representatives from local bike shops or others who have experience in upkeep and repair of adapted bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, or skateboards to help at this station. Another option might be to have backup bikes of different sizes on site that could be used by children who have bikes that are not safe to use on the course. Check these areas of the bike: General Bike Inspection Procedures: Is the seat secure? Are the handlebars secure? Are the brakes working? Is the bike chain loose or rusty? Are the tires properly inflated? Does the bike fit the child properly? A child should be able to sit on the seat and reach the handlebar with feet flat on the ground. Does the bike have hand brakes? Can the child identify and use the front brake? Rear brake?

15 13 PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Supply List for Day of Your Racing for Safety Course 1. Every child who participates in the event MUST wear a helmet. Arrange with a local store or health agency to borrow helmets to use for the day of the event. Your event might provide an opportunity for helmets to be purchased through local stores or hospitals at a discount rate or through special coupons. 2. Contact your local hospital or medical supply agencies to secure surgical caps that each child should wear before putting on a helmet from the pool of borrowed helmets for the day. Paper towel sheets are a substitute if surgical caps cannot be obtained. This step is necessary to prevent the spread of head lice. 3. Certificates of completion for children participating in the course. 4. Have extra bicycles of varying sizes available for children who may stop by the safety course the day of the event and want to participate. Local stores and bike shops would be possible sources of support for extra bikes to have available for children to ride. 5. Provide refreshments, especially water, to children and volunteers participating in the safety course. Check to see if any participants have special diet restrictions. 6. Local sponsors might want to contribute special bike equipment, such as reflective clothing or bike helmets, that could give you an opportunity to sponsor a drawing at the safety course. Other types of local support could be provided through the media or through printers. 7. Supplies for course set-up include: Registration tables Chairs Name tags Marking pens First aid kit Public address system Basic tools and tire pump for inspection station Traffic cones, colored masking tape, sidewalk chalk or sponges to mark the course 100 foot tape measure (to assist in mapping out the course) cooler for soft drinks and water/ice prizes A shaded area such as a tent. Note: In very hot weather, the course should be canceled for health and safety concerns. Sidewalk chalk and/or masking tape (use to help guide children from station to station)

16 14 PRESENTING THE RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Introduction (10 minutes) Welcome to the Racing for Safety Course. This course helps encourage all children to be safe when using bikes or other wheeled devices like wheelchairs, scooters, skates, or skateboards and when walking where you live. This course is designed to help teach you the following basic areas: Selecting and using a bike helmet Selecting an appropriate bicycle Basics in bike inspection Safety basics on bikes or other wheeled devices Traffic safety basics for bicycling and walking Proper clothing for bicycling and walking Before we get started today, we d like for everyone to take a safety quiz. We ll also ask you to take the safety quiz after the class. We re interested in learning if your knowledge on bike and walking safety increased as a result of this course. Task: Distribute quiz in appendix for everyone to complete or create your own quiz. Use pencils for children to complete the test. Ask the children to indicate if they need help reading the quiz and provide assistance if requested. Racing for Safety Class (50 minutes) Thank you very much for taking our safety quiz. What we re going to do next is divide everyone into stations for the next 50 minutes. At each station, you ll have a chance to work in small groups to learn about the five areas to be covered in this course: bike helmets, bike selection, bike inspection, bike safety basics, and traffic safety basics for biking and walking. You ll spend approximately 10 minutes at each station. Please ask questions if something is not clear and we ll go back and explain. We want to make certain you feel comfortable with this information and understand what we tell you today.

17 15 PRESENTING THE RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Racing for Safety Course Stations Station 1: Bike Helmets Major points to emphasize in presentation: The helmet should be Consumer Product Safety Commission approved. Helmet must fit properly on your head. Additional padding that came with the helmet can be added inside helmet if needed for a tight fit. Front of helmet should be no more than 2 fingers width above eyebrows and be level with ground. The thickest part of the helmet goes in back. The helmet should not move when you shake your head up and down and from side to side. Helmet strap should be snug and buckled at all times. All members of the family who ride bicycles or tricycles should wear helmets. If helmet is ever involved in a crash, it should be replaced immediately. One crash and it s trash. Station 2: Bicycle Selection: Major points to emphasize in presentation With both feet flat on the ground, a child should be able to sit on the seat and reach the handle bar. An appropriate bike is one that allows a child to operate it properly and remain in control at all times. Station 3: Bike Inspection Major points to emphasize in presentation: The bicycle brakes and steering should always be in good working order. If there is any question in your mind about your bike and its safety, do not ride it and tell an adult immediately. Bike should be inspected regularly by an adult to be able to determine that all parts are working at all times. Bike may have a mirror for monitoring rear traffic. Bike must have a horn or audible device and a light to alert others. Station 4: Bike and Walk Safety Basics Major points to emphasize in presentation: Make certain your bike has a horn, reflectors, and a light. Wear bright, light or reflective clothing if riding or walking at night or dusk hours in rain, snow, or fog. A headlight (tail light) should be used for night riding. Always use hand turn signals to let other traffic know what you are going to do. Always wear proper shoes, no sandals, when riding your bike. Never carry anything while riding your bike. Ride single file and with the flow of traffic if bicycling on the road.

18 16 PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Your bike is like any other vehicle on the road. Ride your bike in the same direction as the traffic. Never ride your bike against the traffic. Only while you are walking along the side of the road should you face traffic. Station 5: Traffic Safety Basics: Major points to emphasize in presentation: Know what different traffic signs mean. Do not ignore any traffic sign. Each sign serves a specific purpose. Your bicycle (wheelchair, non-powered scooter, skates, or skateboard) is like any other vehicle on the road. What would you do if something or someone (such as a dog, other children, other bicycle riders) crossed your path? Or, what would you do if you meet other vehicles (such as a school bus or another car)? You have to look in all directions to see and hear things coming. You will need to decide the best way to respond to someone or something in your path just like if you were driving a car. With dogs, other children, and other bike riders, you need to be careful not to hit anyone. This means you will need to slow down or stop your bike. As a bike rider or pedestrian, always be sure the street is clear before crossing. Look left right - left and behind. Walk your bike across busy intersections to remain in control of the bike. Watch for cars backing out of driveways or car doors opening suddenly. Use designated crosswalks when crossing the street. Obey all traffic signals and road markings when biking or walking.

19 17 PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Classroom Activity Ideas for Teaching Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Practicing Hand Signals To teach students the proper hand signals to use while riding their bicycle, the teacher stands in front of everyone and demonstrates each hand signal and when it should be used. (Note: these hand signals also can be used by children using a wheelchair, non-powered scooter, skates, or skateboard) Left Turn Extend your left arm out straight sideways. Right Turn Extend your left arm out sideways bent at a 90 angle at the elbow joint, hand pointing upwards and the palm of your hand facing forward. Another choice is to extend your right arm out straight. Stopping or Slowing For stopping, extend your left arm sideways and have a 90 angle at the elbow joint and hand pointing downwards and the palm of your hand facing backwards. After the teacher has demonstrated, the class must then show and use the proper hand signal as the instructor calls out a left turn, right turn and stopping. Help the people who give the incorrect hand signal. The activity lets you learn when, why, how and where to make a hand signal. Bicycle and Clothing Check Teach students to check the following things on their bike: Brakes don t work - won t be able to stop. Reflectors or light not in place - at night, drivers cannot see you. Flat tires - unable to control bike. Proper seat position - improper seat position may make it difficult to pedal and stop the bicycle. Teach students to check the following things on their clothing: Loose clothing - clothing could get caught in gears. Untied shoelaces - laces could get caught in gears. No bicycle helmet - risk for head injury is significant without wearing one. Elbow and knee pads - prevent additional injury when biking. Light colored clothing increases visibility for walking or riding at night. The teacher may enter the room on a bike. The teacher is improperly dressed for riding a bike or as a pedestrian. Have the students identify the problems with the teacher s clothing and how these problems can be corrected.

20 18 PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Traffic Sign Identification Teach students what each sign means and what to do when you come across one: 1. Do Not Enter 2. Bike Crossing 3. Wheelchair Crossing 4. Pedestrian Crossing 5. One Way 6. Traffic Light 7. Stop Sign 8. Yield Sign 9. Children Playing 10. Pedestrian Signal 11. Railroad Crossing Hold a picture of the sign up and have class discuss what they should do when they see it while riding or walking. Scanning Traffic and Avoiding Obstacles Teach students that they must stay alert for oncoming traffic like: cars, other bicyclists, animals and pedestrians. Have a student walk back and forth across the room. Then, the teacher should walk toward the student. The student must see and point out the teacher while still moving before the teacher reaches the student. Do this several times with the teacher changing his pace toward the student. This activity teaches students to not look down at the ground, but to be alert and know what their surroundings look like. This activity also teaches students to look out for moving objects and avoid common road obstacles. The purpose of this first part is to introduce you to important ideas that can help you be safe on any kind or types of wheels you use. You ve just heard a lot of information and you re going to get a chance to practice what you ve learned at our safety course. Let s now move to the actual Racing for Safety Course. Inspection Station: (15-20 minutes) Our first station at our safety course is an inspection station. There, you will learn about basic areas of your bike to inspect to make certain your bike is safe to ride. This part of the course will be taught by (indicate your community partner: police bike safety patrol members, local bike shop staff). Have children put a tag/sticker/card/label on the bike, helmet, or other equipment to identify what belongs to them. Make certain that a course member is stationed with the bikes/helmets during the class for security purposes.

21 19 PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Bike Safety Skills Section of Safety Course: (30 minutes) In this section of the course, children get an opportunity to practice bike control skills. Opportunities for building bike control skills can be provided through exercises such as: 1. The Slow Race 2. Zig-Zag 3. Figure 8 4. Follow the Line Traffic Safety Skills Section of Safety Course: (30 minutes) This section of the course gives children a chance to practice everything that they have learned in the course. Children must demonstrate knowledge of different traffic signs, what actions to take when obstacles are encountered, and an understanding of the hand signals that must be used. Graduation: (10 minutes) At the conclusion of the course, recognize all children participating in the class with a certificate of completion of the Racing for Safety Course that includes the child s name and the names of the local sponsors.

22 20 PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE Discussion Points for Each Traffic Sign in Racing for Safety Course (Copy and give to each volunteer at appropriate station on safety course) STOP YIELD When you see this sign, come to a complete stop, just like any other vehicle on the road is required to do and no matter of what kinds or types of wheels you use. Signal a turn or brake and slow down for 100 feet continuously before stopping your bike and putting foot down. Your foot on pavement is a sign to other cars you are stopped. Look left right left and behind to make certain no vehicle is present and then cross the road when it is clear of vehicles. Look left right left and behind to make certain that the intersection is clear before proceeding. If there is any approaching traffic, stop your bike and put both feet down. Proceed only if the intersection is clear. PEDESTRIAN CROSSING Scan left right left and behind for pedestrians. If pedestrians are seen, then stop your bike and put both feet down. Allow pedestrians to cross safely. Car drivers and bike riders (and users of other kinds/types of wheels) should only proceed once pedestrians have crossed the intersection. WHEELCHAIR CROSSING Scan left right left and behind for persons in wheelchairs who may be crossing street. If a wheelchair is seen, put both feet down and come to a complete stop on your bike. Allow person in wheelchair to cross and proceed only after the person in the wheelchair has cleared intersection.

23 21 DO NOT ENTER Stop. Do not go into this area. It is dangerous. Turn around and take a different direction to your destination. ONE WAY All traffic - bikes and cars - must move in the direction that the arrow is pointed toward. You cannot travel in the opposite direction. BIKE CROSSING This yellow warning sign alerts motor vehicles and pedestrians to watch for bicycle riders crossing the road. CHILDREN AT PLAY Watch out for children who may be running and playing in this area. Slow down and be ready to stop suddenly. TRAFFIC LIGHT Red = Stop Yellow = Clear the intersection. Green = Go Wear sunglasses or use a visor if it is hard for you to see the colors of the traffic light. Or, if you wear eyeglasses, use clip-on sunglasses.

24 22 STOP/WALK SIGNAL When you see the red hand, that means DON T WALK. Only cross the street when you see that the white picture of the person who is walking is showing. RAILROAD CROSSING Stop on edge of pavement before railroad crossing and walk bike across tracks. Walk bike across tracks only if you do not hear or see an approaching train, the lights are not flashing and the crossing arm is up.

25 23 PRESENTING YOUR RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE AFTER THE EVENT REGROUP! In the month following your presentation of the Racing for Safety Course: To Do: Thank all participants in the event, especially your volunteers. Collect all press clippings or recordings of media coverage. Send copies of press coverage with a thank you note/certificate of appreciation to event sponsors. Thank all media participants for their support. Meet with volunteers to evaluate event. SAMPLE LETTER OF THANKS for Planning Partners/Helpers Dear: The success of the Racing for Safety Course on (date) from (times) at (location) was the result of many people working together. Thank you for contributing your time, energy, and effort toward the planning and presentation of this event. Our community s children need a safe place to go to learn about and practice how to be safe on whatever wheels they use and as pedestrians. It is through events like our course that we can begin to reduce and prevent traffic related injuries to children in our community. I look forward to our next meeting (date, time, place) to discuss possible planning for another Racing for Safety course and work on other related efforts to help keep our children safe. Sincerely, Event Coordinator

26 24 Additional Resources Bicycle Safety for Children with Special Needs Nine million or 13% of United States children under age 18 have a special health care need. Children with disabilities are injured at higher rates than children who are ablebodied. These higher rates of injury can be reduced by helping families of children with special needs learn more about how to prevent injuries. i Safety education is for all children. Children of all ages and abilities can enjoy bike riding and must also learn how to ride properly and safely. Through biking, children and their families connect with their community in new ways by learning about different neighborhoods and meeting new friends. Biking provides children with one of the first opportunities to develop confidence in physical skills and a sense of independence and responsibility. Additional benefits include the chance to be outside and enjoy a fun form of exercise. For many children with special needs, riding a bike is possible and should not be ruled out simply because a child has a disability or is medically fragile. Many children with special needs can develop new friendships, gain confidence in their abilities, and enjoy increased acceptance by peers by being able to ride bikes with other children. Teach Bike Safety to All Kids Most children can have the opportunity to enjoy biking but must also participate fully in opportunities to learn about and practice bike safety. Before any child begins riding a bike, it is important to teach the child about bike care, control, and safety basics. All children require opportunities to develop and practice bicycling skills. A child with special needs may require additional time, repetition, and creativity to teach safety skills and information. When planning and designing a Racing for Safety course for your community, think creatively on how you can include children with special needs or disabilities who may not be able to use conventional bikes. Some possible directions to consider: Open up your course to include children who use wheelchairs, scooters, or other assistive devices for travel to give them an opportunity to learn and practice control skills and knowledge for moving safely in traffic. Connect with school therapists to see if an adapted bike might be available to borrow for use by children with disabilities at the course to encourage their participation. Have therapists present to determine if the adapted bike on loan can be used or modified on site so children with special needs at the event could use it.

27 25 Invite professionals from your community who work with children with disabilities to help in teaching of safety information to children with special needs who might require different teaching strategies and to assist children with special needs on an individual basis through the bike safety course. Some children with special needs may be able to use conventional bikes. If not, there are also adapted bicycles, bike carts, bike trailers, or tandem cycles that can accommodate children with varying abilities. Visit for information to share with families and community partners about some of the different types of adapted bikes available for children with special needs. Help connect local community service organizations and families together to generate interest in raising funds to support the purchase of adapted bikes for children with special needs. When appropriate, pair children with special needs with children who are ablebodied to go through the course together. i National SAFE KIDS Campaign.

28 APPENDIX INFORMATION TO DUPLICATE FOR PARTICIPANTS AT RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE

29 PLEASE POST FREE RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE FOR ALL KIDS COME LEARN ABOUT AND PRACTICE BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY DATE: TIME: PLACE: PRESENTED BY: LOCAL SPONSORS: Bring a bike in good working order and your own bicycle helmet. A limited number of bike helmets will be available for use during the course for children who do not have one or if you use a wheelchair, non-powered scooter, skateboard, or skates, come with what you use. Bring your helmet if you skate or use a skateboard.

30 SAMPLE RACING FOR SAFETY COURSE LAYOUT

31 Bicycle Riding, Wheelchair Use, and Walking Observational Survey This is an easy observational survey that you can do in your own community before you present a Racing for Safety Course. By conducting this observational survey, you learn information that can be shared with local media, schools, and youth organizations to support the need for offering a Racing for Safety course in your community. Pick observation areas where children frequently ride their bikes, wheelchairs, or walk as pedestrians. Possible areas would be schools, parks, community centers or neighborhoods close to the area you plan to conduct the safety course. If you observe children at school during arrival or dismissal, let school administration know the date, time, and purpose of your observations so that the school personnel are informed should any questions be asked by parents or neighborhood residents. Observers should be positioned off school property. Keep copies of your results and follow-up at a later date to observe and evaluate the effectiveness of your safety course in encouraging bike helmet use, the practice of hand signals, observation of traffic safety signs and the following of pedestrian safety rules. When conducting a survey, provide observers with a quantity of the Observation Form. A separate form should be completed for each child observed.

32 OBSERVATIONAL SURVEY FORM (please duplicate) Date: Time: Weather: Observation Location: Sex: Male Estimated Age: Female under 5 years (preschool) 6 9 years (school age) years (early teen) Bicycle Riding With Traffic Against Traffic Sidewalk Bike Helmet Use: Yes No Not observed Used Hand signals: Yes No Not observed Observed traffic signs while riding: Yes No Not observed Walking With Traffic Against Traffic Sidewalk Used crosswalk: Yes No Not observed Wheelchair Use With Traffic Against Traffic Sidewalk Observed Traffic: Yes No Not observed Observed traffic signs: Yes No Not observed Used hand signals: Yes No Not observed

33 Skateboard Safety SKATEBOARDING AND NON-POWERED SCOOTER SAFETY FACT SHEET Children under the age of 5 should not use skateboards. Children between 6 and 10 years old who are skateboarding should be supervised by an adult. Children who skateboard should wear a helmet and safety gear (including wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads) to prevent or reduce injuries from falls. Each year, there are about 61,000 injuries to children involving skateboards. In 2004, an estimated 18,743 head injuries due to skateboarding were treated in emergency rooms nationwide. Always use a helmet while riding a skateboard or non-powered scooter to help prevent injury. Riders should use a bike helmet that meets Consumer Product Safety Commission standards or a multi-sport helmet that meets the N-94 standard of the Snell Memorial Foundation. In Indiana, riders 17 or younger of motorcycles and low-powered motor-driven cycles like scooters or mopeds are required to wear motorcycle helmets. Never grab onto the side or back of a car, bus, truck, or bicycle while riding a skateboard (called skitching a ride ). Support skateboarding parks in your community where youth can practice in a safe setting and away from pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic. Non-Powered Scooter Safety Children younger than 8 years old need close adult supervision when riding non-powered scooters. Do not allow children to ride non-powered scooters on streets, in traffic, or at night. Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads should be worn by children while using non-powered scooters. Eight states and the District of Columbia require children to wear a helmet while participating in other wheeled sports (i.e. scooters, inline skates, skateboards). Sources: Skateboard and Scooter Injuries Policy Statement, American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention, Pediatrics, Vol. 109 No. 3, March 2002, pp, Reaffirmed, January 1, SAFE KIDS Worldwide, Bicycle, Rollerblade, and Skateboard Injuries, Washington (DC) SKW, Retrieved March Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Current US Motorcycle and Bicycle Helmet Laws, April 2011; retrieved April 2011.

34 BIKE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN FACT SHEET Nationwide: Bicycle helmets use can reduce the risk of head injury by 85% and severe brain injury by 88%. An estimated 75% of fatal head injuries among children riding bikes could have been prevented by wearing a bike helmet. Use of bicycle helmets by all children ages 4-15 could prevent between 135 and 155 deaths, between 39,000 and 45,000 head injuries, and between 18,000 and 55,000 scalp and face injuries annually. Twenty-one states, the District of Columbia, and more than 140 localities have passed some form of bicycle helmet legislation. Every $11 spent on a bike helmet in the United States generates $570 in benefits to society. If 85% of all child cyclists wore helmets in one year, the lifetime medical cost savings could total between $134 million and $174 million. Prevention Tips: Wear a bicycle helmet that meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. The helmet should: sit on top of your head in a level position, should not rock forward and backward or side to side. Helmet straps must always be buckled but not too tightly. Buy a bike that is the right size for a child. When sitting on the seat, the child should be able to reach the handlebars with both feet flat on the ground. Learn the rules of the road and obey all traffic laws. Child bike riders should be supervised by an adult and allowed to ride only on sidewalks and paths until able to show understanding of basic traffic and bike safety rules. Sources: SAFE KIDS Worldwide, Bicycle, Rollerblade, and Skateboard Safety Fact Sheet, retrieved March SAFE KIDS Worldwide, Bicycling and Skating Tips, retrieved March American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention Bicycle Helmets Policy Statement. Pediatrics, Vol. 108 No. 4, October 2001, pp Reaffirmed August 1, 2008.

35 Indiana Code Page 1 of 3 3/1/2011 Go Information Maintained by the Office of Code Revision Indiana Legislative Services Agency IC Chapter 11. Bicycles and Motorized Bicycles IC Parents and guardians; authorizing or permitting violation of chapter; bicycles; application of chapter Sec. 1. (a) The parent of a child and the guardian of a protected person may not authorize or knowingly permit the child or protected person to violate this chapter. (b) Subject to the exceptions stated, the provisions of this chapter applicable to bicycles apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon a highway or a path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. IC Roadways; rights and duties Sec. 2. A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway has all the rights and duties under this article that are applicable to a person who drives a vehicle, except the following: (1) Special regulations of this article. (2) Those provisions of this article that by their nature have no application. IC Operation; seats; passengers Sec. 3. (a) A person propelling a bicycle may not: (1) ride other than upon the permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle; or (2) carry any other person upon the bicycle who is not seated upon a firmly attached and regular seat on the bicycle. (b) A person may not ride upon a bicycle unless seated under this section. IC Number of passengers Sec. 4. A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons at one (1) time than the number for which the bicycle is designed and equipped. IC Attachment to street car or vehicle; prohibition Sec. 5. A person upon a bicycle, a coaster, roller skates, or a toy vehicle may not attach the bicycle, coaster, roller skates, or toy vehicle or the person to a street car or vehicle upon a roadway. IC Lane use restrictions; riding two abreast Sec. 6. A person riding a bicycle upon a roadway may not ride more than two (2) abreast except on

36 Indiana Code Page 2 of 3 3/1/2011 paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. IC Packages, bundles, or other articles preventing proper use of handlebars Sec. 7. A person who rides a bicycle may not carry a package, a bundle, or an article that prevents the person from keeping both hands upon the handlebars. IC Bell or other audible signaling devices; sirens; whistles Sec. 8. A person may not ride a bicycle unless the bicycle is equipped with a bell or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet. A bicycle may not be equipped with and a person may not use upon a bicycle a siren or whistle. IC Lamps and reflectors Sec. 9. A bicycle operated on a highway from one-half (1/2) hour after sunset until one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise must be equipped with the following: (1) A lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet to the front. (2) A lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear or a red reflector visible from a distance of five hundred (500) feet to the rear. IC Brakes Sec. 10. A bicycle must be equipped with a brake that will enable the person who operates the bicycle to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement. IC Highways; regulations and requirements Sec. 11. A person who operates a bicycle upon a highway shall observe the regulations and requirements of this article. IC Motorized bicycles; prohibitions on operation; conditions Sec. 12. A motorized bicycle may not be operated under any of the following conditions: (1) By a person less than fifteen (15) years of age. (2) By a person who has not obtained an identification card under IC 9-24, a permit under IC 9-24, an operator's license under IC 9-24, a chauffeur's license under IC 9-24, or a public passenger chauffeur's license under IC (3) On an interstate highway or a sidewalk. (4) At a speed greater than twenty-five (25) miles per hour.

37 Indiana Code Page 3 of 3 3/1/2011 IC Persons under 18 years of age; operation of motorized bicycle; safety equipment Sec. 13. A person less than eighteen (18) years of age who operates or rides a motorized bicycle on a street or highway shall do the following: (1) Wear protective headgear meeting the minimum standards set by the bureau or a helmet that meets the standards established by the United States Department of Transportation under 49 CFR in effect January 1, (2) Wear protective glasses, goggles, or a transparent face shield. IC Violations; Class C infraction Sec. 14. A person who violates this chapter commits a Class C infraction.

38 Indiana Code Page 1 of 4 3/1/2011 Go Information Maintained by the Office of Code Revision Indiana Legislative Services Agency IC Chapter 17. Pedestrians IC Traffic and pedestrian control signals Sec. 1. (a) Pedestrians are subject to traffic and pedestrian control signals under this chapter. (b) At all places that are not marked with pedestrian control signals, pedestrians are accorded the privileges and subject to the restrictions of this article. IC "Walk" and "don't walk" signals Sec. 2. Whenever special pedestrian control signals exhibiting the words "walk" or "don't walk" are in place, the signals must indicate as follows: (1) Flashing or steady "walk" means a pedestrian facing the signal may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal and a person who drives a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian. (2) Steady "don't walk" means a pedestrian may not start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal. A pedestrian who has partially completed crossing on the "walk" signal shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the "don't walk" signal is showing. (3) Flashing "don't walk" means a pedestrian may not start to cross the roadway in the direction of the signal. A pedestrian who has already started to cross on the "walk" signal shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island. If a countdown pedestrian signal indication is also shown, a pedestrian may cross if the pedestrian is able to proceed to the sidewalk or safety island by the time the steady "don't walk" signal is shown, and a person who drives a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian. Amended by P.L , SEC.8. IC Duty to obey traffic control device; exception Sec. 3. A pedestrian shall obey the instructions of an official traffic control device specifically applicable to the pedestrian, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. IC Crosswalks; local authorities; designation by ordinance Sec. 4. A local authority: (1) may, by ordinance, prohibit pedestrians from crossing a roadway in a business district or a designated highway except in a crosswalk, which may be established by the ordinance; and (2) shall mark the crosswalks in a manner conforming to the uniform system of traffic control devices created under IC IC Walking or running into the path of a vehicle; prohibition

39 Indiana Code Page 2 of 4 3/1/2011 Sec. 5. A pedestrian may not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard. IC Overtaking and passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk; prohibition Sec. 6. Whenever a vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, a person who drives another vehicle approaching from the rear may not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. IC Crossing roadway at point not marked as a crosswalk; yield of right-of-way to traffic Sec. 7. A pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. IC Pedestrian tunnel or overhead crossing; yield of right-of-way to traffic Sec. 8. A pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. IC Marked crosswalks; adjacent intersections; duty to obey Sec. 9. Between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians may not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk. IC Diagonal crossing at intersections Sec. 10. A pedestrian may not cross a roadway intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic control devices. When authorized to cross diagonally, pedestrians shall cross only in accordance with the official traffic control devices pertaining to diagonal crossing movements. IC Crosswalks; movement along right half Sec. 11. Pedestrians shall move, whenever practicable, upon the right half of crosswalks. IC Sidewalk available; prohibition on walking along or upon roadway Sec. 12. If a sidewalk is provided and the sidewalk's use is practicable, a pedestrian may not walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. IC Sidewalk unavailable; use of shoulder

40 Indiana Code Page 3 of 4 3/1/2011 Sec. 13. If a sidewalk is not available, a pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder, as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway. IC Sidewalk or shoulder unavailable; use of outside edge of roadway Sec. 14. If neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, a pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway. If the roadway is two-way, the pedestrian shall walk only on the left side of the roadway. IC Yield of right-of-way to all vehicles on roadway Sec. 15. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, a pedestrian upon a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway. IC Solicitation of rides; restrictions; emergency Sec. 16. A person may not stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from a person who drives a vehicle unless the person soliciting a ride is faced with an emergency on the roadway, in which case the person may secure a ride to obtain assistance. IC Solicitation of employment or business on highway; prohibition Sec. 17. A person may not stand on a highway for the purpose of soliciting employment or business from the occupant of a vehicle. IC Soliciting the watching or guarding of a vehicle; prohibition Sec. 18. A person may not stand on or in proximity to a street or highway for the purpose of soliciting the watching or guarding of a vehicle that is parked or about to be parked on a street or highway. IC Driving through safety zones and across sidewalks; restrictions; right-of-way Sec. 19. (a) A vehicle may not at any time be driven through or within a safety zone. (b) A person who drives a vehicle crossing a sidewalk shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian and all other traffic on the sidewalk. IC Emergency or police vehicles; use of audible and visual signals; yield of right-of-way Sec. 20. (a) Upon the immediate approach of: (1) an authorized emergency vehicle making use of an audible signal and visual signals; or (2) a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only; a pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to the authorized emergency vehicle.

41 Indiana Code Page 4 of 4 3/1/2011 (b) This section does not relieve the person who drives an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway or from the duty to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian. IC Blind pedestrians; yield of right-of-way Sec. 21. A person who drives a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a blind pedestrian carrying a clearly visible white cane or accompanied by a guide dog. IC Bridges; entering or remaining beyond signal or gate Sec. 22. A pedestrian may not enter or remain upon a bridge or an approach to a bridge beyond the bridge signal, gate, or barrier after a bridge operation signal indication has been given. IC Railroad crossings; passing beyond gate or barrier in operation Sec. 23. A pedestrian may not pass through, around, over, or under a crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing or bridge while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed. IC Violations; Class C infraction Sec. 24. A person who violates this chapter commits a Class C infraction.

42 Bike Helmet Fitting Tips and Guidelines Bicycle helmet size is based on head size, not age! Please see instructions below on how to properly measure head size. TO MEASURE: 1. Use measuring tape strip. 2. Start measuring tape strip above the eyebrow and wrap around head until the two sides of the tape meet. 3. Write down on a piece of paper the distance around the head in inches. Use this measurement to identify the appropriate helmet size, which typically is listed in inches on the bike helmet box The Bicycle Helmet Institute provides a comprehensive helmet sizing chart with U.S. hat size matched with head circumference. Portions of that chart are shown below: Head Circumference (measured in inches) Hat Size (measured in inches) Bike Helmet Size (approximate) 20 1/2 6 1/2" Toddler 20 7/8 6 5/8 Small 21 1/4" 6 3/4" Medium 21 5/8 6 7/8 Medium 22 7 Medium 22 3/8 7 1/8 Medium 22 3/4" 71/4 Large 24 1/8 7 3/4" Larger helmets usually available ***Please note that the sizes listed above are approximate. TO FIT: EACH TIME A CHILD PUTS ON A HELMET: 1. Place helmet on head so the front of the helmet is level with the ground. Helmet should rest just above the eyebrows. 2. Straps should form a V around ears. Place fingers around ears to check. 3. Secure buckle so no more than 1 finger fits between the strap and face the strap should be snug. 4. Place the helmet on the child s head and buckle and tighten the chinstrap. 5. Gently lift the back of the helmet up. The helmet should not move up and forward. If the helmet moves: a. Tighten the back strap. b. Make sure the chinstrap is snug (no more than 1 finger should fit between the strap and the chin). c. Adjust the padding thickness and/or position especially in the front. Revised March 2011

43 6. Put a hand on each side of the helmet and rock from side to side. Have the child shake his/her head no as hard as possible. The helmet should not move from side to side. If the helmet moves: a. Adjust the padding thickness on the sides. b. Make sure the strap is evenly adjusted. 7. Have the child open his/her lower jaw as wide as possible without moving his/her head. The top of the helmet should pull down. If the helmet does not pull down when the child opens his/her mouth: a. Tighten the chinstrap. b. Make sure the front and back strap junction (the V ) lies under each ear. 8. Check to see where the front edge of the helmet covers the child s forehead. The front edge of the helmet should not be more than two or three fingers width above his/her brow. If the helmet does not cover the child s forehead properly: a. Position the helmet no more than two or three fingers width above the brow. b. Tighten any loose straps. c. Make strap adjustments so the helmet stays over the forehead. NOTE: Any helmet involved in a crash or damaged should be thrown away one crash and its trash and replaced. All helmets should be replaced at least every 5 years or sooner if recommended by the manufacturer. A bike helmet meeting the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standard can be used for roller and in-line skating and recreational scooter riding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that skateboarders use a bike helmet that meets the CPSC standard or a multisport helmet that meets the Snell Memorial Foundation N-94 Standard. REFERENCES: Bicycle Helmet Sizing, Bicycle Helmet Institute, Retrieved 03/10/11. Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet (DOT HS , April 2006), Retrieved 03/10/11. Bicycle Helmets: What Every Parent Should Know, Healthy Children.org, Retrieved 03/10/11. Bicycle Helmets Policy Statement, American Academy of Pediatrics. Pediatrics. Vol. 108, No. 4, October 2001, pp Statememnt of Reaffirmation published August Bicycle Helmet Fitting Instructions, Retrieved 03/10/11. Skateboard and Scooter Injuries Policy Statement, American Academy of Pediatrics, Pediatrics. Vol. 109, No. 3, March 2002, pp Which Helmet for Which Activity? U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Retrieved 03/10/11. Revised March 2011

44 BICYCLE SAFETY HELMETS: Selection and Use Guidelines Start helmet use early even when riding a tricycle or wheeled toy. If your child s preschool uses tricycles, work with the school to make helmets available Wearing a bike helmet is the most important way for your child to stay safe when riding a play vehicle, tricycle, or bike. A correctly used helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85% and severe brain injury by 88%. Never transport a baby under age one on a bicycle. A baby does not have the neck strength to wear a helmet. Make sure both adult and child wear properly fitting helmets. Adapted bicycles are available for children with special needs, when conventional bikes cannot be used. Wearing a bicycle helmet at all times and knowing and practicing traffic safety rules applies to all children! Measure completely around head 1 inch above eyebrows to determine proper helmet size CORRECT WAY TO WEAR A HELMET Wear the helmet in a level position so it doesn t rock back and forth or side to side and fits snugly with the strap buckled. INCORRECT WAY TO WEAR A HELMET Straps too loose, helmet too high on forehead and not level with ground.

45 1. A bicycle, while slower, is just like a car. Both bicyclists and car drivers must obey traffic laws. Bicyclists must ride on the right side of the road with traffic, and stop at all stop signs and stoplights. 2. Practice hand signals as a group. Using the left hand, demonstrate right turn, left turn and slow or stop. 3. When turning, be sure to look behind you, signal, then look left - right - left again to check traffic. It s important to let drivers know what you are going to do. Remember to stop, check for traffic, and turn. 4. When walking along the road you should walk against the flow of traffic.

46 National Injury Prevention Program

47

48 CHILD PEDESTRIAN SAFETY FACT SHEET Nationwide: Every year, approximately 630 child pedestrian fatalities occur. More than 39,000 nonfatal pedestrian injuries to children take place each year. From 2000 to 2009, the number of pedestrian fatalities for children ages 14 and younger decreased by about 49 percent, with the 4-7 year old age group showing the largest decrease (58%). Less walking and lower exposure to traffic may have contributed to this decrease. Seventy-four percent of pedestrian fatalities in 2009 for children 14 and under occurred at non-intersection locations, a slight decrease from 2008 (76%). Four out of five driveway-related incidents occur to children ages 4 and under. The street, driveways, parking lots, and on sidewalks are where young children ages 0-2 suffer the highest number of pedestrian injuries. Nearly two thirds of child pedestrian deaths occur to males. Children who come from low-income families tend to live in dense, low-income urban residential neighborhoods where they are at greater risk of being injured as a pedestrian. During 2009, the highest percentage of fatalities among pedestrians 14 and younger occurred between 4 pm and 7:59 pm (42%) In Indiana: Indianapolis ranks in the top third of most dangerous metropolitan areas for child pedestrians. Sources: SAFE KIDS Worldwide, Pedestrian Safety Fact Sheet, retrieved March Quraishi AY, Donahue MP, Cody BE. Child Pedestrians at Risk: A Ranking of U.S. Metropolitan Areas. Washington, DC: SAFE KIDS Worldwide, October 2005, p. 3. Traffic Safety Facts 2009 Data, U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention, Pedestrian Safety Policy Statement, Pediatrics Vol. 124 No. 2, August 2009, pp

49 STEPS TO WALKING SAFELY! My grownup always knows where I am walking! Trace the dots to draw the picture. Be sure to stop and read each sign along the way! I stop and look both ways when I cross the street even driveways! I look left, right, left and BEHIND me for cars! I only cross at places that my grownup says is safe! If I have to walk on the street, I walk on the left side so I can watch for cars! I make sure the driver s eyes are looking at me so I know they see me! I listen for loud sirens because that means they are driving fast! I wear bright colors when playing outside so cars can see me! I don t chase toys across the street. I ask for a grownup to help! I walk on the sidewalk! I follow all traffic rules, street signs, and markings on the road! Riley Hospital for Children

50 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TRUEORFALSE CIRCLE THE CORRECT RESPONSE, T FOR TRUE F FOR FALSE 1. T F ALWAYS STOP, LOOK LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT AND BEHIND AND LISTEN BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET. 2. T F WEAR DARK CLOTHING AT NIGHT. 3. T F WALK ON SIDEWALK WHEN POSSIBLE. 4. T F ALWAYS WALK WITH (IN THE SAME DIRECTION AS) TRAFFIC. 5. T F YOU SHOULD OBEY ALL SIGNS AND SIGNALS. 6. T F PLAYING IN THE STREET IS OK. 7. T F WHEN LEAVING THE SCHOOLBUS, CROSS AT LEAST 10 FEET IN FRONT OF BUS. 8. T F NEVER RUN OUT BETWEEN PARKED CARS. 9. T F A PEDESTRIAN IS ONLY SOMEONE WALKING. 10. T F ALWAYS WALK FACING TRAFFIC. 11. T F ALWAYS DO WHAT THE ADULT WITH YOU DOES. 12. T F COLORS OF A TRAFFIC LIGHT ARE RED, YELLOW AND GREEN. 13. T F A HAND LIT ON A PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK SIGNAL MEANS IT IS OK TO CROSS THE STREET. 14. T F IT IS OK TO RUN ACROSS THE STREET. 15. T F ALWAYS BE SAFE, AND BE SEEN AND HEARD, AND BE SMART!

51 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TRUEORFALSE CIRCLE THE CORRECT RESPONSE, T FOR TRUE F FOR FALSE * * * ANSWERS * * * 1. T F ALWAYS STOP, LOOK LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT AND BEHIND AND LISTEN BEFORE CROSSING THE STREET. 2. T F WEAR DARK CLOTHING AT NIGHT. 3. T F WALK ON SIDEWALK WHEN POSSIBLE. 4. T F ALWAYS WALK WITH (IN THE SAME DIRECTION AS) TRAFFIC. 5. T F YOU SHOULD OBEY ALL SIGNS AND SIGNALS. 6. T F PLAYING IN THE STREET IS OK. 7. T F WHEN LEAVING THE SCHOOLBUS, CROSS AT LEAST 10 FEET IN FRONT OF BUS. 8. T F NEVER RUN OUT BETWEEN PARKED CARS. 9. T F A PEDESTRIAN IS ONLY SOMEONE WALKING. 10. T F ALWAYS WALK FACING TRAFFIC. 11. T F ALWAYS DO WHAT THE ADULT WITH YOU DOES. 12. T F COLORS OF A TRAFFIC LIGHT ARE RED, YELLOW AND GREEN. 13. T F A HAND LIT ON A PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALK SIGNAL MEANS IT IS OK TO CROSS THE STREET. 14. T F IT IS OK TO RUN ACROSS THE STREET. 15. T F ALWAYS BE SAFE AND BE SEEN AND HEARD, AND BE SMART!

52 CERTIFICATE I m A Racing for Safety Champion Congratulations on completing the Racing for Safety Course where you learned about rules of the road, bike helmet use, bike maintenance, and practiced bike riding and walking skills. Being a Racing for Safety Champion means practicing safety every time you ride a bike or walk. It means helping other kids practice being safe too. Local Partner