The law defines the bicycle as a vehicle that belongs on the road. Riding on the road means that you are mixing with other traffic, and it is only safe when all vehicles in traffic use the same rules of the road. Bike Safety It Starts With You! For ages 9 and up Community Mobilization Unit www.torontopolice.on.ca Ricky learns safe cycling rules
Ricky knows that when he is riding his bike it is very important to follow all the safety rules. Bike riding can be a lot of fun, but serious accidents can happen. Be A Responsible Cyclist Wear a helmet for your own safety. By law you must have a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back. Dress brightly to be seen. When turning at intersections, be careful; most accidents happen at intersections. Ride about one metre from the curb in a straight line; look well ahead and avoid hazards such as pot holes, sewer grates and debris. Do a check behind your shoulder and signal before turning or changing lanes. Crime Prevention Tips Register your bike at your local police station. Always lock your bicycle when not in use. Lock your bicycle by placing a chain or cable through both wheels and the frame, and attach it around a stationary object. If your bike is stolen, report the loss to the police immediately.
Ricky checks over his bike. He makes sure his seat, handlebars, and wheels fit tightly. He checks his chain, and oils it if needed. He checks his brakes to be sure they are working well. He checks his tires to make sure they have enough air. He knows that it is important that his bike has a front and back light that work. Rules are a part of everyday activities. They keep everyone safe. When Ricky rides his bike he does two things rides and thinks. REMEMBER: A bike is smaller, slower, lighter and has less protection than a vehicle. Make sure you give yourself enough space to avoid an accident. Rules also help drivers to see you and it helps them to know what you will do next when you are using your hand signals. 13
Ricky thinks about all the vehicles and traffic on the streets. What would happen if drivers made up their own rules? What if they all went through stop signs, drove on the wrong side of the street and made sudden turns without warning other drivers with a signal? 3 MAKE SURE THAT YOUR BIKE FITS. Both feet should be flat on the ground when straddling the top tube of your bike. When sitting on the bike seat you should be able to touch the ground with both feet. Touching with your toes is ok. You should be able to reach the handlebars with a gentle lean without stretching your back or shoulders.
RICKY ALWAYS WEARS A HELMET EVERY TIME HE RIDES! Ricky knows that wearing a helmet can reduce his risk of a serious head injury. It protects his head, but most importantly his brain. He checks his helmet: The edge of the helmet is two fingers above his eyebrows to protect his forehead. The straps meet in a V shape just below his ears. RICKY REVIEWS THE SAFETY RULES: Stop at all signs and red lights. Make sure that the road is clear before proceeding Look all ways! Always check over your shoulders behind you before you turn or move out on the road. Get off your bike to cross at a crosswalk or street. One finger fits between his chin and the chin strap. To make sure that his helmet fits properly, Ricky pretends to yawn. When he yawns, he feels his helmet press down on the top of his head. Ricky knows that he put his helmet on right. Hand Signal always let drivers know what you are doing. Ride in a straight line on the right side of the road in the same direction as traffic. Never ride close to car doors. When riding on the sidewalk, be careful around people walking.
Ricky knows all the traffic signs do you? Traffic signs help us use the roads safely. Ride in the same direction as the sign. Stop, put your foot down and look all ways for traffic. Proceed only when it is safe. Let other people go first Road narrows - check ahead and behind for traffic. Make sure you do not get squeezed. Before Ricky heads out, he always starts with a check behind both shoulders. LETS HELP RICKY PRACTICE HIS HAND SIGNALS. Many bikes have gears. Practice changing them so that you can use them when you need them, like when you are riding up a hill. Pedalling should be easy so you don t get tired too quickly.
Ricky also makes sure that he is wearing the right clothing. He knows that bright colours can help to keep him safe because it means that if other people on the road can see him, they are less likely to run into him. Before Ricky gets on his bike, he makes sure that there is nothing that could get caught in his bike chain, like shoelaces, loose pant legs and backpack straps. He wears the right shoes so that he has a good grip on the pedals. He knows never to bike ride barefooted. These signs mean lanes are only for specific types of vehicles, either all the time or during certain hours. At a Pedestrian Crosswalk, you must stop and yield right of way to crossing pedestrians.
RED YELLOW GREEN Traffic signals are placed at intersections to keep traffic moving safely. Drivers, pedestrians, and bicycle riders must obey these signals, except when a police officer is directing traffic. Then you must obey the officer. Come to a complete stop Slow down and stop the light will soon turn red. Go but only if the intersection is clear. Slow down, look and listen for a train. When the lights begin to flash, stop! A train is coming. DO NOT STOP ON THE TRACKS! Ricky NEVER wears headphones when he is out on his bike, because the music can distract him from what s really going on around him.