The new school year has just begun and we anticipate large numbers of motor vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians to make the annual return to our school sites. The increase in traffic around schools during drop off and pick up times creates heavy congestion and many safety problems. Many students walk and ride their bicycles which helps alleviate some congestion, however it is important for students and parents to be aware of the safety concerns associated with these types of travel.
In particular, the safety of children bicyclists needs to be addressed. Each year, over 500,000 people are treated for injuries related to bicycle-involved collisions. Approximately two-thirds of those injured are under the age of fifteen. Statistics have shown that younger bicycle riders are more often responsible for causing collisions than are older riders. This is in part due to their inability to readily identify and react to dangerous situations. The following suggestions are intended to help increase the student's awareness of bicycle safety.
- Always wear a bicycle helmet when riding. Helmets have been proven to reduce injury during a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends helmets that comply with standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation (SNELL).
- Make sure the helmet and bicycle have been properly fitted. Equipment which is too big or too small makes it more difficult to maintain control of the bicycle.
- Maintain the bicycle in proper working order. Also, insure the proper lights and reflectors are on the bicycle for times when it is dark.
- While on a bicycle, obey the same rules of the road that apply to motor vehicle traffic (i.e. Stop Signs, Stop Lights, Hand Signals, etc.).
- When riding in the street, ride in the same direction as vehicles are traveling. Use a bicycle lane if one is available. Never ride with more than two bicycles side by side. The safest way to ride is in a single file staying as close as practical to the right curb.
- When riding on the sidewalk, ride in the same direction as the vehicles are traveling. Always be aware of pedestrians and yield the right-of-way to them.
- Check for approaching traffic whenever crossing a driveway or intersection. 70% of collisions, involving a motor vehicle and a bicycle, occur at driveways and other intersections.
- Avoid things that are distracting while riding – such as headphones.
- Don't carry items while riding. Holding objects will make it difficult to maintain control of the bicycle.
- Never allow someone to ride on the handlebars. Vision is obstructed, balance is affected and braking distance/time increases.
- Be aware of hazards such as drain grates, wet pavement and curbs.
- Learn the safest routes between home and school Try to cross streets where there are Stop Signs, Traffic Signals or Crosswalks. Remember, crosswalks are for pedestrians. To travel in a crosswalk, walk the bicycle across.
These bicycle safety tips will only be effective if they become a part of the student's daily riding routine. If enough children practice proper bicycle safety, the number of collisons involving students can be greatly reduced.
Parents, remember the most effective bicycle safety lesson your child can learn will be watching you. If you practice proper bicycle safety, then your child will be more likely to do so, as well.
Submitted by R. Thome, Corporal