Bike Safety:

·                   Inspect bike before riding.

·                   Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.

·                   Adjust bicycle to fit.  Stand over bicycle.  There should be 1-2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3-4 inches on a mountain bike.

·                   Seat should be level and adjusted so there is a slight bend at the knee when leg is fully extended.

·                   Make sure you can be seen.   Wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors day or night.  Just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

·                   Always keep one hand on handlebars to maintain control.  Carry books and other items in a carrier or backpack.

·                   Watch for road hazards.

·                   Avoid riding at night.  Night riding may require reflectors and lights.  Check local regulations.

·                   Go with the flow of traffic.

·                   Obey all traffic laws.

·                   Yield to traffic when appropriate.

·                   Be predictable.  Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars.

·                   Stay alert—use your eyes and ears.

·                   Look before turning.

·                   Watch for parked cars.  Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars—doors opening or cars pulling out.

The safest place for bike riding is on the street, where bikes are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorists and ride in the same direction.

·                   Children under 10 years old are not mature enough to make decisions necessary to safely ride in the street.

·                   Children under 10 are better off riding on the sidewalk.  When riding on the sidewalk:

·       Watch for vehicles coming out of or turning into driveways.

·       Stop at corners of sidewalks and streets, looking for cars and make sure drivers see you before crossing.

·       Enter a street at a corner and not between parked cars.

·       Be polite and alert pedestrians by saying, “Excuse me” or "Passing on your left”.