Bike Safety Learning Activity

Objective
Increase the student’s awareness of potential dangers while driving their bicycle on the sidewalks.

Materials
Masking tape, field markers, or rope.

Preparation for the activity:

1. Arrange masking tape, field markers, or rope to simulate sidewalks, alleys and driveways.
2. Assign four students to replicate cars driving in and out of alleys or driveways.
3. Assign one child to pretend that he/she is riding their bicycle on the sidewalk.
4. As the child on the bicycle approaches the alley or driveway, have the students acting as cars walk forward as if they are entering or exiting the alley or driveway.
5. Discuss what could happen if students do not see cars at alleys or driveways or if the driver does not see the child.

This exercise will teach students that they need to be careful and watch for cars entering and exiting alleys and driveways. Students should look left, look right, and look left again when approaching alleys and driveways. They must also be careful of pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. Students should give an audible signal when passing a pedestrian, i.e., “Bike on your left.” This will alert other pedestrians
that someone is coming and allow them to step aside to share the sidewalk with the bicyclist.

How do you know if your bike fits you?
You should be able to balance on it with your toes touching the ground, the seat should be adjusted right so you feel comfortable, and you should be able to push the pedal as low as it will go and still be able to reach it.

Why is it important for your bike to fit you?
If it’s too big or too small you will have trouble controlling it and you could fall off of it.

When can you drive in the street?
You should not ride your bike in the street until you are 11 years old. Before that you may be too small for drivers to see you and you may not be able to handle your bike in traffic.

Where should you drive your bike?
You should drive on the sidewalk, but watch out for the people who are walking.

If we stay out of the street, do we ever have to worry about cars?
Yes. Cars can come out of alleys or down driveways. Whenever you come to an alley or driveway, stop and look very carefully. A car may be coming and the driver may not see you.

Bicyclists wear helmets. Why is this a good idea, even if you only drive on the sidewalk?
Most serious injuries from bike accidents are head injuries. Helmets protect your head if you fall.
Discuss why this is important.

Whether you’re walking – or riding your bike on the sidewalk – what’s the one thing you must do every time you come to a curb or the edge of the roadway?
STOP! and look for traffic.

Should small bicycles also have a bicycle license sticker?
Yes, a license is important to identify a stolen bicycle or to identify a child who is injured on the bicycle. The license is free and can be picked up at any Police District or Library.