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Equipment and Materials Needed:

Laptop
Projector
Screen
Speakers
Old helmet with baby rattles
Good helmet
Safety Vest
Hand outs - WEYMBMK - email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and request number of copies you will need
              or "Be a Safe Cyclist" - available from OHSP
Bicycle (preferably a unique bike: folding, recumbent, high wheeler, etc.)
Bicycle Safety Presentation power point
Bike Safety video - may be downloaded from NHTSA

Program Outline

After introductions you need to introduce the program to the children.

You can say something like this to start:
"When you ride your bike you're just like your Mom or Dad when they drive a car - you too have to know and follow the Rules of the Road! Let's look at some ways you can Be Smart, Be Safe and Be Seen when you ride your bike."

Then tell the group that you are going to watch a video about Bike Safety. (Bike Safety video - may be downloaded from NHTSA) Start the video and let it run. It is approximately 9 minutes in length. It is important that you have external speakers plugged into your laptop so that the children can hear the video.

After the video you want to que up the Bicycle Safety presentation power point (available from LMB)  and follow through the screens. They will serve as your outline and guide for what to talk about.

Slide #2: Why ride -

Ask the students why they ride a bike. Allow them to call out various answers. After they have ran out of ideas or all of the items have been covered, begin to click through the list on the power point.

Slide #3 and #4: Wearing a Helmet

Talk about how helmets reduce chance of brain injury by 85% and that simple falls account for 50% of the accidents so everyone should wear a helmet all the time.

Do a demonstration holding the old helmet with baby rattles in it at shoulder level. Tell the students (in a quiet deliberate voice) that when sitting on a bike this is where your head is. Then simply let the helmet fall on the hard floor. If it is tile, concrete or wood it will make a loud crashing noise and the rattles will roll out. Simply in a calm voice say, this is what would happen if you simply fell off your bike and the noise you heard was your skull hitting the ground the rattles rolling around were your brains rolling out. So please wear your helmet at all times.

The next screen talks about the basics of helmet fitting. Use your good helmet now and demonstrate how a properly fitted helmet should fit.

Slide # 5: It's the Law

Remind the group that bicycle riders must also follow the same laws as cars. Use the screen to click through the four main things they need to know.

Slide #6: Hand Signals

Demonstrate the proper hand signals. Then have the children demonstrate the proper signals.

Slide #7 & #8: Sidewalk/Trails and Street Riding

Click through the bullets on each screen and discuss as comfortable with. The red highlighted should be emphasized. When you get to the street riding screen, encourage children to get their parents permission before riding in the street.

Slide #9: Visibility

This slide demonstrates the difference between dark and bright clothing. Encourage to always wear something bright when bicycling. If they must wear a dark coat encourage them to use a safety vest. (Show the vest)

Slides #10 & #11: ABC Quick Check

Encourage them to have their parents check their bikes over on a regular basis.

Demonstrate the ABC Quick Check (use bike to demonstrate) Say something like:
"Before you jump on your bike to ride to school or to the store or with your friends, do an ABC Quick check."

Air - Make sure your tires are properly inflated. If they're too soft, it's too hard to pedal and control your bike.
Brakes - Check your brakes for even pressure. They should make your back wheels skid on dry pavement, but you don't want them to grab or skip. Yikes!
Chain - make sure it's tight enough, clean and lubricated. If it's not, take it to the local bike shop for a check up.
Quick - are your front and rear wheel quick releases tight? Is your bike seat quick release tight too?
Check - to make sure everything is working properly when you first start to ride your bike.

Slides 12 through 19: Be Safe and Be Seen- Final Review

This short review covers key points from the video and your presentation. Show the question and ask the group for the answer. Let them call it out. Then show the answer.

Slide #20: Closing Remarks

Thank them for their attention and encourage them to be safe and be seen on their bicycles. NOTE: The handouts should be given to the teachers to distribute to their class.