Bike to School Day Quick Start Guide

Choose the type of event that will work best with your school 1. Bike rodeos: parent volunteers set up and operate the bicycle skills course, which is a series of test where riders demonstrate their bike riding skills. For more details on having a bike rodeo, see the “Bike Rodeo” section.

2. Bike trains: parent volunteers bike through the neighborhood picking up students at their homes or other locations and students bike together in a supervised group with the Bike Train Engineer and Caboose (parent volunteers). For more details on conducting this event, see the “Bike Train” section

3. Bicycle Clinics: parent volunteers or bicycle expert volunteers help educate children about different aspects of bicycle safety. Bicycle clinics are set up as different stations where children move from station to station learning about the important bike safety information. For more details on conducting this event, see the “Bicycle Clinic” section.

4. School day activities: through the Bike to School Day program, organizers may choose to conduct other supporting activities, such as games, demonstrations, special “theme days” and other innovative ideas to promote biking to school. These activities can be done in conjunction with a biking event or as an alternative to conducting an organized event. For a list of suggested activities, see the “Activities” section.

Get approval from school principal.

Consider creating a committee to help plan your event.

Contact other potential partners.

Send information about the event to parents, teachers and school staff.

Conduct the event.

Wrap up the event. Submit the Evaluation Form to Mandy Thomas at 10524 Euclid Ave., WLK 3024, Cleveland, OH 44106 or fax at 216.983.1180.

Bike to School Day EventProgram Option #1 Bicycle Rodeos

A Bike Rodeo is usually a bicycle safety clinic featuring bike safety inspections, a ride on a miniature "chalk street" course where young cyclists are shown where and how to apply the rules and helmet fitting guidelines. Bike rodeos can be competitive using score cards, or as a non­competitive event demonstration of skills that is not scored.

Bike Rodeo Location Step­by­Step checklist:

Planning the event 1. Get approval from school principal. 2. Identify a location (accessible and isolated from traffic, preferably a smooth

parking lot surface), date/time, volunteers (10 or more – send out letters to find volunteers) and prizes.

3. Determine interest in participating in a bike rodeo on Bike to School Day. Send a letter to the parents at least one week prior to the event. Along with the letter, send a consent form to determine the participating children. Modify Sample Parent Letter and Sample Consent Letter for your event.

4. Consider creating a committee to help plan the event. 5. Contact other potential partners. Modify Sample Community Partner letter. 6. Get all the materials for the event:

• Tape measure • Sidewalk chalk • 18 small traffic cones • Masking tape (preferably bright color) • Stop sign (can be homemade) • 10 feet of string • 4 chairs

• 4 signs with danger or safe written on them 7. Invite parents, children, community leaders and volunteers to participate in

upcoming activities. 8. Conduct activities previous to the walk to get the students and teachers excited

about Bike to School Day (see “Activities” section).

Day of the event 1. Arrive at designated location to set up greeting station for children, parents and

volunteers participating in the event. 2. Set up the different stations for the bike rodeo (see “Bike Rodeo Stations”

sheet). 3. Have participants with consent forms line up at the registration table where they

are given registration/scorecard to fill out. These cards are to be pinned to clothing or worn around the neck. Make sure participants are divided into groups depending on grade level or bike skill level.

4. The children should be directed to the first station and subsequent stations by a volunteer. Children should be instructed to walk their bicycles between stations. A score is entered by a volunteer as each test is completely (or check mark if the event is non­competitive).

5. After completing all stations, the child returns to the registration table to hand in scorecard and get their scores tallied (if applicable).

6. Prizes are given out.

Following the event 1. Please submit the Evaluation Form, photos, newspaper and newsletter articles

via fax 216.983.1180 or mail to Mandy Thomas 10524 Euclid Avenue WLK 3024 Cleveland, OH 44106.

2. Send thank you notes/letters to your volunteers, teachers and other individuals that contributed to the event. (See “Sample Thank You Letter”)

3. Evaluate your day. Is there anything you would change next year to make your event run smoother? Document these suggestions and changes now while it is still fresh in your mind.

Bike Rodeo Stations

Station #1: Helmet Inspection

Before the child participates in this event, you need to make sure he/she has a helmet that fits the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards (indicated by presence of a CPSC label). Consider having helmets available for sale for participants who come without one. *No child should participate in this program without a helmet.

Try the helmets on the participants and walk them through this:

• Eyes: Look up and you should see the rim of the helmet. The rim should be one to two fingers above your eyebrows, and level on your head.

• Ears: Adjust the straps of your helmet so that they form a “V” right under each earlobe. Make a “V” to measure with your index and middle fingers.

• Mouth: Once the straps are adjusted in a “V”, buckle them. They should be snug but not too tight. Adjust until you can put one finger between the strap and your chin. Now open your mouth as wide as you can. You should feel the helmet hug your head and the strap snug to your chin. If you do you are ready to check the bike.

Station #2: Bicycle Inspection

At this station, children learn to adjust their bikes to make simple repairs. Consider contacting a local bicycle shop to help inspect the bikes. This might be a great place to hand out reflectors, or have them for sale.

Teach children how to: • Fill tires with air

• Tighten all spokes and replace broke spokes

• Adjust the handlebars and the seat

• Replace flat tires

• Replace worn brake pads

• Tighten all screws, nuts and bolts on the bike frame

• Check the chain to be sure it is secure

• Secure and clean the reflectors, mirrors and lights

**See the “Bike Inspection Form” for the checklist.

Station #3: Wheel Fit

Have the children get on the bikes and try to touch their feet to the ground.

• The next stop is to check if the bike is properly fit

• For a bike, a child should be able to sit on the seat and touch both feet to the ground. As the child develops more confidence, the seat can be raised so that he or she can just touch the toes of both feet or one foot to the ground.

Station #4: Following Rules

So far, children have only been pedestrians on the course. At this station, it is important to explain how traffic works. Teach them about yielding, passing, predicting traffic flow and traffic laws that pertain to cyclists. Bike riders have to obey the same rules as cars and buses. *Be sure to stress the importance of riding in the same direction as traffic

• Talk to them about what the different signs mean: Stop, Yield…

• Teach children the hand signals they should use to alert drivers to their actions:

§ Left turn – extend your left arm out straight from your side

§ Right turn – extend your left arm from your side. Bent at a 90 degree angle at the elbow, hand pointing upward and the palm of the hand facing forward. (another option is to extend your right arm out straight from your side.)

§ Stopping or slowing – extend your left arm out from your side, bent at a 90 degree angle, hand pointing downward and the palm of your hand facing backwards.

• Once you discuss these signals have them practice and quiz them orally.

Station #5: Signal Test

Purpose: the rider should always use the correct signals for stopping and turning.

Materials: 1. Sidewalk chalk 2. Tape measure 3. Stop sign (can be homemade)

Setup: Chalk a typical street that runs straight, turns left and turns right. Place the stop signs according to the diagram.

Directions: 1. Each rider should indicate a stop signal as they approach the stop sign,

followed by a complete stop at the signs. 2. After stopping, the rider signals the appropriate turn, while ensuring that

one foot remains on the ground. 3. Once the rider ensures it is safe to turn, they continue on until the course

is complete.

What to watch for: o That the rider signals his or her intentions to stop or turn. o That the rider places both hands on the handlebars before turning. o That the rider has one foot on the ground when coming to a

complete stop. o They proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Station #6: Balance Test

Purpose: The rider should be able to bike slowly without putting a foot down.

Materials: 1. Sidewalk chalk 2. Masking tape 3. Tape Measure

Setup: Chalk a solid line 80 feet long.

Directions Each ride must ride along the solid line as slowly as possible without going off the line.

What to watch for: o How long the bicycle stays on the solid line. o That the rider’s feet are on the pedals at all times. o That the handlebars are gripped by the rider at all times. o That the rider makes minimal use of braking. o If the rider fails to reach the 30 feet mark, he or she required more

practice; a rider is average at the 60 feet mark; and is considered excellent upon reaching 80 feet.

Station #7: Circling and Changing Direction

Purpose: The rider should feel comfortable riding in a circle and changing directions.

Materials: 1. Sidewalk chalk 2. Tape measure 3. 10 feet of string

Setup: Draw a figure eight by tying the chalk to the end of the string. Anchor the other end of the string and draw a circle with a 10 foot radius. With the string on the same anchor point, shorten the string by 18 inches and draw an inner circle. Move 20 feet (two lengths of the string) to a new anchor point and again draw an outer and inner circle 18 inches apart. Erase the chalk lines in the appropriate places so that you have a station resembling the diagram.

Directions Each rider must ride the bicycle around the figure eight without touching the lines.

What to watch for o That the rider rides the bicycle within the lines throughout the

course. o That the rider’s feet are on the pedals at all times. o That the handlebars are gripped by the rider at all times. o That the rider rarely brakes.

Station #8: Weaving and Maneuvering

Purpose: The rider should feel comfortable riding around obstacles.

Materials: 1. Sidewalk chalk 2. Tape measure 3. 6 small traffic cones

Setup Space the six traffic cones 6 ½ feet apart in a straight line. Chalk arrows along the test route.

Directions Each rider must ride around the cones while following the direction of the arrows

What to watch for o That the rider follows the arrows and rides around the cones

without touching them. o That the rider’s feet are touching the pedals at all times. o That the handlebars are gripped by the rider at all times. o That the rider makes minimal use of the brakes.

Station #9: Straight Line Control

Purpose: The rider should become more comfortable holding a straight line.

Materials 1. Sidewalk chalk 2. Tape measure 3. 12 small traffic cones

Setup Place the cones in a tapered pattern over a distance of 80 feet. The first pair of cones should be 2 feet apart. Each subsequent pair of cones should be moved 4 inches closer together with the last pairing being 4 inches apart.

Directions Each rider must ride through all of the cones without touching any of them.

What to watch for o That the rider rides the bicycle between all of the cones without

touching them. o That the rider’s feet are on the pedals at all times. o That the handlebars are gripped by the rider at all times. o That the rider makes minimal use of the brakes.

Station #10: Shoulder Check

Purpose: The rider should be able to look over their shoulder without swerving.

Materials 1. Four chairs 2. Four signs (legal size paper) “danger” or “safe” written on them 3. Sidewalk chalk 4. Masking tape

Setup Chalk a start line 6 feet wide and extend two chalk lines on either side for about 96 feet. Place the first chair 24 feet in front of the start line along one chalk line. Place the next chair 48 feet from the first chair. Place the 3 rd chair on the opposite chalk line 48 feet from the start. The 4 th chair should be placed 48 feet from the 3 rd . Tape the signs to the back of the chairs.

Directions 1. Due to the complex nature of this test; demonstrate it to your riders. 2. When the rider passes a chair on his or her right, they should look over

his/her shoulder and see if the sign on the back says “danger” or “safe”. If the sign says “safe”, the rider should call out the word safe and ride to the next chair. If the sign says “danger”, then the rider should call out the word danger and ride on.

3. You should emphasize that the riders are to shoulder check.

What to watch for o That both hands are on handlebars when shoulder checking

Optional Competitive Activities

1. The Turtle Race is a balance exercise. Ask the riders if they find it harder to control their bikes at slower speeds. Most likely, they’ll agree, Explain that this is a balance exercise. The last person across the finish line is the winner. Riders cannot put their foot down and must stay within their lane. Talk to the riders, offering positive reinforcement and encouraging feedback. Cheer the riders enthusiastically.

2. The Quick Turn practices the need to make a quick decision to execute a sharp turn. Instruct the riders to line up and ride through the marked chute toward them, just as the rider reaches the end of the chute, the volunteer will direct each rider to turn right or left. Instruct them to ride out to the marker cone and circle back to the line and repeat the drill. Encourage them to build speed as they become comfortable with the activity.

3. Red light, Green light teaches the ability to break suddenly and maintain control while stopping quickly. The course involves several lanes of riders taking off at once, with the volunteer positioned near the start. Once the riders have gone past them a short way, the volunteer blows a whistle, signaling the riders to stop immediately. The object is to stop fast, remaining within the lane.

This exercise demonstrates the need to be able to respond quickly and maintain control while braking. The volunteer will monitor riders’ ability to make a sudden stop without veering from their path. Have the riders resume and encourage them to build up speed, then randomly blow the whistle again. Do this several more times as the riders proceed down the lane.

Bike Rodeo Report Card

Great Good Needs Work

Signal Test

Balance Test

Changing Direction

Weaving & maneuvering

Straight line control

Shoulder check

Bike to School Day EventProgram Option #2 Bike Train

A bike train offers a safe, fun way to ride to school as a group. Because of the equipment involved and the potential need to ride on a road, planning and conducting a bike train is very involved. Bike trains are best suited for older elementary children that have more bicycle experience. Before starting the program, providing children with practice and training on bicycle handling and rules of the road is recommended.

Bicycle Train Step­by­Step Checklist Planning the Event

1. Get approval from school principal. 2. Get a teacher/PTO member/school staff to take on responsibility of coordinating

the effort. Consider creating a committee to help plan the event. 3. Determine volunteer/parent interest and availability in being the Bike Train

Engineer and Caboose” The Engineer rides at the front of the “train and sets the example for safe riding. The Caboose rides at the back of the train as the “sweep,” to keep an eye on children. Send a letter to the parents at least one week prior to the event. Along with the letter, send a consent form/”ticket” to determine the participating children. Modify the Sample Bicycle Train Parent Letter and Sample Consent Letter. Interested adult volunteers can lead a train by returning the Sample Bike Train Parent Letter.

4. Have a meeting with interested parents to decide on a starting location for majority of students to meet at. At this meeting, identify a small cluster of households and map the routes to school to create a “School Map. “

5. Contact other potential partners. Modify Sample Community Partner letter. 6. Notify local police division about the Bike to School Day project at your school.

Show the mapped route and ask if they are aware of any areas that could pose conflicts between riders and vehicles.

7. Arrange for the drivers/volunteers to pick up materials the day before the ride along with their route assignments, start time, location of their stops and list of other potential activities.

Day of the event 1. Arrive at and set up greeting station for children, parents and volunteers

participating in the event. Be sure that the children have a place to gather that is out of the way of motorized traffic.

2. Confirm that all children who are participating in the walk have turned in their consent forms/“tickets”.

3. Be sure that all participants have a helmet. Consider having helmets on site for those children that do not have helmets.

4. Line participants up on their bikes, placing an adult behind ever 4 to 5 children. Tell adults that they should keep their eyes on these 4 to 5 children in front of them, and instruct and assist them as needed.

5. Explain the bike train basics. • Listen to an adult at all times. • Obey all traffic rules and signs, especially since you will be traveling on

the street, not the sidewalk. • Make sure when coming to major intersections, you get off your bike

and walk it across the street. • Stay with the group, no lagging behind or riding ahead. • Use hand signals to show you are turning, slowing or stopping. (Calling

out “turning right”, “slowing” or “stopping” is also helpful.) See “Bike Rules” in Activities section for additional help.

• Look out for each other. • Respect neighborhood property. • HAVE FUN!

6. Start riding! 7. When on the ride stop briefly at bike train stops to welcome and check in any

waiting students. (Be sure they have their “tickets”). 8. Arrival back at school

• Greet the students at the door of the school. • Have teacher account for all their riders. • Photograph the students as they arrive at the school. • Distribute giveaways and/or use the giveaways as rewards for activities.

9. Have students participate in classroom discussion and other activities to reflect on the day’s ride and the environment surrounding of their school.

Following the event 1. Please submit the Evaluation Form, photos, newspaper and newsletter articles

via fax 216.983.1180 or mail to Mandy Thomas 10524 Euclid Avenue WLK 3024 Cleveland, OH 44106.

2. Send thank you notes/letters to your volunteers, teachers and other individuals that contributed to the Bike to School Day event. (See “Sample Thank You Letter”)

3. Evaluate your day. Is there anything you would change next year to make your event run smoother? Document these suggestions and changes now while it is still fresh in your mind.

Bike to School Day EventProgram Option #3 Bicycle Clinics

Bicycle clinics are a fun and easy way to educate children on skilled and safe bicycle riding techniques. Bicycle clinics are designed to have different stations that teach children everything they will need to know about bicycling safely. When participating in bicycle clinics, children should know how to ride their bikes already, have helmets and have general safety education.

Bicycle Clinic Step­by­Step Checklist

Planning the Event 1. Get approval from school principal. 2. Determine volunteer/parent interest and availability in helping with the bicycle

clinic. Send a letter to the parents at least one week prior to the event. Along with the letter, send a consent form/”ticket” to determine the participating children. Modify the Sample Parent Letter and Sample Letter of Consent.

3. Consider creating a committee to help plan the event. 4. Contact other potential partners. Examples of this would be bicycle shop owners

or local “bicycle experts” that would be able to provide experience and information on bicycle safety. Modify the Sample Community Partner letter/

5. Set up a time and place for the bicycle clinics to take place. 6. When decided on time and location for bicycle clinic, determine how long children

should stay at each station and how to break up the students. 7. Identify other opportunities for volunteers (i.e., different volunteers at each of the

stations) 8. Invite parents, children, community leaders and volunteers to participate in

upcoming activities. 9. Conduct activities previous to the bicycle clinics to get the students and teachers

excited about Bike to School Day (see “Activities” section).

Day of the Event 1. Arrive at set location for the bicycle clinic and be prepared to greet children,

parents and volunteers participating in the event. 2. Give volunteers their assigned locations/stations. Stations include:

a. Helmet fitting – volunteers should know how to fit helmets (see “Bicycle Rules” in Activities section.) Consider having tape measures, helmet decorating and other helmet activities.

b. Proper hand signals for street riding – volunteers should have handouts on the proper hand signals and have children practice the signals (see “Bicycle Rules” in Activities section).

c. Bicycle safety checks – within this station there will be “substations”. Substations can include tire checks (make sure tires are inflated properly, have good tread, no sidewalk damage), brakes (brake arm is attached to the frame, brakes operate smoothly and effectively), cranks and chains (pedals tight, intact and free spinning and that the chain is clean and free of rust) and frame and fit (straight and in good condition, handle bars do not move when you hold tire between legs and twist, biker can straddle the frame and have BOTH feet touch the ground, seat in good condition)

d. Traffic laws – volunteers should educate children on the traffic rules they need to follow when riding their bicycles (see “Bicycle Rules” in Activities section).

Following the event 1. Please submit the Evaluation Form, photos, newspaper and newsletter articles

via fax 216.983.1180 or mail to Mandy Thomas 10524 Euclid Avenue WLK 3024 Cleveland, OH 44106 .

2. Send thank you notes/letters to your volunteers, teachers and other individuals that contributed to the Bicycle to School event. (see “Sample Thank You” letter).

3. Evaluate your day. Is there anything you would change next year to make your event run smoother? Document these suggestions and changes now while it is still fresh in your mind.

Bike to School Day EventProgram Option #4 Activities

To get your students excited about Bike to School Day, there are numerous activities you can choose from. These activities can be used in conjunction with the bike rodeos, bike trains or bike clinic events or they can be conducted as a separate Bike to School Day program. These activities can be carried out the day of the event or the weeks prior.

Activities Step­by­Step Checklist

Planning the event 1. Get approval from school principal. 2. Consider creating a committee to help you plan the event. 3. Contact other potential partners. Modify the Sample Community Partner Letter. 4. 5. Read through the list of activities and determine which activities will work best in

your school. 6. Develop a plan for conducting the activities you chose. Distribute the plan to

school staff and teachers so that they will be aware of the events and are able to participate.

7. Invite community members to participate in the activities. 8. Send letters home to parents describing the Bike to School Day program and

invite them to participate. (see “Sample Parent Letter”). 9. Identify opportunities for volunteers. 10.Conduct activities to get the students and teachers excited about Bike to School

Day (see “Activities” section).

Day of the event 1. Arrive at school to set up greeting station for children, parents and volunteers

who are participating in the event. 2. Organize volunteers and give them instructions for how the activity/activities will

be conducted. 3. Conduct activities. Distribute any incentives.

Following the event 1. Please submit the Evaluation Form, photos, newspaper and newsletter articles

via fax 216.983.1180 or mail to Mandy Thomas 10524 Euclid Avenue WLK 3024 Cleveland, OH 44106.

2. Send thank you notes/letters to your volunteers, teachers and other individuals that contributed to the Bike to School Day event (see “Sample Thank You Letter”).

3. Evaluate your day. Is there anything you would change next year to make your event run smoother? Document these suggestions and changes now while it is still fresh in your mind.

Bike to School Day Activities Theme Days Children and adults can come up with themes that go along with each day of the week. For example:

• Monday is “yellow day” when everyone wears yellow to represent school safety.

• Tuesday is “red day” when everyone wears red. Teach students about heart health and benefits of exercise, such as riding your bike, for your heart.

• Wednesday is “bright color day” when everyone wears bright colors to represent the colors you are supposed to wear when riding your bike.

• Thursday is “green day” when everyone wears green. Teach students about the environment and how not driving or taking a bus to school can help preserve it.

• Friday is “celebration day.” Use a theme of your choice (i.e. crazy hat day, pajama day, etc.)

** Whichever day you hold your Bike to School Day event have children wear school colors to show their school spirit.**

Hold a “Best Ways to Get Your Parents to Ride their Bike with You” Contest Ask students to come up with ideas for getting parents to ride their bike with them. Compile a top ten list, printed with winner’s name, and have students vote on their favorite way. Winner can receive a prize.

Jingles & Cheers Incorporate bicycle safety themes into music or art class by asking students to create signs, posters or jingles with safe walking tips. Lead the students in the jingles during an assembly or during one of the events.

Jeopardy Game Have classrooms play “Bike Safety Jeopardy” during their health or science classes. See “Jeopardy game” in the “Activities” section for additional details.

Bike Safety Demonstration This demonstration allows children to visualize the importance of wearing a helmet. See “Bike Safety Demonstration” in the “Activities” section for more information.

Find the Spy Have students play the “Find the Spy” game to see show important keeping the brain safe is. The game is in the “Activities” section.

Bike Safety Scavenger Hunt This activity allows students to find classmates that fit the criteria of the scavenger hunt clues. The details for this activity are in the “Activities” section.

Bike to School Day Activities

What colors should you wear when riding a bicycle?

Bright colors allow drivers to see you more easily. Examples of bright colors are white, yellow, light blue, light pink, light grey, orange, etc. Colors not to wear are black, brown, dark grey, navy blue, dark green, etc.

Hand Signals

What is a reflector?

A reflector is a piece of plastic that resembles a light when it is struck with some form of light.

Traffic Laws

• Stop at stop signs and signals • Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks • Always signal, be a predictable rider • Stop or slow to a crawl before entering driveways • Slower vehicles always stay to the right • Ride WITH traffic, NOT against it • When at crosswalk, get off your bike and WALK it across the street • Most importantly, PAY ATTENTION

Correct helmet use What is a helmet?

A helmet protects your brain when you fall. It has a plastic shell on the outside and foam inside. It has a strap to keep it on when you fall.

How does a helmet work? The foam crushes when you hit the road, which cushions the blow and usually saves your brain. The shell makes it skin on the street so your neck is not jerked during the fall; it also keeps the foam in one piece. If the strap is not on right, your helmet can slip to the side or to the back.

Snug, Level and Stable A helmet should comfortably touch your head all the way around, and it should be level (not lop-sided). It should be as low on the head as possible to maximize side coverage. The chin strap should be snug against the chin.

Helmet placement

A helmet should rest comfortably and snuggly directly above the eyebrows. The straps should form a “Y” around the ears and meet just below the earlobe. The chin strap should be snug against the chin; allowing two fingers between the bikers chin and the strap. Shake the head a little from side to side and jump up and down to make sure

the helmet does not shift during movement If any shifting occurs you must re-adjust the helmet and tighten the straps.

Jeopardy Game

Helmet Safety 100 point question: What should you always wear on your head when riding your bike? Helmet

300 point question: True/False­ Bike helmets greatly reduce our risk of head injuries when riding a bike, skateboard or when on roller blades. True

600 point question: True/False­ Your helmet should sit flat on your head and be two finger widths above your eyebrows. True

1,000 point question: True/False­ If your bike helmet has been in a crash and you do not see any cracks, it is still okay to use? False. If it has been in a crash, you need to get a new helmet.

Bike Safety Issues 100 point question: True/False­ Front lights can help you see your path or make you more visible at night. True

300 point question: True/False­ Pegs on the back wheel of a bike are safe for kids to ride on. False, pegs are for stunts not extra rides.

600 point question: Name two important safety rules. Don’t double ride, ride on the right side of the road, walk your bike across a pedestrian crosswalk, use proper hand signals when turning, slowing down or stopping, wear a helmet

1,000 point question: What should you do before entering the street on your bicycle? Stop and look both ways, make sure nobody is coming, then proceed.

Bike Rules 100 point question: True/False­ When riding your bike you must obey all traffic lights, signs and signals like drivers in cars. True

300 point question: If you ride your bike in the street, what direction should you ride? A. with traffic b. against trafficWith traffic

600 point question: True/False­ You should use your arms as turning signals so that people can know what direction you are going. True

1,000 point question: When riding your bike what side should you pass pedestrians on? On the left hand side.

General Bicycle Guidelines 100 point question: What type of clothing should you wear when riding a bike? Bright or retro reflective

300 point question: How should you take your bike across the street? A. walk your bike b. ride your bike c. carry your bike A. Walk your bike

600 point question: Beside cyclists, which other professional athletes wear helmets while participating in sports? Hockey players, football players, baseball players

1,000 point question: True/False­ You should buy a bike you can grow into? False, you need a bike that fits correctly. You should be able to straddle the bike with both feet firmly on the ground.

Bike and Helmet Safety Demonstration

Materials needed: • Toddler size helmet • Two light bulbs (each placed in a separate sandwich bag) – one of the light bulbs needs to be placed securely in

the helmet with tape and maybe a soft bean bag underneath the light bulb • Two eggs (each placed in separate sandwich bags): must be done after the light bulb. One egg should be taped in

the helmet ­ OR ­ • Two cantaloupe or honeydews (must be done after the light bulb) • Three garbage bags. Two of them need to be cut open so that they are flat and one regular bag to keep for trash at

the end of the presentation.

Space Needed: • If indoors, the presentation needs to be in a room with tables and chairs pushed to the side or to the back of the

room. Or if outside, it needs to be on the cement. • Pull apart two garbage bags so that they are completely straight and flat. Lay them on the floor and tape them down

so it’s stable. • Have the children sit cross­legged at least three feet away from the garbage bags.

Presentation: • Introduction

o Introduce yourself, where you work and what you do. • Ask children if they know any bike rules

o Call on children with their hands raised o RULES – do rules in a question/answer form o “What should you always wear on your head?” HELMET o “What colors should you wear at night?” BRIGHT COLORS, so that cars can see you – try to find children

with bright colors o “What are lights called on your bike?” REFLECTORS o “What kind of shoes should you wear when riding your bike?” TENNIS SHOES­ no flip flops because your

feet get caught and cut o “What about when you wear pants?” SHOW THEM – fold the pants at the seam and cuff them up to the

ankle. o “How should you take your bike across the street?” WALK IT ACROSS THE STREET AT A CROSSWALK o “When riding a bike in the street, should be on the left or right side?” RIGHT SIDE – go in the same

direction as the cars. o “How many ways should you look when crossing the street?” THREE WAYS – left, right and left again o “When riding with friends, should you ride single file or in a group?” ALWAYS RIDE SINGLE FILE because

if you are riding in a group if one person falls, everyone could fall o “What are the hand signals when riding a bike to let other bikers or cars what you are doing?” LEFT­ left

arm is extended, RIGHT­ right arm bent at a 90 degree angle STOP­ left arm bent downward like a backwards high five (have kids stand up and do it)

• After the rules, the demonstration o Have the children stand up. Tell them to march in place, at the same ask them to wave their hands in the

air, then have them turn around in a circle and scream like a lion. Ask them to stop. REPEAT IT AGAIN and tell them to do it as fast as possible. Ask children to sit back down.

o Ask the children what allowed them to do that­ THE BRAIN o “How many brains do we have?” ONE o “Can we put a cast on our brain like our arm or leg?” NO

o “Can we glue or stitch our brain back together” NO o “So what are we going to wear every time we ride our bikes?” HELMET o Grab the light bulb in the plastic bag and explain that one day a child decided to not wear their helmet. So

pretend like you are riding your bike with the light bulb in your hand and drop it as hard as you can. “Can I glue my bran back together? Can I put a band­aid on it? Can I take it to the doctor and get a new one?” Explain that the light bulb will never work the same.

o Grab the light bulb that is taped in the helmet, explain that the bulb is taped because the bulb is too small therefore it is not only important to wear a helmet but to makes sure it fits properly.

o Ask the kids what will happen to the bulb now. Then drop the light bulb helmet side down – the bulb will not break.

o REPEAT THE EXPERIMENT WITH EITHER THE MELON OR THE EGG. ASK THE CHILDREN TO DROP THEM.

• Conclude o Finish up by talking about helmet fitting (two finger lengths above the eye brows, covering the back of the

head, side straps making a V around the ear). o Ask children any bike rules they remember from the presentation.

Find the Spy

Objective: To develop a base understanding and awareness of brain injury, specifically how some individuals may experience difficult with speed of processing following a brain injury.

Materials: • “Find the Spy” handout • Pencils

Procedure: 1. Hand out the spy worksheet to the class.

2. Tell the Class “One of these men is really Sly Sam Sneakpeep, the International Spy. The information you are about to be given will help you identify him. Listen very carefully and cross out the other suspects as you listen to the clues.”

3. Read the following clues very fast to the class: § Sly Sam Sneakpeep always wears a hat. § Sam is standing with his hands in his pockets. § He does not wear glasses. § Sly Sam is carrying something under his left arm. § Sam has a long nose. § He is wearing dark­colored shoes. § The collar of Sam’s coat is turned up around his neck.

4. Ask the class “Which of these men is really Sam?” Read the clues again at a slower pace (answer: Sigmund is really Sam.

Discussion: • “How many of you wanted to ask me to slow down when I was reading the clues the first time?” • “Were you frustrated when you couldn’t keep up?” • “Was it easier to find Sam when I read the clues slower?” • “Imagine what it would be like if your brain wasn’t working properly and you had difficult

concentrating.” Prompt discussion regarding issues related to speed of processing deficits that some individuals experience following brain injury. (i.e., paying attention, remembering and concentrating).

Bike Safety Scavenger Hunt

Find someone in the room who can sign the following statements:

Always wears a bike helmet ________________________________

Can show you the right turn signal ________________________________

Would like to know more about bike safety ________________________________

Has a bell or horn on their bike ________________________________

Have reflectors on their bike ________________________________

Can show you the stop hand signal ________________________________

Has foot brakes on their bike ________________________________

Has more than one bike at home ________________________________

Rides bike a lot ________________________________

Borrows a bike to ride ________________________________

Looks all three ways at street corners ________________________________

Does not carry passengers on his or her bike ________________________________

Can show you the left turn signal ________________________________

Obeys traffic signals and signs ________________________________

Does not do bike stunts ________________________________

Has hand brakes on his or her bike ________________________________

Has a headlight on his or her bike ________________________________

Can fill a bike tire with air ________________________________

Doesn’t ride a bike very often ________________________________

Knows how to make some bike repairs ________________________________

Can tell you how to ride a bike in a group ________________________________

Sample Letters

Sample Parent Letter

Dear (School Name) Parent:

We know your child’s safety is a top priority for you. We hope you will join us for our new program – Bike to School Day on (insert date). (Insert school name) and the Greater Cleveland Safe Kids/Safe Communities Coalition are joining together to support this important event. The purpose of this day is to encourage physical activity and assess the conditions children face while riding their bikes to school. We want your input and participation in this day in order to help guide recommendations and follow­up activities to improve the safety of children.

Riding their bikes and walking to school are great ways for kids to get exercise, and it means there are fewer cars on the road and less pollution. Unfortunately, many children are unable to commute this way because the conditions are not safe. The long­term goal of the program is to increase bike riding and walking and to make neighborhoods safer for children.

We need your involvement! Please: • Participate in a Bike to School Day event on (insert date), by (insert information

based on which event you choose). • Participate in the additional activities planned throughout Bike to School Day, (insert

dates). (Describe activities).

Thank you for your input and support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact (insert event coordinator) at (insert phone number). We look forward to seeing you (insert dates).

Sincerely,

(Insert Name)

Sample Consent Letter/ Ticket for Bike Train

Letter of Consent

My child(ren)_______________________________________ has my permission to participate in (insert school name’s) Bike to School Day activities, including (insert specific activity i.e. Bike Rodeo, Bike Train or bike Clinic), during the week of (insert dates).

Name of parent/guardian (print full name): ______________________________ Parent/guardian’s signature: _________________________________________ Date: ___________________________

Authorization for Photo Release

I hereby grant (insert school name) and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Rainbow Injury Prevention Center permission to use images of my child captured by photograph or digital camera in any and all of its publications and in any and all other media, whether now known or hereafter existing. I will make no monetary or other claim against (insert school name) or University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Rainbow Injury Prevention Center for the use of the photographs.

Please provide your home address or e­mail address below if you would like a copy of the picture(s): ______________________________________________________________________

Name of child (print full name): _______________________________________ Name of parent/guardian (print full name): ______________________________ Parent/guardian’s signature: _________________________________________ Date: ___________________________

Sample Community Partner Letter Dear (insert name),

We are pleased to invite you to participate in an upcoming event on (insert date) at (insert time and place) in recognition of (name of school)’s Bike to School Day.

Since many children are injured each year due to bicycle accidents, (insert name) Elementary School and the Greater Cleveland Safe Kids/Safe Communities Coalition, led by University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, are working together to teach local children about bicycle safety. One of the main components of this effort is our new Bike to School Day program at (insert name) Elementary School. We hope these events will bring parents and other concerned citizens together with school children to assess their routes to school.

** Optional­ Insert more information about your Bike to School Day event.

We hope you accept this invitation to participate in our program. Your presence will help ensure the success of our mission and bring credibility and valuable input to this project. Please let me know of your availability or if you would like more information. I hope we will be working together very soon.

Sincerely, (insert name)

Sample Thank You Letter Dear (Insert name),

On behalf of (Insert School Name), thank you for your participation in our Bike to School Day event. We appreciate your help in making this special event a success.

Our goal is to teach children bicycle safety skills, increase physical activity and generate public awareness of the challenges children face each day on the ride their bike or walk to and from school.

** Optional­ Insert information about specific event they participated in.

Your participation in Bike to School Day was greatly valued. We look forward to your support with future events at our school.

Sincerely, (Insert Name)

Sample Bike Train Parent Letter Dear Parents,

In an effort to encourage more children to ride their bikes to school on a regular basis, we will be participating in the Bike to School Day program through the Greater Cleveland Safe Kids/Safe Communities Coalition and will hold a Bike Train event on (insert date). We would like to invite our parents to participate in support of our students’ efforts to increase their physical fitness, increase awareness of the environment, and practice safe biking habits.

A bicycle train offers a safe, fun way to ride to school as a group. Because of the equipment involved and the potential need to ride on a road, planning and conducting a bicycle is very involved. Bicycle trains are best suited for older elementary children that have more bicycle experience. Students participating in the Bike Train will meet a location and ride to school together learning about different bike safety rules and how to ride together. We need parent volunteers to be the “engineer” or the leader of the group; the “caboose” to ride at the back to “sweep” up the children; and to ride between the groups of children to keep them in line while riding.

If you are interested in participating in the Bike Train, please fill out the bottom of this sheet, send it back to school with your child and someone will be in touch with you about a meeting to discuss more. We hope you can join us for this fun event to promote healthy habits, bicycle safety, and concern for the environment.

Sincerely,

(Insert name)

Parent name:_______________________________________________________

Interested in volunteering: yes no

Phone number:_____________________________________________________

Email:_____________________________________________________________