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2	STATISTICS ON BICYCLE CRASHES
3	Bicycle Safety Lesson: Helmet Fit & Adjustment Learn your ABC Quick Check Bicycle Skills Know your hand signals Traffic Rules Summary Safety Games
4	Helmet Fit & Adjustments: The first and most important step in bicycle safety is wearing a HELMET. Head injury is the leading cause of death and permanent disability in bicycle crashes. Cyclists who wear helmets are less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those who do not wear one.
5	Buying a Helmet • Look for a label or sticker that says the helmet has been tested and meets the safety standard. It’s important to choose a helmet carefully and to make sure it fits properly. Select a brand and size that fits well prior to any adjustments. Most helmets come with adjustable sizing pads to help ensure a better fit. Your helmet should not rock side to side from back to back. Never buy a used helmet – it could be damaged. A properly adjusted bicycle helmet fits comfortably and securely. When choosing a helmet, buy one that fits now, not one to “grow into”.
6	3-Point Helmet Adjustment Ear buckles directly under each ear. No more than 2 fingers from eyebrows to bottom of helmet. No more than 2 fingers under your chin strap.
7	ABC Quick Check Take a couple of minutes to do your ABC before you Ride. A is for AIR Inspect tires for cuts, holes, excessive wear, or other damages. B is for Brakes Brake pads should have rubber showing and be aligned with rim-not rubbing on the tires. C is for Chains Chains and its related parts consist of pedals, chain rings, bottom brackets. Also make sure nuts and bolts are tight (handlebars, seats etc.)
8	Bicycle Skills Rule 1: Be Predictable Ride predictable so drivers can see you and predict your movement
9	Hand Signals
10	Bicycle Skills Watch for cars pulling out – Make eye contact with drivers. Scan the road behind you – Learn to look back over your shoulder without losing your balance. Avoid road hazards. – Watch for slippery manhole covers, oily spots, gravel, ice. Cross railroad tracks at a right angle. Keep both hands ready to brake – You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed. Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain. Watch for chasing dogs – Ignore them, or try a firm loud, “NO”. If that doesn't work dismount with your bike between you and the dog. Don’t try to kick the dog.
11	Don’t Make the Same Mistake Always Be Alert!
12	Bicycle Skills Walk your bike across all intersections. Dress appropriately – Dress for the occasion, avoid loose clothing - it can be caught in the chain. Use a pack or rack to carry things – Saddlebags, racks, baskets are all good ways to carry packages, freeing your hand for safe riding. Avoid riding on busy streets and riding at night. Even though you may have the right of way. Motorists may have not seen you. Try to make eye contact. Always ride a properly fitting bike.
13	Proper Fitting Bike When you buy a bicycle make sure it is the right size, not one where you ‘grow into’. Riding an oversized bike is dangerous.
14	Traffic Rules Always wear a helmet. Your bike should be equipped with a bell or horn – The law requires a bell or horn to be used as a warning. A bicycle must have at least one brake system or on the rear wheel. Use lights at night or when visibility is poor – The law requires a strong headlight and rear reflector or tail light at night. Stop and obey stop signs and traffic lights. Never Ride against traffic - Drivers don’t expect other vehicles to be driving on the wrong side of the road. Do Not Double Ride - Only ‘tandem’ bikes can safely carry two people. Always use hand signals when turning or stopping.
15	SUMMARY Always ‘Wear a Helmet’ when riding your bike. Do your ‘ABC’s’ before you ride. Always be ‘Predictable’ and ‘Alert’ when riding your bike. Make sure your bike is equipped with the ‘Proper Equipment’. Make sure you ride a ‘Proper Fitting Bike’. Always ‘Obey the Rules of the Road’ - use hand signals and obey traffic signs and lights.