Child Bicycle Safety Presentations for Grades K - 5 and 6 - 8

Introduction A child's first vehicle is a bicycle. But how do we teach children to use this vehicle? For most of us, our parents spent a weekend with us, running along side until that moment when we could balance on our own. The rest was up to us. Our attitudes toward the rules of the road and traffic skills evolved through practice and experience into a carefree, playful approach. We were under the impression that our bike was a toy like any other and, like most toys, our only responsibility was to put it away when we were done with it. We are now becoming aware of the responsibilities and rights that accompany the use of the bicycle. In its early stages, this awareness focussed almost exclusively on "helmets and hand signals". This was an important step, but we are able to effectively introduce young people to the safe and legal ways that they can use their first vehicle, as a member of the traffic system. Child bicycle education programs provide basic cycling skills, an understanding of how traffic works, and an appreciation that cycling can provide a lifetime of transportation and enjoyment. The most immediate benefit is the improvement in the degree of safety that children will enjoy when riding their bikes. In addition, as children are introduced to the proper use of their first vehicles, the attitudes, knowledge and skills they gain can be directly applied later in life when they are learning to use a motor vehicle. These 45 - 60 minute sessions are designed to introduce children to the most important concepts of riding safely and stress the importance of proper bicycle care and traffic technique. The classroom sessions focus on changing children's attitudes about bicycle safety and increasing their knowledge about traffic situations. Each session provides concrete knowledge by involving the children in an entertaining, visual forum. In addition, with each presentation, educators or members of the sponsoring organization will have the opportunity to develop ongoing bicycle education programs. Traffic education methods such as assemblies and bicycle rodeos are effective for teaching basic traffic concepts, but children need to practice and experience what they are taught. This program provides an essential early step in the development of long-term skills development and behaviour change. Briefing sessions conducted with the sponsoring organization provide information on continuing skills development and instructor training. Each presentation is delivered by a certified Canadian Cycling Association CAN-BIKE instructor. Key concepts introduced in the program Basic goals of the program are to introduce children to bicycle safety and traffic technique; to instill in children an acceptance of the value of bicycle safety; and to introduce educators and other adult leaders to the concepts of ongoing bicycle safety. Each program responds to the varying levels of attention among children in grades K - 5 and 6 - 8. In addition, sessions address different attitudes toward safety between younger and older children and between children who ride in rural and urban areas. More complex concepts are introduced for older children. Program Outline Classroom or Assembly (45 - 60 minutes) Setting an eggsample for safety Selecting and fitting a bicycle Bicycle care and safety inspection Helmet selection and use Buying your helmet Fitting and wearing your helmet When to wear your helmet Traffic techniques Bicycle as a vehicle Where to ride on the roadway Traffic do's and don'ts/rules of the road Hand signals and turning Staying visible and predictable Conclusion Leaders' briefing (15 - 45 minutes) Developing ongoing bicycle education and traffic awareness in children Bicycle education programs Leader/instructor development Classroom Requirements Classroom or assembly hall large enough to allow children to gather around in a casual fashion; stepladder and plastic drop sheet. Meeting room for leaders' briefing (following the classroom session).

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