Village of Michiana - Winter 2012

• Helmet Warnings
  Children must remove helmets before climbing on playground equipment or trees, where a helmet can snag and choke them.
  
  
• What Shouldn't I Wear?
  • Do not wear headphones while riding you bike. You need to hear what is going on around you.
  • Don't wear clothing that is too loose. They may get caught in the workings of your bike.
  • Don't wear inappropriate shoes.
  • Don't wear dark clothing.
    
    
• Keep an eye out for road hazards.
  

• Watch for cars pulling out of intersections and driveways.
  
  
• Watch for chasing dogs.
  Ignore them or try a firm "NO". If you can't get away dismount and try to keep the bike between yourself and the dog.
  
  
• When riding in the rain keep alert for slippery areas and make sure to allow extra distance for breaking.
  

Before you get on a bike and ride away you need to check several things.

• Make sure your bike is the proper size.  When standing on the ground there should be a 1-3 inch gap between you an d the top bar. (You will need slightly more room if riding a mountain bike.)
  
  
• Check your bike seat. Is is tight? Is it at the right height? When you are sitting on the seat with your foot on the pedal, your leg should be slightly bent.
  
  
• Make sure you have a reflector on the front and back of your bike. The rear reflector should be red and at least 3 inches across. Make sure it is pointed straight back so it properly reflects a car's headlights.
  
  
• Check the bike's chain to make sure it is clean and lubricated. If not take it to the local bike shop.
  
  
• Check your brakes for even pressure. They should make your back wheels skid on dry pavement, but you don't want them to stick.
  
  
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
  

• Avoid riding at night, but if you must, use a headlight, a taillight, reflectors on your pedals and wear bright, reflective clothing.
• Scan the road behind you. Check over your shoulder as you ride being careful not to loose your balance or swerving. Many riders use a handle bar or helmet mounted rear view mirror.
• Always look back before changing lanes or position in your lane to make sure you are not turning in front of someone.
• Go slow on sidewalks and bike paths. Pedestrians have the right-of-way. When passing pedestrians give an audible warning to let them know you are passing. Keep a careful eye out when passing driveways. Many drivers back out without even looking.
• Always obey traffic signs and signals. Many accidents a year stem from bicyclists not obeying the same rules as automobiles.
• When riding on the street always ride with traffic not against it.
• Make sure you use hand signals when turning or stopping. Ride in a straight and don't weave between parked cars unless they are far apart.
• Don't pass a car on the right. Vehicles turning right may not be looking for a bike coming up on their right side.
  

• Helmet Warnings
  Children must remove helmets before climbing on playground equipment or trees, where a helmet can snag and choke them.
  
  
• What Shouldn't I Wear?
  • Do not wear headphones while riding you bike. You need to hear what is going on around you.
  • Don't wear clothing that is too loose. They may get caught in the workings of your bike.
  • Don't wear inappropriate shoes.
  • Don't wear dark clothing.
    
    
• Keep an eye out for road hazards.
  

• Watch for cars pulling out of intersections and driveways.
  
  
• Watch for chasing dogs.
  Ignore them or try a firm "NO". If you can't get away dismount and try to keep the bike between yourself and the dog.
  
  
• When riding in the rain keep alert for slippery areas and make sure to allow extra distance for breaking.