Katie Roth

Mission Statement: The goal of this program is to teach bicycle safety and laws, as well as
the benefits and scope of cycling.

Description: Focus on three main areas of cycling: safety, laws, and benefits and
applications.
Safety: Start with the importance of helmets and how they can prevent injury.
Demonstrating how to properly fit a helmet and checking for its fit, like using the two-
finger method. Checking over bicycles before riding is also important for safety, for how
well the brakes, tires, chain, and gears work directly impact the likelihood of accidents and
injury. Brakes should firmly hold the tire when applied, tires should be full with the
recommended psi of air, chain should be in good condition and in line front to back, and the
gears should shift accurately and when wanted. Talk about attire safety, nothing should be
worn that can wrap around or interfere with the pedals and/or chain, like baggy pants,
untied shoelaces, dangling scarves, and other similar hazards. Then go over safety when
actually on the road/sidewalk, like awareness, visibility, and breaking technique. Riders
need good awareness; looking ahead to watch for pedestrians, cars, other bicycles, and
hazards. Go over the proper technique of passing pedestrians and other cyclists; by calling
“on your left” and ringing a bell, to let the other person know where you are and what your
intentions are so that you can avoid collisions. Also stress the importance of riding
predictably, accidents can happen because of sudden stops and turns that other
pedestrians, cyclists, and cars do not know to be expecting unless warned. Visibility is
important especially at night, and there are even laws about it. You must have a white light
on the front of your bike and a red light on the back, as well as augmented with reflector
strips on the sides of the bicycle; this allows for cars, cyclists, and pedestrians to see you at
all times. Always give yourself enough time and space to break, as well as breaking with
both hands to stop faster. When going down hill, break primarily with the back tire break
(usually the right hand) in order to prevent flipping over that can occur from sudden front
tire only breaking. Also remember to give yourself extra distance to stop when there is rain,
as brakes are not as efficient when wet. Other safety measures include always riding with
at least one hand on the handlebars at all times, not only is this the only legal way, but it
also allows for greater reaction time and stability than riding without hands. It is also
important to always ride in groups so that there is always someone else to help should
anything go wrong, plus there is always safety in numbers.
Laws: Bicycles are classified as vehicles, so you must follow all street signs and laws
just as cars would. When on the sidewalk, you must use the walk signal and follow laws
associated with that. On the street, always go with traffic and stay as far to the right of the
as possible to allow cars to pass. Signal with your arm which direction you are turning.
Pedestrians always have right of way, so you must watch out for them and take their safety
in mind for how you ride.
Benefits/Application: Cycling is lower impact than running, but is still a great form
or cardio. Biking to work or school is both good for your health and for the environment,
since cars are often harmful to the environment. Many people cycle for recreation, both for
the related health benefits and also as a way to get out and see scenery. Some people also
cycle for sport, whether in cycling races or triathlons. There is also mountain biking, which
is off-road biking, which can be recreation or sport, and is often seen in outdoor adventure
settings.
Katie Roth

Rationale: To inform people, especially kids, about bicycling. Teaching them the safety
procedures and laws will minimize bicycle accidents and injuries stemming from accidents.
It will also provide information about the more recreational aspects of biking that even
people familiar with the laws might not know about.

Volunteer opportunities: People to demonstrate during the program for some parts, as well
as volunteers to help run the event.

Event: Bicycle 5k. It would be like a 5k fun run/walk, except participants are on bicycles (or
tricycles, unicycles, tandem bikes, etc. if desired). Participants would have to apply the
safety measures learned in the program, like notifying when passing, awareness of others
around, and general cycling safety. Volunteers would be needed for helping rope out the
course, water stops, and at the start/finish line.