Bike Control

1. ON and OFF - Have your new cyclist practice getting on and off the bike until they can do it easily.

2. START and STOP - Practice starting and stopping until it can be done without wobbling or swerving.

3. STRAIGHT LINE - Lay down a piece of tape or draw a chalk line on a driveway or unused parking lot. Have them ride without going off the line - first fast, then slow.

4. STRAIGHT STOP - Have your child ride towards a spot on the ground. See if he or she can stop in a straight line at that point. Always use both brakes to stop or slow down.

5. SHOULDER CHECKS - Get your child to practice looking back, while riding in a straight line. Shoulder checking is the safest way to watch for traffic; looking back while riding in a straight line is an important cycling skill.

6. STRAIGHT SIGNALS - Practice turn and stop signals while maintaining a straight line.

7. FIGURE EIGHTS - Practice turning by doing figure eights. Your child should lean into the direction of the turn and keep the inside pedal up, so it doesn't hit the ground. This will teach kids how to dodge road hazards like rocks and holes.

8. QUICK STOPS - It's a good idea to practice quick stops. Make a mark on the pavement, then have the child try to stop on the mark without swerving or skidding.

9. NO SKIDDING - Skidding is a dangerous way of stopping. To avoid it, ease up on the brakes. With hand brakes, that means easing up on the front brake.

Rules for the Roads

• When cycling, always wear your bicycle helmet.
• Stop and obey all stop signs and traffic lights. Walk your bike across all intersections.
• Always check for traffic before riding out onto the street. PAY ATTENTION.
• Be predictable: Use your signals....... 

- Left arm straight out for a left turn
- Right arm straight out for a right turn
- Left arm bent downwards to stop

Remember: Slower traffic stays right. Ride on the right side of the road.

Avoid riding on busy streets and riding at night.

Watch out for:
Road hazards (rocks, pot hole, sewer grates and slippery pavement).
Cars turning left or right. Stay on the right edge of the traffic flow, a few feet from the curb, so you are visible.
Opening doors of parked cars. Stay a door's width away.
Cars coming out of side streets. Even though you may have the right of way, the motorist may not have seen you. Try to establish eye contact.