Rotary Club of Powell River is hosting a free bike safety rodeo for children ages four to 12 in the Canadian Tire parking lot (4720 Joyce Avenue) on Sunday, June 1.
Participants are asked to bring their own bike and helmets. They could win a new bike or helmet while having fun learning about bike safety from 11 am to 1 pm. Free hot dogs and refreshments will be provided.
Children who learn bicycle safety today will use that knowledge when they become the automobile drivers of tomorrow. Children and adults both need to recognize that the rules of the road apply to cyclists, the same as they do motorists.
Teach young cyclists the following responsibilities: To ride their bikes in the same direction as traffic, on the right-hand side of the road, single file. Use the correct hand signals when they want to turn, slow down or stop. Obey all traffic rules, signs and lights. Keep both hands on the handlebars, except when they are signalling. Walk bikes across busy intersections and at crosswalks.
Wear light-coloured or reflective clothing at night, and make sure bikes have the correct safety equipment. Stop and look left, then right, then left again before entering traffic from a driveway or lane. Watch for road obstacles such as sewer grates, bumps or potholes. Use bicycle paths when they are provided. Record a bike's complete description and have it engraved to make it easier to identify if it gets stolen.
Be careful of parked cars, because drivers could suddenly open their doors in their path. Never ride two on a bike. Never race with each other, with cars, trucks or buses. Never hitch rides behind other vehicles. Never weave in and out of traffic or perform stunts. Never carry parcels with hands while riding a bicycle.
Never wear headphones while riding a bike. Never ride bikes on the sidewalk unless designated by the city as an official bicycle path.
As for adults, GoByBike Week gets underway on May 31 and continues until June 6. Are you participating this spring?
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