With the arrival of summer weather, kids will be spending more times on their bicycles. Of course, all riders need to know and obey the rules of the road.
This is Bike Safety Week and the Moose Jaw Police Service has been visiting schools to provide important safety tips. Earlier today, school resource officer Cst. Kyle Cunningham gave a presentation to students at École St. Margaret School.
Cunningham says it is a great opportunity to provide the kids with much-needed information.
“That education piece is so important. As much as people think we do enforcement, it’s really about being proactive with our young people, especially. We want to let them know the rules of the road and some of this safety information, so that they can make the right decisions and implement some of the ideas that we present to them.”
He says kids do seem to take the safety tips seriously.
“Students have heard this year over year, so they know all the answers and they live by these safety rules we preach. It is nice to see this information sticks with them because then they can share that information with some of the younger students.”
Cunningham began by showing off his bike helmet. He demonstrated how to wear a helmet properly using the 2-V-1 rule. This means having two fingers of distance from your eyebrow to the tip of the helmet. This ensures visibility and the proper fit. The “v” shape of the straps should fit over your ears properly. Finally, you should be able to fit one finger under the chinstrap. This will allow you to breathe while keeping the helmet secure.
Last year the City of Moose Jaw passed a law that made bike helmets mandatory for anyone under the age of 16.
During the presentation Cunningham also spoke about the ABC’s — air, brakes, and chain.
Specifically, you need to ensure you have enough air in your tires.
Make sure your brakes are not worn and are working properly.
The chain needs to be maintained. Kids should avoid long or loose-fitting clothing that could get stuck in the chain. Be sure to check that your shoelaces are tied before riding.
Parents should check that bikes are the proper size. Cunningham says if your feet are dragging on the ground then that is a sign the bike is too small for you. You should be able to touch your toes to the ground. As they grow, younger kids may need to get new bikes every two years, if possible.
“Kids grow so quickly, especially in those first few years. You can jump up sizes quite quickly. Parents need to be looking at what is cost effective. They need to make sure it is a safe and proper fit for the kid, so they can have fun out there.”
The police will be delivering similar presentations to schools throughout the city over the next week.
