April 2013 – Bicycle Safety

Jamestown Schools are planning a Bike Rodeo on May 8th Wednesday after school.
Jamestown Police Department, Safe Routes to School, Rolling Agenda and PTO are
supporting this venue.

The RI Helmet Use Law RIGL 31-19-2.2 reads- Any child fifteen years of age and
younger operating or passenger on a bike or using or operating a scooter, skateboard,
inline skates or roller-skates on a public highway, bike path, recreational area, school
property, shared use path or any other public right-of-way must wear a helmet.

The Six rules of the road will prepare you for a safe and fun bike commute no matter
where you bike.

1. Follow the Law. Your safety and the image of bicyclists depend on you. You have
he same rights and duties as drivers. Obey traffic signals and stop signs. Ride with
traffic; use the rightmost lane headed in the direction you are going.
2. Be Predictable. Make your intentions clear to motorists and other road users. Ride in
a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars. Signal turns, and check behind
you well before turning or changing lanes.
3. Be conspicuous. Ride where drivers can see you; wear bright clothing. Use a front
white light and red rear light and reflectors at night or when visibility is poor. Make
eye contact with drivers. Don’t ride on sidewalks.
Anticipate what drivers, pedestrians, and other bicyclists will do
4. Think ahead.
nest. Watch or turning vehicles and ride outside the door zone of parked cares. Look
out for debris, potholes, and utility covers. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
Check your tires have sufficient air, brakes are working, chain runs
5. Ride ready.
smoothly and quick release wheel levers are closed. Carry repair and emergency
supplies appropriate for your ride. Wear a helmet. Lock your bike in designated areas.
6. Keep your cool. Road rage benefits no one and always makes a bad situation worse.

Never buy helmets children need to grow into. A helmet must fit properly the time
they are wearing it. The following techniques for fitting a helmet are as follows:

1. Place the helmet evenly on the head. Make certain that the front of the helmet sits
only one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
2. Make sure the helmet does not tilt forward or back, but rests straight on the head.
3. Adjust foam fittings inside the helmets; making sure its snug.
4. Tighten the chinstrap as snug as possible; adjusting the side straps that connect the
front and back so hat the rest just below the ears.
5. The helmet should not be able to shake loose or move from side to side.
6. Never wear a helmet that has been in a crash. Always replace it with a new helmet,
even if you do not see physical damage.