BE AN EXPERT BIKE DRIVER - TIPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

A bicycle can be a lot of fun. Bike driving is a good way to get around and keep healthy. A bike can really take you places. You can go to school, to a friend's house and all around. And you don't have to depend on anyone to take you. You can get plenty of exercise and enjoyment from your bicycle.

Bike drivers have a big responsibility. As a bike driver, it's your job to:

• PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HARM - your safety depends a lot on you. You need to know how to choose and care for a bike, use safety equipment and understand the rules of the road.
• HELP KEEP OTHERS SAFE - your actions on the road affect others, too. By learning the correct way to drive, you can help keep the streets safer for everyone.

Choose the bike that's right for you. Consider the different styles. Choose the bike that's best for the type of driving you plan to do.

• Lightweight bike - has a light frame and many gears. It usually has hand brakes, narrow tires and dropped handlebars. It's good for racing or driving long distances on paved roads.
• Mountain bike or all-terrain bike - has wide, knobby tires and a strong frame. It may have from 10 to 18 gears and is equipped with hand brakes. It's good for driving on rough ground and paved roads.
• Motocross bike (BMX) - has a heavy-duty frame that can that rough use. It has raised handlebars, knobby tires and a rear coaster brake (foot brake).

Get the right fit. A bike that's too big or small can be uncomfortable and dangerous.

• Frame size - with both feet flat on the ground, straddle a bike's crossbar. If there's 1 or 2 inches between you and the bar (3 inches for mountain bikes), that's the frame size for you (even if you buy a bike without a crossbar). Never buy a bike to grow into.
• Seat height - sit on the seat. Can you balance the bike with the balls of your feet on the ground? Lower the seat if you are leaning to one side.
• Handlebars - the grips should be at about seat level. With dropped handlebars, the upper part should be at or a little below seat level.

INSPECT YOUR BIKE OFTEN Proper bicycle maintenance helps keep you on the road to safety. Be sure to check:

• Frame - wipe off dirt and moisture to help prevent rust.
• Tires - these should be firm and free of cracks and worn spots. Check to be sure they are properly inflated.
• Handlebars - are they tightened properly? Replace any worn hand grips or tape.
• Wheels - look for loose or missing spokes. Wheels should be straight and not wobble.
• Chain - keep the chain clean, free of rust and oiled properly. It should fit securely and not feel loose.
• Seat - make sure the seat fits securely and is adjusted to the proper height.
• Brakes - be sure brakes work smoothly and quietly. Do any parts need adjustment or replacement?
• Pedals - these should turn easily, without feeling loose. Check the treads and replace damaged pedals to keep your feet from slipping.
• Safety Equipment - is your safety equipment in good working order? For example, make sure all reflectors are clean and unbroken.

Protect your bike from theft. A thief only needs a minute or two to steal a bike. Use a U-shaped lock, heavy chain or cable. Lock your bike to a fixed object. Run the lock or cable through the frame, both wheels and the fixed object. Register your bike with the police. If it's stolen, you'll have a better chance of getting it back.

DRESS FOR SAFETY.

• Always wear a helmet. Studies have shown that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 85%. Select a helmet that fits snugly and comfortably. Always wear a helmet yourself to set a good example. In many places, helmets are legally required, particularly for children.

Buy a helmet that:

• is approved by ANSI, the Snell Memorial Foundation and or another legally authorized certifying organization
• has plenty of ventilation holes
• fits securely (wear the helmet low on your forehead just above your eyebrows). It shouldn't move around on your head. Replace your helmet every 5 years (earlier if recommended by the manufacturer) and after any crash, even if it looks undamaged.

BE VISIBLE.

During the day, wear bright colors such as yellow, orange or bright pink. Avoid driving at night. If you must drive after dark, always wear reflective tape and white or light-colored clothing.

LEARN BIKE DRIVING BASICS.

• Practice these skills on a smooth surface with no cars around:
• Balancing - get on your bike and drive at a very slow speed. Can you keep your wheels in a straight line?
• Braking - get comfortable with using the brakes to slow down and to stop quickly. If your bike has hand brakes, remember to use the rear wheel brake first.
• Turning - lean in the direction you want to g and turn the handlebars. Don't use jerky movements. Practice driving in a figure-eight pattern to improve your skills.

FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD.

• Stop and check for traffic before entering any street. Always be aware of any cars or trucks around you.
• Always drive on the right with the flow of traffic. Stay as far right as you can, but be alert for road hazards (sane, glass, potholes, etc.) that you might need to avoid.
• Use caution at intersections - go slowly and yield to pedestrians. Look for turning cars and trucks. In heavy traffic, walk your bike across.

Use hand signals every time. Learn the correct way to signal turns and stops:

• left turn - left arm held straight out
• right turn - left arm turned up or right arm held straight out
• slow or stop - left arm bent downward
• Turn carefully - slow down, signal and look carefully before turning. When turning left, look over your left shoulder for traffic behind you.

Obey traffic signals at all times. They let you know what to do:

• Steady green - go
• Steady yellow - warning (you should stop)
• Steady red - stop
• flashing yellow - slow down, drive ahead carefully
• flashing red - stop and check for traffic, then drive ahead carefully
• green arrow - turn in the direction indicated only
• Steer clear of parked cars - watch for cars pulling away from the curb and car door opening. 

Check street signs for important information. For example:

• stop - a red sign with eight sides
• yield - a red and white triangle
• warning - yellow, diamond shaped signs
• information and regulations - square or rectangular signs
• railroad crossing - a yellow circle with an X through it.

Bike drivers must obey the same laws as drivers of other vehicles on the road.

SOME OTHER TIPS TO REMEMBER.

• Ride single file when biking with others.
• Be extra careful in bad weather. For example,
• rain can make it harder for you to stop your bike.
• Slow down and give yourself more time to act! Avoid driving in poor weather if possible.
• Don't try to show off and ride double. You might lose your balance and fall.
• Never hitch a ride by holding onto a car, truck or another bicycle.
• Don't wear headphones when biking. You need to be able to hear horns and other traffic noises.

DRIVE SAFELY - - AND HAVE FUN!