Dear Parents and Students of Rocky River,
I wanted to take a moment to encourage all of you to consider having a discussion within your families about bicycle safety. The beginning of the school year brings with it many bike riders coming and going to school in the mornings and again during the afternoon when school lets out. These times are when our children are at the greatest risk for encountering cars and other hazards to bike riders and there are some bicycle safety rules that we should review and follow at all times, especially now when drivers of cars are more distracted than ever with traffic, cell phones and other things while they are behind the wheel.
- Always wear a helmet. It won’t prevent an accident from happening but if one does occur it will protect your head and brain if it makes contact with the road or a car.
- Slow down, especially at intersections and in low light conditions and at night. It’s easier to stop if necessary if you’re travelling slowly.
- When crossing your bike at a crosswalk or going through an intersection it’s always safer to walk your bike across, but if riding make sure you make eye contact with the driver or drivers of the cars there. If you need to wave to get their attention, do it! Make sure that they can see you crossing. Remember it’s easy for drivers to get distracted with looking down the street at other traffic or with things going on inside their cars.
- When crossing intersections at crosswalks make sure you have the walk signal to do so and then again, proceed through the crosswalk slowly and pay attention for cars that might not see you.
- Don’t try to carry too many bags, lunches or other items while you’re riding your bike. It’s easy for things to fall or get tangled in chains or wheels while riding and you can lose your balance and fall more easily when you’re carrying too much stuff with you.
- If you do get into an accident or make contact with another car, insist that someone there call the police or your parent for you if possible. If a car would leave after hitting you without getting out to check if you are okay, try remembering the color or part of the license plate if possible.