POTENTIAL BICYCLE DERBY STATIONS


  1. REGISTRATION - provide educational materials on use of helmets, helmet information, etc.)

  2. BICYCLE MAINTENANCE CHECK - Bike shops are a great Resource for this station. Invite your local bike shop to come and provide bike inspection. Things to check for can include: properly inflated tires, wheels that are true, spokes are straight and not broken, seat is tight and right height, handlebars tight, etc.

  3. BIKE REGISTRATION - Check with your local police to see if they register bikes through their department. At this station you may also want to provide engraving against theft. Place the parents license plate number on the main frame of the bike. This is the easiest way to trace ownership if the bike is stolen.

  4. EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT - A uniformed officer or bike club member can provide information on correct street riding rules. Include bike reflectors, lights, bell/horn, hand signals, ride on the right, obey traffic signs and signals, courtesy techniques.

  5. SEE AND-BE SEEN - Black Box Technique. Paint the inside and outside of a box with black paint. Place reflectors, white material, yellow material (or other bright color), black material (or other dark material). Put a small hole on the side of the box for a small flashlight to fit. Ask child to look in the box and shine flashlight for a second. Ask the child what he saw. Explain how it is easier to be seen when wearing reflective or bright clothing.

  6. DISPLAY DIFFERENT TYPES OF HELMETS - Display a soft shell, thin shell, and hard shell helmet for parents/children to see the different types of helmets that are available. Be prepared to discuss ANSI/SNELL testing, fit, prices, helmet replacement, and how need to wear a helmet every time you ride a bike.

  7. HELMET FIT - Have a selection of helmets available so that each child who plans on riding the derby course is wearing a helmet. Have sanitary caps available. In addition to fitting the loaner helmets check each child's helmet for correct fit. (NOTE: It has been my experience that most helmets are not fitted correctly).

  8. DERBY COURSE - Choose 4 or 5 basic skills you would like to test. They should be skills that are necessary for safe street riding. Suggested skills are:

    1. Riding in a straight line slowly for approximately 60 feet. At about 30 feet the child should look over their left shoulder to check for traffic behind while maintaining a straight line.

    2. Maneuvering and weaving. This skill test the child's ability to change directions quickly.

    3. Turning in a limited space - Following the line of a figure 8. This tests the bicyclist ability to turn around smoothly and easily.

    4. Signaling - This skill tests the knowledge of hand signals and the ability to make a controlled stop.

  9. BICYCLE DRIVER"S LICENSE - The school exchange photos are the right size to fit the license. If they are not available you can take use a Polaroid camera to take the picture. Have the child complete the information on the license and then laminate. Call 1-800 CAR BELT in advance to determine if the laminator and supplies are available for your derby.

  10. REFRESHMENTS - At a minimum it is advisable to have water available, especially on warm days.


    "Advocates For Children"


    -FOR MORE INFORMATION-
    PLEASE CONTACT:
    Angela A. Osterhuber, Northeast Regional Coordinator
    Traffic Injury Prevention Project
    Pennsylvania Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
    560 Coon Hollow Road
    Riegeleville, PA 18077
    (215) 346-6183


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