Safe Routes to Schools Family Cycling Clinic

by Melanie Grubman

Riding a bike is no longer just about staying upright on two wheels. As many parents know, teaching kids to ride bikes merely begins with balance. On today's roads, kids and adults need to master skills before hitting the streets for a bike ride. Enter Safe Routes to Schools: Alameda County, a new school and community program that provides trainings, events and education to encourage families to get around with human power. This program provides resources to 30 schools in Alameda County. This fall, along with 50 schools in the area and schools all over the world, Maxwell Park and Laurel Schools participated in International Walk and Roll to School Day.'

Along with providing engineering solutions for unsafe roads, bike and pedestrian training in the schools, and puppet shows that expound on the joys and challenges faced on the journey to school, Safe Routes also provides educational community events. On a beautiful autumn Saturday, parents joined with Safe Routes to Schools instructors for three hours of on-the-bike instruction. Kids and parents enjoyed the Laurel neighborhood and the serenity and shade of Dimond Park to practice bike drills and a neighborhood ride.'

Here are some tips from the Family Cycling Clinic:

Have fun and remember to breathe!'

It is best to follow behind your children. You can see what they are, and are not, doing. Riding behind your children can shield them from traffic and allows you an opportunity to coach them through intersections. If your child is riding in front of you, make sure he or she is riding outside the "door zone" (or watching for drivers opening their doors). Teach children to ride predictably by not swerving and by using hand signals.'

Make sure they know the rules of the road.'

STOP: look left, right, and left again before entering any intersection. You can also start practicing right-of-way at two- and four-way stop intersections. Consult the DMV driver's booklet for basic rules of the road. Cars and bikes must follow the same rules.

Provide clear instruction'

Provide clear instruction to your children about where they must wait for you. This prevents them from getting too far ahead but provides them with a sense of independence (e.g., "you can go ahead, but wait for me"). If your child has shown erratic and impulsive behavior or is inconsistent with following instructions, keep him or her close by.

Be prepared

Before leaving for a bike ride, do the ABC quick check (air, brakes and chain). Always bring a snack and some water and a colorful Band Aid for quick "ouchy" fixes.

Come to the next Family Cycling Clinic'

For more information about bringing Safe Routes programs to your schools or about an upcoming community training, please call 740-3150 ext. 332 or e-mail melanie\@transcoalition.org.