Feature Article

Kids' Cycling Safety and Etiquette

James Thompson/Bike Works

Cycling Safety and Etiquette in Groups (for Youth Cyclists and Their Parents)


Safety


1.  Safety is more important than anything else.  If someone is being unsafe you should ask them to stop, nicely though.  If they won’t stop, then don’t ride with them.

2.  Have a buddy on your ride.  Always be in sight of someone else when you ride, preferably your parent or guardian.  

3.  If your parents let you ride alone, prepare a map of your route and don’t change it.  Make sure your cell phone is charged if you have one.  Share the route with your parents.

4.  Never leave your group without telling someone.  Never leave anyone behind, especially if they are hurt.

5.  Always have your parents’ permission to do anything on your bike.  If you are allowed to go on group rides without your parents, make sure they know the ride leader and always follow his/her instructions.

6.  Sometimes when you have a flat or a wreck or are resting you might stop on the side of the road or trail.  Your parents’ rules for strangers apply here!!!  Sometimes people will stop to “help” you--you and your parents should talk about what to do in this situation.

7.  Character is what we do when nobody is watching--you should follow traffic rules even when no one is around.  If your friends are being bad, find other friends to ride with if they won’t change.

8.  You are a vehicle.  When you are on a bike you are like a missile.  Stay far away from people, animals, and things that can break.

9.  Dogs protect their territory by barking.  It is important for you not to show fear.  Yell at them.  Try not to swerve.  Spread out so everyone has room to avoid the dog.  Never hurt an animal unless it is trying to hurt you.  Animals are not “mean” or “bad”--they’re just being animals.  Alligators are generally harmless but should be given a wide berth.  Armadillos can jump erratically--stay clear.  Hogs can be dangerous--leave the area immediately.

10.  Hydration (what you drink) and nutrition (what you eat) are important so you don’t get sick or tired and crash.

11.  The law says everyone under 16 has to wear a helmet, but until you’re 18 it is up to your parents.

12.  Any turn, change in speed, or stop is accompanied by a verbal and audible (you can hear it) signal.  Don’t be wimpy, YELL IT OUT LOUD.

13.  Remove yourself at least two bike lengths from the trail or roadway when stopping for repairs or rest.



Etiquette


1.  Bad sportsmanship includes bragging, showing off, laughing at someone’s expense, dropping riders on a “together” ride, calling someone names, making fun of slower riders, making fun of someone’s appearance (or clothes, or bike).  It is also bad to leave after a competition or ride and not say “good ride” to _everyone_.  Sometimes adults practice bad sportsmanship.  In this case, you should _not_ act like an adult!

2.  Good sportsmanship includes congratulating winners or losers on a good ride, staying with a group when appropriate even if you’re faster, supporting someone when they are upset or tired, offering to help riders (even opponents) with repairs or flats if you are able, and reminding fellow riders of traffic and cycling rules.

3.  When you say someone “rides like a girl,” it should only ever be as a compliment.  Many girls and women can beat boys and men--more than you can imagine.

4.  If you wear a jersey or shirt with a local business or organization or school on it, you represent that organization.  You should avoid cursing and practice good sportsmanship on a ride no matter what, and take extra care when representing your school or sponsor.  Sponsor clothes should never be dirty or frazzled except from riding.

5.  Every rider is responsible for every other rider, whether you are friends or not.

6.  Sharing water bottles if someone runs out is polite, but it can spread sickness.  Ask your parents about this one.

7.  It is a courtesy in sports to suspend play when a funeral passes by your field or street.  In cycling, we simply stop and get off to the side of the road.

8.  Always yield right of way to pedestrians and slower riders.

9.  It is considered polite to fall back to slower riders and encourage them, or at least ask how they are doing.

10.  If a rider is in distress or falling off horribly, it is considered good form to find the ride leader and resolve what to do.  With younger riders this generally means sticking together on the way home or calling for help if someone is in trouble and staying with your fellow rider.