With everyone heading back to school this week and last week, I thought it important that I reprint this article on Bike Safety from 2013 with some extra tips.
Tips From the Camarillo Police Dept.
The Camarillo Police Department and Pleasant Valley School District reminds drivers to be careful when driving around children walking or riding bicycles to and from school and to be patient in or around school zones as traffic typically backs up with parents dropping off kids.
The Camarillo Police Department and Pleasant Valley School District reminds drivers to be careful when driving around children walking or riding bicycles to and from school and to be patient in or around school zones as traffic typically backs up with parents dropping off kids.
It is recommended that anyone without children attending school find alternate routes from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to avoid traffic congestion in front of city schools.
The Camarillo Police Department also reminds parents to teach children proper bicycle riding safety. Kids under the age of 18 must wear helmets properly while riding a bicycle, scooter or skateboard. A bicycle is considered a vehicle, so riders must obey the rules of the road.
Children are reminded to look for intersections with crossing guards or marked crosswalks before crossing, as this is the safest way to cross a street. During the first few weeks of the school year, the Camarillo Police Department’s Traffic Unit will provide extra saturation patrols to school zones.
The Camarillo Police Department does have a limited amount of helmets and safety gear available for free, provided to families dealing with financial hardships. For those needing assistance with safety equipment contact an officer at the Camarillo Police Department's Community Resource Unit during regular business hours M-F 8 AM to 5PM, (805) 388-5155.
Proper use means buying a good helmet, making sure it fits and making sure to buckle the chinstrap, while fitting it properly under the chin. A bicycle is considered a “vehicle” and while riding you must obey the rules of the road.
Check out the Bike Safety Activity Kit
Here are some tips for safe riding from the City of THOUSAND OAKS:
Check out the Bike Safety Activity Kit
Here are some tips for safe riding from the City of THOUSAND OAKS:
- Make sure your bike is in good shape; the tires are full and the brakes work.
- Always wear a helmet. Ask an adult for help to make sure it fits right for you.
- Obey all traffic signals and stop signs.
- Always ride in the same direction the cars are going, even if you are on the sidewalk.
- Stop and walk your bike across streets.
- Learn the proper hand signals and use them all the time.
- Make sure you make eye contact with any drivers when crossing the street.
- Always ride single file.
- If you ride in the street, be careful of parked cars opening their doors in front of you.
- You must have a light and reflectors on your bike if you ride after dark.
- Travel in the same direction as cars and stop for all stop signs and obey all signal lights.
- Oxnard city ordinance 7-132(d) prohibits people over the age of 12 from riding their bikes on the sidewalk.
- Make eye contact and make sure a driver sees you before crossing in front of a car.
- Wear light clothing so that drivers may see you more easily at night.
- A front white headlight and a rear reflector are required when riding at night. A red light on the rear is strongly recommended.
- Stay focused and stay alert… do not ride with headphones in both ears.
- Use extreme caution when making turns in traffic.
- Ride far enough away from parked cars so you can avoid suddenly opened doors.
Download a special booklet on Bike safety for parents and kids
Download a special pamphlet from the DMV on Bike Safety for riders and drivers
Or visit the special National Highways Safety website on Bike Safety at http://www.nhtsa.gov/Bicycles
Here are some RESOURCES ON BIKE SAFETY from National Bike to School Day
