Helmet Safety:
It is absolutely crucial to wear a helmet. A serious head injury may cause loss of cognitive or mental capacity.
When putting on a helmet, level it over your forehead and adjust the chin strap to fit snugly and comfortably. It should protect the forehead without slipping.
Helmets should comply with CSA safety standards. The following standards are acceptable: CPSC, ASTM, ANSI, Snell, BS and the AS although some regulations may be out of date.
Road Sense:
As cyclists share the road with motorists, knowledge of traffic rules and regulations is essential to personal safety and well being.
• Be sure to obey traffic signs and lights
• Use hand signals to communicate your intentions to motorists
• Scan the road behind you, learn to look back over your shoulder without losing balance
• Make eye contact with motorists
• Look out for road hazards
• Dress appropriately for the weather and time of day
• Use lights at night
Cyclemania
Sponsored by the Hamilton Safe Communities Coalition and operated by Hamilton Police Service, Cyclemania is a mobile program that visits schools, daycares, camps and community events.
The Cyclemania program is focused on children aged 7 - 9, Grades 2,3, and 4. Each session combines valuable safety information with hands-on cycling practice.
The first part of the program, the theory, includes topics such as property clothing, proper wearing of a helmet, and how to ride on the road safely. In the second part is the practical portion and it is here that the children are given a chance to practice their new skills on a bicycle course with an instructor by their side.
Cylemania provides bikes and helmets for children who are unable to bring their own but encourages those who have their own equipment to bring it. Benefits to the children include both confidence and knowledge: the confidence to ride a bike properly coupled with knowledge of where and how to ride. it.
Cyclemania visits elementary schools in May and June, and camps, playlots and day care centres throughout July and August.
For more details about Cylemania or how to book the program, call 905-546-4900 during Cyclemania's off season, August to April.
The program operates May to August and Cyclemania instructors can be reached during these months by calling 905-546-4859, or email: cyclemania@hamiltonpolice.on.ca