Safe Cycling Tips
Helmet Safety:
It is absolutely crucial to wear a helmet. The head is the most important part of the body because of the brain. A serious injury could cause irreparable damage not only to your physical head, but also runs the risk of damaging your 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; and it should not move unless the scalp moves.
Helmets need to have been made following provincial and municipal standards, look for the CSA standard. The following standards are also acceptable: CPSC, ASTM, ANSI, Snell, BS and the AS although some regulations may be out of date.
Road Sense:
Because 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 with fellow drivers your intentions
- Scan the road behind you, learn to lean back over your shoulder without losing balance
- Make eye contact with drivers
- Look out for road hazards
- Dress appropriately for the weather and time of day
- Use lights at night
Children and Bicycle Safety
For young children, set the rules.
Learn about our bicycle safety program for children called Cyclemania.
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 - 10. Each session combines valuable safety information with hands-on cycling practice.
The first part of the program, the theory, includes topics such as proper 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.
Cyclemania 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 Cyclemania or how to book the program, call 905-546-4568, or emal: cyclemania@hamiltonpolice.on.ca