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| Crime
Prevention |
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Bicycle Safety / Security |
Teaching children to ride bikes is one of life's most memorable
experiences. And having to obey rules and regulations when riding
bikes is among a child's first exposures to obeying the law. But
each year, more than half a million bicyclists visit the doctor or
the emergency room after crashing on their bikes. It's important to
teach children bicycle safety. Teach them to:
- Wear a helmet. Studies have shown that wearing a bicycle
helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 85%. Select a helmet
that fits snugly and comfortably. Always wear a helmet yourself
to set a good example. In many places, helmets are legally
required, particularly for children.
- Wear clothes that make them more visible. Clothing should be
light in color and close-fitting to avoid being caught in the
bicycle's moving parts. Books and other loose items should be
secured to a properly installed carrier or carried in a
backpack, never in the hands.
- Obey the rules of the road. These include traffic signs,
signals, and road markings.
- Look both ways. Seven out of ten car-bicycle crashes occur at
driveways or other intersections. A child should walk his/her
bicycle across busy streets and at corners or crosswalks.
- Ride only in safe places such as parks, school grounds, bike
trails, and sidewalks. Ride only in places with very little
traffic and with adult supervision.
- Be cautious if allowed to bike at night. If a child is older
and is permitted to ride at night, ensure that he/she wears
reflective clothing or materials (especially on ankles, wrists,
back, and helmet), he/she rides in areas that are familiar and
on streets that are brightly lighted, and his/her bike has a
headlight and front and rear reflectors.
- Protect bikes against theft. A bicycle can be stolen from just
about any place, but simple precautions can deter would-be
thieves. Remember, most bikes that are stolen were not locked!
- Always lock a bicycle securely, whether gone for a few minutes
or a few hours. Use a U-lock, securing both wheels and the frame
to a stationary object (such as a post, fence, tree, or bike
rack) that makes it impossible to lift the bike off. For extra
security, add a chain or cable with a good padlock.
- Record the serial number of the bicycle and keep it in a safe
place together with the sales receipt and a photograph of the
bike.
- Mark the bicycle with an engraver to deter thieves and to help
the police in identifying and returning a stolen bike to the
owner. Use a unique number such as a parent's driver's license
number.
All information provided from the
National Crime Prevention Council web site NCPC.org |
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