Bike Safety

Riding your bicycle can be great fun. But do you know how to "drive" your bike?

Riding your bike is just like driving a car - there are rules for bike driving.

Here are a few tips from the

Bicycle Coalition of Maine

Wear Your Helmet the Right Way

It's the Law in Maine to wear a helmet correctly if you are under 16.  Do the "Eyes, Ears, Mouth Test"

. First put on your helmet so it is level and snug - if is slides around, you need to insert thicker pads

. EYES - you should see the very edge of your helmet when you look up past your eyebrows

. EARS - the straps should meet right under your ear lobes to form a Y

. MOUTH - the strap should be loose enough so you can breathe and insert a finger between the buckle and your skin, but tight  enough that if you drop your jaw you can feel the helmet pull down on the top of your head

(If you need help, go to a bike shop.  Never throw your helmet or leave it in a hot place because it will get damaged (even though you cannot tell). Replace your helmet if it is damaged, no longer fits, or if it is over 5 years old)

Dress Bright for Safety

• Wear light or bright-colored clothing so you can be seen

• Tuck away shoelaces or other strings or cords so they don't dangle -- they may get caught in the moving parts of your bike

• Loose or baggy clothing can also be dangerous - so make sure you wear snug clothes

Check Your Bike for Safety

Have your bike checked at least once a year at a bike shop.  Check it yourself before biking with the ABC Quick Check:

Air - pinch the tires, they should be hard

Brakes - make sure they work and aren't rubbing the tire

Crank/Chain - if there are problems with your gears or if the chain is loose, take your bike to a bike shop

Quick - check "quick release levers" and other bolts to make sure they are tight

Obey the Rules of the Road

• Ride on the right

• Ride single file

• Obey traffic signs, signals, and laws

• Ride straight - no surprises!

• Look back and signal before turning

• Yield to people walking

• Use lights if riding at night (remember to ask your parents for permission)

• Always stop at the end of your driveway -- look left, right, then left again before entering the road

When we all drive safely and follow the rules of the road, it is easy to be safe and have fun!

RULES OF THE TRAIL

                            Rules for Cyclists                                                     Rules for Motorists

Be Safe and Have Fun!

Pedestrian Safety

A message to kids about 

Firearms Responsibility

Not long ago, in another town, some kids found a firearm.  Maybe they were looking for it because of something they saw on television.  Maybe one of them dared the other to find it.  Maybe they just found a firearm that was left out by mistake.  It doesn't matter why they found it.  What matters is the firearm was loaded, and they played with it.  Now they are very sorry they did.  Don't let this happen to you.  Always follow these safety rules:

1. Don't go looking for firearms, in your house or a friend's house.  Don't let other kids look for firearms in your house. 

2. If you find a firearm in your house - or anywhere else - leave it alone.  Don't touch it!  Don't let anyone else touch it!  Tell an adult.

3. Even if a firearm looks like a toy - don't touch it!  Some real firearms look like toys.  Don't take a chance.  Tell an adult.

Remember... if you find a firearm, don't pick it up.  Just leave it alone.  And tell an adult right away.

For more information about firearms ownership, storage & safety visit:

www.projecthomesafe.org