Frequently Asked Questions

Bike FAQs

Question 1: How do I know if a bike fits a child properly?

Answer: A typically developing child should be able to stand flat-footed while straddling the bicycle. An appropriate bike is one that allows a child of any ability to operate it properly, fit comfortably, and remain in control at all times. A child with disabilities should be able to sit comfortably on the bike seat, be properly supported at the trunk and neck, and move the bike forward and bring the bike to a stop using either his feet or hands.

Question 2: Should we have adapted bikes and conventional bikes available for children who do not bring a bike?

Answer: This may be possible in some situations. For example, a bike or retail store may want to showcase some of their bikes and may be willing to help by loaning bikes for use at your event. Be sure to acknowledge their support. A school physical education department or special education office may have adapted bikes that could be borrowed. Or, you may want to contact local distributors of adapted bikes to see if they can allow you to borrow an adapted bike for use at your course. Visit Riley Hospital's listing of adapted bike manufacturers to help get you started by clicking here.

These opportunities may help parents of children who cannot use a regular bike become aware of alternatives. Parents may want to talk with an occupational therapist or adapted equipment specialist to see if something similar could be ordered for their child. If adapted bikes cannot be obtained, children can still benefit from learning the rules of the road whether they maneuver their wheelchair through the course or walk through the course.

Question 3: Where can I find more information on adapted bikes to share at our Race for Safety course?

Answer: The listing of information below is only a partial listing and intended to serve as a starting point for research and contact. Additional resources can be found in the Adapted Bike Resources file on the Downloads page.

Race for Safety course FAQs

Question 1: Should we have bike helmets available to buy or borrow at our Race for Safety course and where can we get them?

Answer: Every child who participates in a Race for Safety course must wear a helmet so bike helmets must be available. Here are several options to consider to make bike helmets available:

  • In Indiana, contact The Safety Store to see if an inventory of low-cost bike helmets can be purchased by your organization. Call 1-317-274-6565.
  • Visit www.helmetsrus.net for information on how non-profit organizations can directly purchase bike helmets at low cost.
  • Contract a local ThinkFirst program or Safe Kids Coalition or Chapter or Injury Free Coalition for Kids to see if free or low cost bike helmets would be available to you.
  • Propose that a small inventory of different sized bike helmets be donated by a local business or community service organization for your group to use exclusively for Race for Safety courses.

Question 2: What happens to our Race for Safety course in case of bad weather?

Answer: Have a back up plan. Use a local school gym, hallway, banquet hall or something similar to adapt a course to an indoor space. If you have nothing like that at your access, cancel the event. Safety of everyone involved is the most important thing. Also, if bad weather creeps up during the event, evacuate the area immediately if you are outside, especially if you see lightning.

Have education activities on-hand for the children to pursue. See these links to helpful education resources and activities for your Race for Safety course:

Question 3: How big does a Race for Safety course have to be?

Answer: You can make your Race for Safety course as extravagant or small as you like. This website gives you all the resources you would need for an event of any size. Pick and choose the aspects you need (such as a smaller event might not need a media release). The important thing is teaching other kids. You might just make a difference to that ONE kid and help to save his or her life by what you teach.

Question 4: What if we have no money to spend to support our Race for Safety course?

Answer: This event can be presented with little to no money. You can always look for donations of helmets from local businesses and sponsors. Check with teachers and youth group advisors at your school or in your community to see if you can borrow traffic safety cones, masking tape, and chalk. Ask people to help and bring supplies from home.

Question 5: Why should we include children with disabilities in a Race for Safety Course?

Answer: Children with disabilities are not defined by their disability; they are children first and like to play, move, and have fun just like other children! Every child should learn the rules of the road to safely travel by bicycle or wheelchair or whatever their mode of transportation may be. Every child wants to be treated with care and acceptance; physical appearance does not change the safety rules of the road. An all-inclusive Race for Safety course that incorporates this attitude will provide all children the opportunity to develop new knowledge, confidence, and skills that can prevent injuries and save lives!

General FAQs

Question 1: Should we have bike helmets available to buy or borrow at our Race for Safety course and where can we get them?

Answer: Every child who participates in a Race for Safety course must wear a helmet so bike helmets must be available. Here are several options to consider to make bike helmets available:

  • In Indiana, contact The Safety Store to see if an inventory of low-cost bike helmets can be purchased by your organization. Call 1-317-274-6565.
  • Visit www.helmetsrus.org for information on how non-profit organizations can directly purchase bike helmets at low cost.
  • Contract a local Think First program or Safe Kids Coalition or Chapter or Injury Free Coalition for Kids to see if free or low cost bike helmets would be available to you.
  • Propose that a small inventory of different sized bike helmets be donated by a local business or community service organization for your group to use exclusively for Race for Safety courses.

Question 2: Why have a Race for Safety course?

Answer: Your Race for Safety course may be the only safety training kids ever receive. Your group may want to consider offering Race for Safety courses throughout the year and at different places to attract widespread participation from kids of all ages and abilities. Remember: A Race for Safety course is unique in that it is for all kids, including kids with disabilities or health care needs, to come together in one place to learn about and practice how to be safe on wheels of any kind, including bikes, wheelchairs, scooters, or skateboards.

Question 3: How do we "market" the idea of a Race for Safety course for children?

Answer: Here are some strategies to consider for marketing a Race for Safety course:

  • Distribute Race for Safety course flyers through your local school system to be posted and/or sent home with children in targeted grade levels.
  • Contact Special Education teachers and school occupational therapists to provide them with information about a Race for Safety course. Ask their help to identify prospective students who would be able to participate and to loan adapted bikes for use at the course.
  • Promote the Race for Safety course through camps, churches, and local youth and community service organizations.
  • Provide Race for Safety course flyers to local pediatricians and to local hospitals providing pediatric care and/or rehabilitation.