Wheels in Motion Safety Course Guide
Wheels in Motion is a guide for planning and presenting a bike, wheelchair, scooter, skate, or skateboard safety course for children in your community.
Click the following link for free access to the full, detailed Safety on Wheels Planning Guide.
The full guide contains a planning checklist, advertising suggestions, a detailed helmet fitting guide, rules of the road, a traffic sign guide, and more to help you create a successful course!
Identify those in your community who would benefit from the course. Set guidelines for the age and skill level of children invited. Choose a location, date, and time. A parking lot, gymnasium, or playground that is hard-surfaced and traffic free works best.
Setting Up the Course
• Block off the safety course with traffic cones or other colorful and visible barriers, marking pathways with masking tape or sidewalk chalk.
• Set up registration tables, first aid, shade, and refreshment spaces.
• Be sure volunteers have a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the entire course.
Proper Helmet Fit
• Place the helmet on the rider's head. It should be level to the ground.
• There should be no more than 2 fingers width between the eyebrows and the rim of the helmet.
• The straps should form a "V" shape around the ears.
• One finger should fit between the chin and the chin strap.
• The helmet should not move when the person shakes their head up and down or side to side.
• Re-adjust and tighten the helmet before every ride.
Make sure you wear brightly colored clothing with reflectors when riding. Add lights, reflectors, a horn, and a flag to help others see and hear you better.
Always wear proper shoes while riding and never carry anything while riding a bike, skateboard, or other wheeled item. Elbow, knee, and wrist pads can also help prevent injury.
When selecting a properly sized bike, make sure the person is able to sit on the seat and reach the handlebars with both feet flat on the ground. The seat may need to be adjusted to the person's height.
Check that your bike has all its parts. Make sure the tires are inflated, the brakes are working properly, and the chains are secure and in good working order.
Station A: Safety Course
• Place traffic signs around the course to give every rider an opportunity to respond properly to every sign.
• Place 2-4 volunteers at different points across the course to interrupt the progress of participants by pretending to be an obstacle.
• Volunteers should monitor each child's progress, helping them repeat areas where improper responses were given.
Station B: Hand Signals
To Turn Left - Extend your left arm straight out to the side with your palm facing forwards.
To Turn Right - Extend your left arm out sideways bent at a 90 degree angle at the elbow, hand pointing upwards and the palm of your hand facing forward.
To Stop or Slow Down - Extend your left arm out with a 90 degree angle at the elbow, hand pointing downwards and your palm facing backwards.
Station C: Traffic Rules & Signs
• Explain what each traffic sign means and how to respond. Do not ignore any traffic sign.
• Look in all directions to see and hear things coming. You will need to decide the best way to respond to someone or something in your path.
• Always be sure the street is clear before crossing. Look left-right-left and behind.
• Watch for cars backing out of driveways or car doors opening suddenly. Always use crosswalks when crossing the street.
• Obey all traffic signals and road markings when biking or walking.
Click on the Pictures Below to View and Download FREE Safety Education Resources
