Bicycle Safety
In the United States in 2011, 677 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes. The 14-and-younger age group accounted for 9% of those fatalities; 69% of them boys.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) promotes bicycle safety for all ages. For more information, check out their
website.
Bike Helmets and NY State Law
By law, all bicyclists under the age of 14 are required to wear approved bicycle helmets when bicycling or riding as passengers on bicycles in New York State. The maximum penalty for an offense is a $50 fine. However, if a parent can prove that a helmet has been obtained, the fine will be waived.
For Parents
Kids grow like weeds! Have your's outgrown their bike helmets?
Click here to find out exactly how a bike helmet should fit.
Trouble affording a helmet for your son or daughter? Ontario County Public Health in partnership with law enforcement agencies in the county have a limited supply of helmets for distribution. Call 585-396-4343 for more information.
For Kids
How's Your Helmet Fit?
You probably grew a lot since last summer! Does your helmet feel a bit too tight? Or maybe you've inherited your head gear from an older brother or sister and it feels a bit wobbly. Your helmet is all that comes between you and the road. Make sure it fits right! Check out your fit
,
here.
Bike Rodeo
Yee-Hah!! On June 20, 2014 the Canandaigua Rotary in partnership with the Ontario County Sheriff's Department and the
Ontario County Safety Council sponsored its annual bike rodeo at Canandaigua Elementary School. About 50 children attended.
After having their bikes inspected and adjusted by a Sheriff's Deputy, kids demonstrated their ability to ride in a straight line, use hand signals and stop safely. Every child was scored and received a certificate of participation. Following the event, children's names were entered into a raffle for bikes, helmets, and other donated items.
Be sure to keep your eyes open for next year's rodeo. If you think your community would benefit from a similar event, consider partnering with local organizations (Rotaries, Department of Public Health, schools, Boy/Girl Scouts, law enforcement, etc.) to make it a reality. Need help getting started, contact the Ontario County Public Health Educator at 585-396-4343.
For more information about bike safety, check out these great links!
NY State Department of Transportation
Safe NY
Bike Safety Toolkit for Educators
Bike Safety Kids Page
Bike Safety Coloring Page