Ten reasons
to ride your bike or walk:
(instead of driving)

• You see more art, friends and nature

• Exercise keeps you healthy

• Using less gas saves money

• Exercise improves your mood

• Short cuts get you places quicker than a car

• Exercise boosts brain power

• Using less gas keeps the air cleaner

• Improves traffic congestion

• Independence – you don't need to ask an adult to drive you someplace

• It's FUN!

Steamboat Safe
Routes to School

Dedicated to all things cycling for kids. Join the fun with Hike and Bike to School days in the Spring and Fall – or be a tough Steamboat kid and commute all winter long!

www.saferoutessteamboat.org

Pick up our map at local schools and bike shops!

Safe Walking Tips

Preparing to walk

• Walk with a friend when possible.

• Ask your parents to help you pick a safe route to school.

• Stick to the route you picked with your parents. Don't let friends talk you into shortcuts.

• When you are near the street, don't push, shove or chase each other.

• Never hitchhike or take rides from people not arranged by your parents.

Cross the street safely

• Stop at the curb or edge of the street.

• Look left, right, behind you and in front of you for traffic.

• Wait until no traffic is coming and begin crossing.

• Keep looking for traffic until you have finished crossing.

• Walk, don't run across the street.

• Obey traffic signs, signals and school crossing guards.

Be seen

• Wear bright-colored clothes. If it is dark, carry flashlights or wear reflective gear.

• Watch out for cars and trucks at every driveway and intersection.

• Watch for back-up lights and drivers in parked cars. They may be getting ready to back up.

Safe Bike Riding Tips

Preparing to ride:

• Choose the route with the fewest streets to cross even if it is a longer route.

• Wear bright-colored clothes. Tie your shoes and secure long laces and loose pants. Don't wear headphones.

• Wear a properly fitted helmet with room for no more than two fingers between your chin and chin strap.

• Check that tires are firm and that breaks stop the tires from rotating.

• Ride a bike that fits you. When straddling the frame, both feet should be able to be firmly planted on the ground. When seated, your hands should reach the handlebars.

• Don't carry anyone else on your bike.

• Don't carry anything in your hands (use a backpack or basket). Secure any dangling straps.

• If riding in the dark, use headlights, tail lights and reflectors and wear bright clothing with reflective material.

Bike Hand Signals

Riding awareness and safety

• Before entering the street, look for other vehicles to the left, right, in front and behind.

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Watch for other vehicles and hazards, such as potholes and parked cars.

• Watch for vehicles turning into or exiting driveways.

• Watch for parked vehicles that may be ready to back up, pull forward or open a door.

• Ride in a straight line with two hands on the handlebars unless signaling.

• Before changing lanes or turning, always check in front and behind for traffic.

• If riding on a sidewalk or path, ride slowly and be prepared to stop quickly. Pedestrians have the right-of-way.

• Dismount if crossing at a stop light crosswalk.