Showing posts with label Bike and Walk to School program. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bike and Walk to School program. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Monday, October 15, 2012
Afterschool Commute
For the last few weeks there have been a number of participants coming in to report that they have been told by a crossing guard that they should be riding their bicycles on the sidewalk rather than on the right side of the road.
To help clarify things I have linked the MDOT Bicycling Laws below as well as the City of Biddeford ordinance regarding bicycles on the sidewalk.
http://www.maine.gov/mdot/bikeped/safety/laws.shtml
http://www.ecode360.com/15150064#15150064
Thoughts?
To help clarify things I have linked the MDOT Bicycling Laws below as well as the City of Biddeford ordinance regarding bicycles on the sidewalk.
http://www.maine.gov/mdot/bikeped/safety/laws.shtml
http://www.ecode360.com/15150064#15150064
Thoughts?
Monday, May 14, 2012
Bike-Car Accident Prevention
According to the League of American Cyclists wearing a
helmet is not our first line of defense for safe cycling, education is! The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 718 bicyclists were
killed and 51,000 were injured in crashes with motor vehicle in 2009, but car-bike
collisions account for only 17% of all bike crashes.
So let’s look at the other crash statistics to help you
learn how to control your bike and not be an accident statistic: 50% involve falls, 17% are bike-bike, 8%
bike-dog, and 8% other. In this article
we will look at the car-bike data with future articles educating us about safety
and skill building to prevent the other types of crashes like dealing with dogs
and avoiding falls.
The car-bike crashes where cyclists are to blame include
riding on the wrong side of the road so remember to always cycle in the same
direction that cars drive – the right side. Cyclist making left turns from the
right side of a road causes crashes.
Position your bike just right of the center line with your left turn
hand signal. Other cyclists’ mistakes
are failing to yield from a driveway, riding on the sidewalk, running a stop
sign or signal, and swerving in front of a car.
Okay, car drivers also need some education about sharing the
road with bicyclists. The most common
errors are motorists turning either left or right in front of a cyclist followed
by running a stop sign or signal. Motorists
are known to inadvertently open car doors into the path of cyclists. Bike
riders can ride defensively by cycling five feet left of parked cars. This
position allows you to avoid car doors, avoid the swerve reflex, and more space
so cars are less likely to pass the cyclist and the parked cars.
Other common accident causes are motorists not seeing
bicyclist and errors in overtaking cyclists.
Cyclist should wear bright clothing avoiding dark clothing that make you
difficult to see in low light conditions and blending into the Maine foliage.
Front and rear bike lights are needed at night for both safety and legal
reasons. Cycling in a more leftward lane
position aids in visibility, because it puts the cyclist more where other
drivers are already looking for traffic.
For more information, read about the “Rules of the Road” by
visiting bikeleague.org/roadrules.
Cyclists remember to follow the laws, ride predictably, be conspicuous,
think ahead, and keep your cool.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Oldies but Goodies!
Looking through some older files and found a few documents that might spark some interest around the shop!
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/trailer-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/tire-drop
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/blender-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/bicycling-vocabulary-for-kids
All documents are also located in our links tabs!
Enjoy and feel free to send along ideas that you have!
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/trailer-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/tire-drop
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/blender-fabrication
http://www.slideshare.net/cbcad2010/bicycling-vocabulary-for-kids
All documents are also located in our links tabs!
Enjoy and feel free to send along ideas that you have!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Blog in Review
Hi all,
Just wanted to remind you of a few older posts made to the blog over the last two years. That's right, I believe we are nearing the blogs two year anniversary! Thanks Dillon!
Anyway please feel free to revisit some of these older posts:
Riding in that?
Colder Weather Riding
Common Misses
Crash Stats
Ways we learn
Rules of the Road
Most of the links in these posts should be up to date, but if not, here is a very important link to the BCM rules of the road page... BCM
Just wanted to remind you of a few older posts made to the blog over the last two years. That's right, I believe we are nearing the blogs two year anniversary! Thanks Dillon!
Anyway please feel free to revisit some of these older posts:
Riding in that?
Colder Weather Riding
Common Misses
Crash Stats
Ways we learn
Rules of the Road
Most of the links in these posts should be up to date, but if not, here is a very important link to the BCM rules of the road page... BCM
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Cycling Laws of California
http://www.bikelink.com/law_safety.htm
Some of this stuff I would have never ever thought of...
Some of this stuff I would have never ever thought of...
Monday, January 10, 2011
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Your riding in that???
Cold Weather Ride Leader Briefing
Five of our regular CBC kids arrived thinking they were ready for a Saturday road ride on sunny fall morning with the temperature at 34 degrees and windy. The safety issues that they presented: no socks, blue jeans, summer shorts, no gloves, no eyewear. As ride leaders we realized we needed to educate the kids about the conditions for hypothermia, clothing selection, and cold weather cycling safety. Most importantly we tell kids that taking care of themselves, takes care of the group.
How Body Heat is Lost: adapted from www.survivaltopics.com
1. Conduction - the movement of heat from a warmer object to a cooler one when they are in direct contact with one another. The rate of heat transfer between two objects of different temperatures depends upon several factors including: the temperature difference between the two objects, the total surface area where the two objects are in contact, and the efficiency of the insulation that is between the objects. Place insulation between you and the object you are touching.
2. Convection - two objects in contact that are moving relative to one another. For example, when your warm face is exposed to a blast of cold air the speed of that air matters. If the cold air is moving slowly it may not cool your face very much at all. However, if the air is traveling 60 miles per hour you may actually receive a frostbite wound in a matter of seconds. Wear a windproof outer shell.
3. Radiation - transfer of electromagnetic energy between two objects. For example exposed human skin acts as a radiator. The more total area of exposed skin, the more energy is radiated to the environment, assuming that the body is warmer than its surroundings. To minimize the amount of radiative heat you lose to your environment make sure all exposed areas of your skin are covered including the head, face, neck, and hands. Cover all exposed areas of your skin.
4. Evaporation - When water evaporates its change in state from liquid to a gas takes up a great deal of energy and lowers the temperature of the surface on which it occurs. In cold environments, evaporation can be a killer as it consumes a large amount of energy and warmth from your body and transfers it to the outside world. In addition, when the clothing you need to stay warm becomes wet it looses much of its insulative value and exposes you to the risk of hypothermia. Sty dry and avoid deep heavy breathing.
Safe Clothing adapted from Biking 101 by Toronto4Kids
Remember the saying to wear clothing that is BRIGHT, LIGHT, AND TIGHT.
Wear bright colored clothes that will help kids be visible (no dark clothes at dusk, at night, and during the low contrast light times of the year). Reflective outer shell clothing is the best and even better if it keeps the wind from penetrating. Lightweight clothes will avoid becoming overheated and dress in layers during the cold weather seasons. Make sure pant legs are not too loose-fitting [especially wind pants] or flared as they can get caught in the chain while riding. Wear shoes that grip the bike's pedals (avoid shoes with heels, or flip-flops that can all create problems while riding). Kids should never ride barefoot!
Wear full finger gloves and remember to test that you can adequately engage your brake levers and adjust your gears with gloves before you head into traffic or down hills. Consider wearing eyewear since the cold wind blowing into your eyes can cause tearing and in turn impair your vision. Gray tinted sunglasses will also help while riding into the east into the morning sunrise or the west into the setting sun.
Consider the common saying that "cotton kills." The reason why has to do with moisture management in cold and cool conditions. In fact, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wearing cotton when you can stay dry and warm. The problem results from the challenge of staying dry and warm when cycling in cold weather. Problems with cotton occur when the cotton gets wet. Cotton does not wick moisture and can become abrasive when wet. Because cotton holds so much moisture, it can hold that moisture against your body and sap body heat from you. Wear wool or synthetic fabrics. Adapted from www.fiends.backcountry.net
Wear a cycling cap or balaclava under your cycling helmet. Remember to make sure your helmet sill fits properly. Review the helmet fitting guidelines - eyes, earns, mouth. Some kids place their hoodie hoods under their helmets which impedes there peripheral vision and forces their bike helmet to sit too high on their heads.
Hydration
Remember to stay hydrated which cyclists often forget during the cold seasons. Use an insulated water bottle or remember to blow the water in a hydration tube back into the bag so water doesn't freeze in the nipple or tube.
Stretch
It takes time for the body to be warmed up so on colder days set aside extra time for a dynamic stretch to get the blood pumping. Although it may seem like a waste of time, you will notice the effects the following day. It could be as simple as a walking lunge, butt kickers, knees to chest, or elbow to opposite knee. All of which will stretch the major muscle groups used while cycling, get your heart rate up, and pump blood to key areas of your body.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Colder Weather, Freezing Water
As we change seasons and shift to cooler fall weather, here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. It may not be cold at the start of a ride, but remember, when you are on your bike you are traveling a lot faster and you must factor in wind. Be sure to layer up, you can always take layers off.
2. It is getting darker sooner. Be sure to plan your ride around sunset. You, as well as the road you are riding on, is less visible in the dark. Follow this link to view sunrise and sunset times for the month of September (http://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp).
3. Keep an eye on your tire pressure. As the temperature cools down, you may lose a bit of pressure in your tires. It does not necessarily mean you have a flat or a slow leak—remember heat causes air to expand and the opposite occurs in cooler weather.
4. Give your bike a once over. Check the bikes rotational systems. Although we did not have much rain this year, there is still a chance that you have some water mixing around in there.
5. Continue to stay hydrated! You may not feel or look dehydrated, but do not leave anything up to chance. Remember; eat before your hungry, sleep before your tired, and DRINK BEFORE YOUR THIRSTY.
6. And last, but certainly not least, continue to have fun! Enjoy the different, colors, smells, and changes of fall! Follow this link to view the CBC's fall schedule (http://communitybike.net/Schedule%20Fall%202010.pdf). Hope to see or hear from you all soon!
On a more serious note, we have noticed a few participants and adults replacing their plastic water bottles with the solid aluminum water bottles. The problem with this is that water bottle cages are not designed to hold these longer more narrow water bottles. If the water bottle were to fall out it could cause serious injury. Unfortunately, a friend and supporter of the CBC has been dealing with a lower back injury for two years because of this.
If you must carry an aluminum water bottle, carry it in your back pack or in your ride bag as this is a much safer place for it. Or stick to the old fashioned plastic water bottle and if your worried about it not being as cool, come over to the CBC and decorate it yourself. An uncool water bottle is a lot cooler than not riding!
1. It may not be cold at the start of a ride, but remember, when you are on your bike you are traveling a lot faster and you must factor in wind. Be sure to layer up, you can always take layers off.
2. It is getting darker sooner. Be sure to plan your ride around sunset. You, as well as the road you are riding on, is less visible in the dark. Follow this link to view sunrise and sunset times for the month of September (http://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp).
3. Keep an eye on your tire pressure. As the temperature cools down, you may lose a bit of pressure in your tires. It does not necessarily mean you have a flat or a slow leak—remember heat causes air to expand and the opposite occurs in cooler weather.
4. Give your bike a once over. Check the bikes rotational systems. Although we did not have much rain this year, there is still a chance that you have some water mixing around in there.
5. Continue to stay hydrated! You may not feel or look dehydrated, but do not leave anything up to chance. Remember; eat before your hungry, sleep before your tired, and DRINK BEFORE YOUR THIRSTY.
6. And last, but certainly not least, continue to have fun! Enjoy the different, colors, smells, and changes of fall! Follow this link to view the CBC's fall schedule (http://communitybike.net/Schedule%20Fall%202010.pdf). Hope to see or hear from you all soon!
On a more serious note, we have noticed a few participants and adults replacing their plastic water bottles with the solid aluminum water bottles. The problem with this is that water bottle cages are not designed to hold these longer more narrow water bottles. If the water bottle were to fall out it could cause serious injury. Unfortunately, a friend and supporter of the CBC has been dealing with a lower back injury for two years because of this.
If you must carry an aluminum water bottle, carry it in your back pack or in your ride bag as this is a much safer place for it. Or stick to the old fashioned plastic water bottle and if your worried about it not being as cool, come over to the CBC and decorate it yourself. An uncool water bottle is a lot cooler than not riding!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Risk Management Notes -- Group Rides
This summer, CBC staff and volunteers will be leading more bike rides and extending our programming hours. There is always an element of risk to anything we do, especially when we're working with tools or out for a ride, so it's important for our policies to be carefully considered. During a staff meeting a couple weeks ago, we discussed how to better manage risk on our bike rides and in the shop. Here are our notes (Thanks to Bronwyn for typing them up!)
People: Ideally, we should have two or more adults on group rides (the ideal ratio is 5:1 kids: staff). This is important in the event of a medical emergency – at least one person to manage the emergency, one person to manage the other riders, and one person to manage the scene. Also, it’s important to have a ride leader and a ride sweep and one roaming rider. Take into account the complexion of the group and make conscious decisions about the number chaperons cycling. Consider the skills, conditioning, ages of the kids and the weather.
Be assertive and be OK with saying “No” if there are simply not enough chaperons to have a safe ride. It’s also OK to give a reason later.
Equipment: Mechanically unsound and un-checked bikes are not allowed on group rides. All bikes must pass an ABC Quick Check. Use bikes appropriate for the ride. For example no BMX bikes on a long road ride. No BMX bikes on a mountain bike ride. Preferably all road bikes and/or tandems on road rides. Properly fitted helmets are also required. Pay special attention to emergency forms and health-related prescriptions. Discourage jeans and shoes with loose shoe laces.
Protocols: We must have the emergency contact information for every participant - kids, staff, parents and volunteers. Make two copies of the emergency contact information: one for the ride leader to carry on the ride and one for your emergency contact person at the shop. Inform your emergency contact of your route and program their number into your cell phone.
Be aware of any medical issues (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes…). Document any medical issues on the emergency list and alert volunteers before the ride. Also, remind volunteers of confidentiality. Participants must have any inhalers, medications or other health related prescriptions noted on their medical sheet with them on the ride. If we know about a medical condition (aka if it is listed on their medical information form), we are liable.
Swimming: It’s OK to say “no” to swimming if you’re uncomfortable with the situation. We’re not lifeguard certified. Prefer to use swimming venue that have lifeguard or our public swimming locations.
Environment: Pay attention to weather, road conditions, and traffic. Stick to safe routes and adjust according to group complexity. Insure that the riders have the proper clothing for the weather conditions. Find shelter if the weather conditions worsen and riding becomes too unsafe– call contact back at the shop and let him/her know.
Background Checks for people 18+: If a parent/guardian is working with a child, we do not have to do a background check because a) we have all their information and b) they are primarily working with their own child. If there is someone 18 + working with frequently working with a friend, ask if he/she considers him/herself a volunteer and/or would like to volunteer here in the future. If the answer is “no,” that could be a red flag for follow-up.
Bike-to-School: If a child show up in a bike is not physically sound, he/she is not OK to ride with us. Call the parents and let them know.
People: Ideally, we should have two or more adults on group rides (the ideal ratio is 5:1 kids: staff). This is important in the event of a medical emergency – at least one person to manage the emergency, one person to manage the other riders, and one person to manage the scene. Also, it’s important to have a ride leader and a ride sweep and one roaming rider. Take into account the complexion of the group and make conscious decisions about the number chaperons cycling. Consider the skills, conditioning, ages of the kids and the weather.
Be assertive and be OK with saying “No” if there are simply not enough chaperons to have a safe ride. It’s also OK to give a reason later.
Equipment: Mechanically unsound and un-checked bikes are not allowed on group rides. All bikes must pass an ABC Quick Check. Use bikes appropriate for the ride. For example no BMX bikes on a long road ride. No BMX bikes on a mountain bike ride. Preferably all road bikes and/or tandems on road rides. Properly fitted helmets are also required. Pay special attention to emergency forms and health-related prescriptions. Discourage jeans and shoes with loose shoe laces.
Protocols: We must have the emergency contact information for every participant - kids, staff, parents and volunteers. Make two copies of the emergency contact information: one for the ride leader to carry on the ride and one for your emergency contact person at the shop. Inform your emergency contact of your route and program their number into your cell phone.
Be aware of any medical issues (asthma, epilepsy, diabetes…). Document any medical issues on the emergency list and alert volunteers before the ride. Also, remind volunteers of confidentiality. Participants must have any inhalers, medications or other health related prescriptions noted on their medical sheet with them on the ride. If we know about a medical condition (aka if it is listed on their medical information form), we are liable.
Swimming: It’s OK to say “no” to swimming if you’re uncomfortable with the situation. We’re not lifeguard certified. Prefer to use swimming venue that have lifeguard or our public swimming locations.
Environment: Pay attention to weather, road conditions, and traffic. Stick to safe routes and adjust according to group complexity. Insure that the riders have the proper clothing for the weather conditions. Find shelter if the weather conditions worsen and riding becomes too unsafe– call contact back at the shop and let him/her know.
Background Checks for people 18+: If a parent/guardian is working with a child, we do not have to do a background check because a) we have all their information and b) they are primarily working with their own child. If there is someone 18 + working with frequently working with a friend, ask if he/she considers him/herself a volunteer and/or would like to volunteer here in the future. If the answer is “no,” that could be a red flag for follow-up.
Bike-to-School: If a child show up in a bike is not physically sound, he/she is not OK to ride with us. Call the parents and let them know.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Bike ride season kicks off this week!
After many false starts (and signs of warmer weather), April is finally here and our bike riding season is beginning. If you're looking for some opportunities to mentor, have fun, and get exercise all at the same time, you're in luck! We are planning many regular rides for which we will need volunteer chaperones.
The Bike and Walk to School program kicks off next week (on Wednesday, April 7), and will continue each Wednesday until the end of the school year providing a safe and healthy way for students at Biddeford Intermediate and Middle Schools to commute to and from school.
Here's the schedule:
For Biddeford Middle School students,
Wednesday Mornings
6:45-6:55 Gather at Emery
6:55-7:00 Briefing
7:00-7:15 Ride
7:15 Arrive at BMS
Wednesday Afternoons
2:40-2:50 Gather at the BIS bike racks
2:50-2:55 Briefing
2:55-3:10 Ride/walk
3:10 Arrive at Emery/CBC
The Biddeford Intermediate School program will have a walking component this year. Here's their schedule:
Wednesday Mornings
7:25-7:35 Gather at Emery (bikers) or CBC (walkers)
7:35-7:40 Briefing
7:40-7:55 Ride/walk
7:55 Arrive at BIS
Wednesday Afternoons
2:40-2:50 Gather at the BIS bike racks
2:50-2:55 Briefing
2:55-3:10 Ride/walk
3:10 Arrive at Emery/CBC
Dillon is coordinating this program, so if you are interested in volunteering or have any questions you can contact him at cbcamcorps@gwi.net.
Also starting this week, the CBC Girls' Group will begin their season of bike rides to fun destinations -- this week's ride will be an introduction to the tandems at the parking lot across the street, and it's a great opportunity for volunteers especially to learn how ride a bicycle built for two. Bronwyn is coordinating this program, so if you're interested in volunteering or have any questions you can contact her at cbcvista@gwi.net.
We hope you'll join us as a volunteer this spring!
The Bike and Walk to School program kicks off next week (on Wednesday, April 7), and will continue each Wednesday until the end of the school year providing a safe and healthy way for students at Biddeford Intermediate and Middle Schools to commute to and from school.
Here's the schedule:
For Biddeford Middle School students,
Wednesday Mornings
6:45-6:55 Gather at Emery
6:55-7:00 Briefing
7:00-7:15 Ride
7:15 Arrive at BMS
Wednesday Afternoons
2:40-2:50 Gather at the BIS bike racks
2:50-2:55 Briefing
2:55-3:10 Ride/walk
3:10 Arrive at Emery/CBC
The Biddeford Intermediate School program will have a walking component this year. Here's their schedule:
Wednesday Mornings
7:25-7:35 Gather at Emery (bikers) or CBC (walkers)
7:35-7:40 Briefing
7:40-7:55 Ride/walk
7:55 Arrive at BIS
Wednesday Afternoons
2:40-2:50 Gather at the BIS bike racks
2:50-2:55 Briefing
2:55-3:10 Ride/walk
3:10 Arrive at Emery/CBC
Dillon is coordinating this program, so if you are interested in volunteering or have any questions you can contact him at cbcamcorps@gwi.net.
Also starting this week, the CBC Girls' Group will begin their season of bike rides to fun destinations -- this week's ride will be an introduction to the tandems at the parking lot across the street, and it's a great opportunity for volunteers especially to learn how ride a bicycle built for two. Bronwyn is coordinating this program, so if you're interested in volunteering or have any questions you can contact her at cbcvista@gwi.net.
We hope you'll join us as a volunteer this spring!
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