Introduction Colorado Bicycling Rules...Some big kid bikes will have a quick release lever which...

Introduction

The purpose of the Keep Kids Rolling

curriculum is to provide teachers with

tools to either implement or continue

bicycle education in the classroom. Basic

bicycle safety lessons are provided along

with diagrams for various bicycle skills

which, if combined, create a bicycle skills

course or ―bicycle rodeo‖. Bicycle rodeos

teach children the skills they need to

assess risks and hazards and to react

appropriately in a number of scenarios—

all while having fun!

Thank you for making the investment in

your community by using Bicycle

Colorado’s Keep Kids Rolling curriculum

to promote safe cycling in your

community. With your instruction and the

information provided, new riders are sure

to have a fantastic time while learning

how to safely and effectively operate their

bicycles.

Have fun and please contact Bicycle

Colorado’s education department with

any questions.

Colorado Bicycling Rules

In order to teach children how to ride their bikes and

follow laws, those that put on bicycle rodeos need to be

familiar with the laws/common sense for riding in

Colorado. The following is a quick refresher course:

Laws

1. Bicyclists are required to obey the same laws as

cars. If bicyclists break the law, they could be stopped

by a police officer and given a ticket.

2. Bicyclists must ride on the right, going the same

direction as traffic. This is important as a high number

of crashes are from bicyclists riding the wrong way!

3. Bicyclists must use hand signals. Like a car, it is

important to let traffic and pedestrians know which way

they intend to go.

4. Bicyclists must obey traffic signs and signals. Stop at

stop signs. Stop at red lights. Riders who are

predictable (and who behave like cars would) are less

likely to be involved in a crash.

5. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians when riding on a

path or through an intersection.

6. Bicyclists must pass slower traffic and pedestrians

on the left. Let them know you are passing with an “on

your left” or a bell and leave plenty of room.

7. Bicyclists must have a headlight and rear side

reflectors to ride when it is dark. We strongly suggest

also using a taillight for increased visibility.

8. Bicyclists must ride single file when cars are

present. It is legal to ride side-by-side, but only when

you are not holding up traffic.

Common Sense

Wear a helmet. The high percent of bicycle crashes that

result in serious injury are a result of the rider either not

following the laws or not wearing a helmet.

Ride cautiously. With drivers using cell phones, iPods, and

other distracting devices, predicting traffic can be tricky.

Err on the side of safety and ride defensively.

Don’t wear headphones. You need to be able to hear

surrounding traffic and use those important cues.

Use a blinking rear taillight. The majority of crashes

happen at night when motorists have a harder time seeing

cyclists. Be safe—be seen!

www.BicycleColorado.org www.BicycleColorado.org

Using this Curriculum

Thank you for making the investment in your

community by using the Bicycle Colorado’s Keep Kids

Rolling curriculum to promote safe bicycling.

Feel free to choose activities that apply to your target

audience. We strongly suggest, however, that you take

the time to address all the Red Safety Cards to give

new riders the necessary foundation to begin riding.

The cards are color coded to represent different skill

levels in a given activity. Each card provides you with

all the necessary information needed to teach the

lesson. Diagrams on the opposite side of each card aid

in easier understanding of important concepts.

Red cards are concepts that new riders should know

prior to getting on the bicycle. We suggest addressing

these before getting into the ―on-bike‖ activities. Red

card lessons include:

Helmet fitting

ABC Quick Check

You Check

Rules of the Road

Blue cards teach new riders the proper way to

respond to the most common difficult situations that

young riders face. Blue card lessons include:

The Stop Box

Riding the Line

The Turn and Look

Using Signals for Safety

The Cone Zone

The Rock Dodge

The Snail Race

Crosswalks

Creating a Bicycle Rodeo

Combine blue cards to create a custom bicycle rodeo

for your students. The order in which the activities

are listed works well. However, feel free to adapt the

―course‖ based on what you are aiming to teach (and

how much space, time and materials you have access

to).

Thank you for taking the first step toward improving

your community by teaching new riders the skills to

become better, safer, and more responsible bicyclists.

Bike Skills Supplies

The supplies listed below are only a suggestion. Feel free

to be creative and add whatever other supplies you would

like to create your own rodeo.

5-15 bikes If you borrow bikes, we suggest a mix of 16, 20 and 24-

inch bikes for grades 2-5. If you use students’ bikes, be

aware that they may not be in perfect condition. Have

students take turns riding (5-7 bikes out on the course at

a time).

Sidewalk Chalk Chalk is a colorful and easy way to guide students

through the activities. Use arrows to direct them and

reminders such as ―stop here,‖ ―walk your bike‖ or ―go

slow‖ to reinforce lessons.

Cones & Domes Orange cones and colored domes are extremely useful

for organizing activities and guiding students through a

bicycle rodeo. If available, use orange cones to mark

each activity. Note: sidewalk chalk can substitute for any

markers/barriers.

Masking Tape Tape can be used for Ride the Line. Students will strive

to ride straight either on one piece or in between two

narrowly spaced pieces of tape. A painted line on the

blacktop can work as well.

Stop Signs We encourage you to make the lessons as real as

possible. Printing off real stop signs and using them on

different activities (crosswalk, stop box, etc) will help to

make it more ―real‖ for students.

Tennis Ball Halves Three to five tennis ball halves can be used to create the

rock dodge activity. They create an object to dodge but,

if hit, they will not cause a crash. If tennis balls are not

available, other soft objects could be used or even chalk.

www.BicycleColorado.org www.BicycleColorado.org

Helmet Fit

The Drill

5-20 minutes

Teach new riders how to fit their helmets

correctly.

One helmet to demonstrate on a student or

several helmets for students to practice in small

groups after the demonstration.

Make sure you are visible to all students.

Use one student in front of the class to

demonstrate proper helmet fit. Remind them that

you don’t want it to sit too far forward (as it

doesn’t protect the back of your head) OR too far

backward (as it leaves the front of your head

vulnerable).

Teach students about the Two Finger Test (see

diagram). Have them hold up two fingers and

practice before trying it on their own helmets.

Have new riders team up and fit their helmets.

If they can shake their head (like a wet puppy)

and the helmet stays in place the helmet is fit

correctly.

The Diagram

Hints, Tips, and Precautions

All helmets should have a shiny protective cover over

the inner styrofoam layer. This prevents the friction of

impact from causing neck injuries.

Helmets are designed to break only once. After five

years of use, helmets should routinely be replaced and if

involved in a crash, helmets should be replaced— ―one

crash and it’s trash‖.

The Two Finger Test:

Two fingers of space

between your eyebrows

and the bottom of the

helmet.

Two fingers should fit

snugly between your chin

and the chin strap.

2

2

Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials

Two fingers to ensure

that your strap makes a

―V‖ around your ears.

2

www.BicycleColorado.org

A is for air

Squeeze the tires and make

sure that they are fully inflated.

If tire is squishy add air to the

tire until firm.

B is for brakes

Hold the brakes down and

rock the bike back and

forth. If it stays in one place,

the brakes are good; if the

bike moves, the brakes need

adjustment.

C is for

chain Make sure the

chain isn’t rusty

or squeaky. If

there is rust or

the chain

squeaks (sounds

like a mouse), then your chain needs oil.

(Use bike or machine oil).

Quick Check is for quick

releases or bolts Make sure that the bolts, in the

middle of both tires, are tight.

Some big kid bikes will have a quick

release lever which must also be tight and

engaged to ensure the wheel doesn’t

fall out.

ABC Quick Check

5-15 minutes

Provide an easy-to-remember safety check for

kids before riding their bikes.

A bicycle

Use a bicycle to demonstrate in front of the class.

Students can go home to check their own bikes and

then report back to class. If several bikes are

available, have students break into groups to

practice the ABC Quick Check.

Explain to students that making sure your bike is in

working order is very important because if one part

doesn’t work, it can cause a crash. Emphasize that it

is cool to be your own bike mechanic. The ABC

Quick Check is outlined in the diagram on the back.

The Diagram

The Drill

Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials

ABC Quick Check


YOU Check

5-10 minutes

Help riders identify what should be ready on their

person before going on a bike ride.

Yourself!

Optional: any bike clothing, shoes, reflective gear,

backpacks etc. (both appropriate and not) to

demonstrate smart choices to students.

None

Tell new riders that they should check themselves

after checking their bikes to make sure THEY

are ready to ride. They should:

► Roll up pant leg (especially on the right side

where the chain is), use a strap, or rubber band

to keep pants from getting caught in the chain.

► Make sure that shoes are tied and that good

shoes are worn (not sandals or flip-flops).

► Wear bright clothing to be seen!

► Wear a HELMET and make sure it fits

correctly!

The Diagram

Additional Discussion Topics:

► Lighting when riding at night

► Glasses/sunglasses to keep things out of your eyes

► Appropriate riding pants/shorts

► Riding in cold or wet weather

► Suncscreen

► Carrying water

Helmet

Bright colored shirt

for high visibility.

Pant Leg rolled to avoid

getting caught in chain.

Shoes tied so they

don’t get caught in

chain.

Smile!

The Drill


Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials

A sharp and alert mind

to react quickly to

emerging situations.


YOU Check

Rules of the Road

10-15 minutes

Teach new riders the basic rules to follow when

riding their bikes, scooters, roller-skates or

skateboards.

None

Optional: copies of street signs (stop sign, traffic

light, speed limit sign, bike route sign).

Tell students that the rules of the road for them on

bikes are exactly the same as the rules of the road

for their parents driving cars. On a bike, someone

can be pulled over and given a ticket just like in a

car. Review the rules on the diagram.

Have students practice their hand signals before

riding. Get the class on their feet. Take them for a

pretend bike ride with their hands on handlebars

and their feet pedaling in place. Practice signaling

right and left turns and stopping (see diagram on

back). Be sure to let students know that if they don't

want to remove their hands from the handlebars

(either for steering or braking) hey can use their

voices to ―signal‖. Practice shouting out ―turning

left, turning right, STOPPING‖. Students can use

either method.

The Diagram

Left Turn

Right Turn

Stopping

Right Turn

OR

Hand Signal Activity

Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials


Rules of the Road:

Ride on the right going the SAME direction as traffic. Obey all traffic laws, sign and signals (stop signs, speed limit, traffic signals, etc.). Ride single file when cars are present. Use front and rear light after dark. Yield to pedestrians.

Use hand signals to let others know you are going to turn or stop.

Hand Signals:

The Stop Box

30 seconds to explain

10 seconds to go through the course

Ensure the rider can use brakes effectively.

1 bike with hand brakes

1 stop sign

1 cone

It is wise to put this activity at the beginning of the

bicycle rodeo course. Draw a square with chalk or

tape, inside of which the rider can stop. If you have

an extra stop sign, you can use a stop sign inserted

in a cone, otherwise the box is fine on its own.

Explain to riders that the front brake has more

stopping power than the rear brake. Demonstrate

that if you are leaning too far forward or

accidentally just use the front brake that you can

fall over the handlebars. By using this drill at the

beginning of any course, you can ensure that

riders know how to use their brakes before moving

on to more complicated obstacles.

The Diagram

When braking abruptly, it is good form to get low

on the bike by moving your butt off the seat and

toward the rear wheel to shift your weight

backwards and prevent going over the handlebars.

You can control the bike while braking better by

putting your pedals at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock

position.

Many students are tempted to skid when stopping

quickly. By keeping their weight over their back

tire it will prevent skidding and give the rider more

control over the bicycle.

The Drill


Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials


The Stop Box

Riding in a Straight Line /

Riding without Pedaling

3 minutes to explain the activity

30 seconds to complete

Practice straight line riding and balancing without

pedaling. Both activities can be very difficult for

beginning riders.

Chalk or tape

4 small cones

You can do these activities separately or together.

Use cones to set up the start/stop for the Riding

Without Pedaling, and then use tape to set up

Straight Line Riding course immediately following.

Line the students up at the Riding without

Pedaling start. Show them how to move their

forward pedal to the 1 or 2 o’clock position

preparing to push off. After pushing off they

should coast with their pedals at the 3 o’clock

and 9 o’clock position until the beginning of

Riding in a Straight Line course when their goal

changes to pedaling while staying in between the

two lines.

The Diagram

Combining these two activities can

sometimes be confusing to the rider at first, but it is

a good way to build on their skills and challenge

them to improve.

Advanced riders can practice looking over their

shoulder while maintaining a straight line.

This is an excellent activity to pair with the Turn

and Look.

The Drill Hints, Tips, and Precautions

Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials

Start


End

Riding in a Straight Line

The Turn and Look

10 minutes per group

Help kids work on their ability to look over their

shoulders to check for traffic while riding their

bikes.

Several assistants to stand on the course

Tape or chalk

Several car cut outs

Tape (or chalk) off the area like the diagram on

the other side of this card. Spread out

assistants to have them hold up the cut outs so

that the riders can yell out and identify what is

on the cutout as they pass.

Have the kids ride the course, instruct them to

look over their shoulder to identify the different

cutouts as they pass and yell the answer to the

assistant. If they have trouble doing this without

swerving, review the tips with them and then

have them ride the course again.

The Diagram

By holding the handlebars gently and using your neck

to turn (instead of your torso), turning and looking can

become second nature. Remind the kids of this, and

their straight line riding will improve quickly

This is an excellent activity to pair with the Riding in a

Straight Line/Riding without Pedaling activity.

For older kids, have them practice taking a hand off the

handlebars (on the turning side) to see how this helps

with continuing to ride straight rather than turning the

handlebars when they turn to look.

This activity can also be simplified into one straight line

with one assistant holding up cutouts, or even just two

different colored domes.


Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials

Start


The Turn and Look

Take a minute to show the new riders how to take their

hands off of the handlebars to make the signal. Many

new riders have yet to learn this ability and you will

need to adapt the activity depending on the student.

Using Signals for Safety

5-10 minutes for the lesson

Teach new riders the proper hand signals and

how to manage the bicycle while making them.

1 teacher

5 cones or domes

1 stop sign

Chalk for directional arrows

(See diagram on back) Start the course

with a cone and stop sign. Draw arrows on the

ground at each cone to indicate the direction of the

turn. Allow enough space between cones for the

rider to regain control before needing to signal

Show the group the proper hand signals (see

diagram). Explain that signals should be made before

the turn and into the turn if possible. Have the

participants ride the course and practice their

signals. Also point out that signals can be made

verbally by shouting out where you will turn (or

stop) to communicate with other riders and drivers.

The Diagram

Left Turn

Right Turn

Stopping

Right Turn

OR

The Drill


Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials

Draw arrows for direction

F

I

N

I

S

H

s

t

a

r

t


While this is one way to set up the signaling exercise, feel

free to break it up and include several areas where students

can signal their turns throughout your whole course. For an

example of what this might look like, please see the diagram

in the Frequently Asked Question page at the end of this

packet.

Turning Signal Exercise

The Cone Zone

1 minute to explain

30 seconds to ride the course

Teach the riders to turn sharply and maneuver

the bike in hazardous situations, as well as help

them maneuver the bike at slow speeds.

6 Small cones or tennis ball halves

Chalk

Place the cones in a line (starting at 3 feet apart).

For higher ability levels place the cones closer

together to challenge the rider. Use the chalk to

draw the wavy lines between each cone to

demonstrate to the riders where they should be

riding.

Explain to the riders that they are intended to

weave in and out of the cones.

The Diagram

Remind riders that it is more important to

navigate through the cones without knocking

them over than it is to speed through the course.

Tell riders that shifting their body weight

through each turn will actually help them make

tighter, cleaner turns.

For an added challenge, try spacing the cones in

an irregular manner (not in a straight line).

The Drill


Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials

Cones

3’ (suggested)

Sta

rt


Fin

ish

The Cone Zone

The Rock Dodge

1 minute to explain activity

30 Seconds to ride the course

Teach the rider to make quick turns to avoid

possible hazards in the road.

Chalk or tape

5-15 tennis ball halves (to be used as the

―rocks‖)

Simply draw a path with the piece of chalk and

then place the tennis balls on the course in a

pattern that will require the rider to dodge in and

out (see Setup ―A‖ and ―B‖ on back).

The rider needs to pass through the rock dodge and

maneuver his/her bicycle around the rocks. If rider

hits any rocks with the front tire (the back one is

fine), he/she should attempt the drill again.

Riders should aim right for the middle tennis ball

and then, at the last second, twitch his/her

handlebars to make a tight swerve around it.

The Diagram

Relaxing your shoulders and looking where you

are going, not where you are is the key to this

activity.

Try to at least get your front wheel around

obstacles. Advanced riders should be able to

dodge rocks with both wheels. It does not matter

if the ―dodge‖ is to the left or the right of the

object.

This skill is useful practice for dodging glass,

potholes, and other unexpected road obstacles.

The Drill


Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials


Tennis Ball

Halves

Start

Setup

―A‖

Setup

―B‖

OR

The Rock Dodge

The Snail Race

1 minute to explain

1 minute for each race

Teach the rider slow balancing skills.

Chalk

Cones or domes to mark lane edges

Measure and chalk off a course approximately 40

feet long (this is only a suggestion– course can be

as short or as long as you have room for). Create

lanes for the number of racers you would like per

race. We suggest 2-3 lanes (the more racers there

are, the more kids you will need to referee).

Have the kids line up at the starting line. Explain the

rules of the Snail Race and then start the race.

Rules

1. The last person (slowest rider) to cross finish line

wins.

2. If you cross over a line, or put your foot on the

ground, you are disqualified. Stop and wait for

the race to end.

3. If you lose balance and put your foot on the

ground, you are disqualified. Stop and wait for

the race to end.

4. Everyone must start on the referee’s signal.

The Diagram

Show students how to get going by raising the

pedal parallel to the ground and then pushing

forward without further pedaling.

Teach riders to use their hand brakes while they

pedal to slow the bicycle down but still have

forward momentum.

Tell riders to look forward (off into the distance).

This will enable them to ride in a straight, steady

line.


Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials


START

FINISH

40’

The Snail Race

Crosswalks

2 minutes to explain

Teach the riders to stop and walk their bikes

across crosswalks.

Chalk

Kids with bikes

Optional: Crosswalk near the school

Use chalk or existing painted lines to create a

crosswalk on the blacktop. Students can also be

taken to a real crosswalk near the school for real

practice.

Draw a crosswalk with chalk. Remind students that

the safest way to get across a crosswalk is to get off

the bike and walk it. Have students signal or shout

out their stop when approaching the crosswalk. Use

another student to act like an ―old man‖ or an ―old

lady‖ that the riders must let walk across before

proceeding.

Make sure students look left, right, left (again) and

back over their shoulder for cars. Once deemed safe

to cross, they can walk their bike through the

crosswalk.

The Diagram

Have additional students hold up signs of cars,

trucks or other traffic signals (WALK and DON’T

WALK signs, for example) to make the drill more

realistic.

Crosswalk safety is always good to review with

students of ALL ages. Teach students to make eye

contact with the drivers of vehicles to ensure that

the driver sees the students and knows that he/she

is ready to cross.

Feel free to take students out to an actual

crosswalk at the school. Ensure that the crosswalk

is in a safe place, that you have plenty of adult

volunteers and that it is not prime drop-off or

pick-up time where the danger of cars and buses is

greater. Students greatly benefit from the

opportunity to practice safely crossing a real

crosswalk with adult supervision.

The Drill

Set-Up

Purpose

Time

Materials


Stop, look,

walk bike

across.


Crosswalks

FAQs

What do I do with kids that don’t know how to

ride at all?

Traditionally, training wheels are used for kids that

are learning how to ride. During a Bicycle Rodeo you

can choose between two options for non-riders: 1)

have them ride the course with training wheels which

can help them get used to things like signaling,

looking over their shoulder, and other important

awareness skills or 2) teach them to ride without

training wheels (see below).

Your choice in this situation depends on what skill

you think is the focus of your Bicycle Rodeo as well

as how many volunteers and bicycles you have

access to.

Teaching a child how to ride

without training wheels: 1. Start in an open area (smooth, flat, open space

is best!).

2. Remove the pedals.

3. Lower the saddle (seat). It should be low

enough that both feet can easily touch the ground,

but high enough that the child can easily take

steps.

4. ―Step, step, glide.‖ Child will take a couple of

steps and get enough speed to lift feet and glide

(or balance) for as long as he/she can. This might

take awhile. Be patient until child is very

comfortable balancing for long periods of time

(10-15 seconds). Make sure child looks ahead,

not down at front tire.

5. Put the pedals back on the bike. Always start

with a glide. Tell them to pretend there are no

pedals, and then once gliding comfortably, to let

their feet “find” them without looking down.

6. Raise the seat. Ensure that the seat is high

enough that the child’s leg extends while

pedaling (he/she should look and feel

comfortable).

More FAQs

How can I put all of these activities into one course?

After reviewing the Red Cards with your group, try something

like the following diagram illustrates. The course is limited by

volunteers and space available so you may have to make your

own changes. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to set

up a bicycle rodeo.

Start Here www.BicycleColorado.org

End Here

You can add the Snail Race as a side

―competition‖ for kids to do when they

aren’t doing the bicycle rodeo if you have

other adults/older kids to help supervise.

Signal Your Turn (hand signals or verbally)

Finish

Start

Signal Your Turn (hand signals or verbally)

Signal Your Stop

(hand signals or

verbally)

The mission of Bicycle Colorado is to

encourage and promote bicycling, increase

safety, improve conditions,

and provide a voice for cyclists in Colorado.

Bicycle Colorado is the nonprofit organization that has

been instrumental in improving bicycling conditions

and protecting the rights of bicyclists & organizations

across Colorado.

Become a Member Today!

By joining Bicycle Colorado your voice will

strengthen and accelerate the effort of thousands of

your fellow bicyclists and supporting organizations

who are committed to protecting your rights as a

bicyclist and building a bicycle-friendly Colorado.

Visit www.BicycleColorado.org to join.

Additional Resources About Bicycle Colorado

1525 Market Street, Suite 100

Denver, CO 80202

Phone: 303-417-1544

Fax: 303-825-1038

You are solely responsible for the instruction and

facilitation of the Bike Rodeo Kit provided to you. In no

way is Bicycle Colorado responsible for any injury,

misadventure, harm, loss, inconvenience or damage

suffered or sustained as a result of use of these materials

and the instruction contained in them. Additionally,

Bicycle Colorado strongly recommends proper helmet

usage for all bike rodeo participants regardless of age.

Internet Resources

Books

Bicycle Colorado’s Safe Routes to School—

www.SafeRoutesColorado.org

Bicycle Colorado—www.BicycleColorado.org

Safe Kids—www.safekids.org

League of American Bicyclists— www.bikeleague.org

Safe Routes to School—www.saferoutestoschools.org

Safe Route to School Info - www.saferoutesinfo.org

Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute—www.helmets.org

Bike Safe—www.bicyclesafe.com

Colorado Bicycling Manual: http://www.dot.state.co.us/BikePed/BikePedManual.htm

Effective Cycling by John Forester

The Art of Urban Cycling by Robert Hurst

Anybody's Bike Book by Tom Cuthbertson

Zinn and the Art of Bicycle Maintenance by Lennard Zinn

Bicycling Bliss by Portia Masterson

Curious George Rides a Bike by H.A. Rey

Urban Bikers' Tricks & Tips: Low-Tech & No-Tech

Ways to Find, Ride, & Keep a Bicycle by Dave Glowacz

The League Guide to Safe and Enjoyable Cycling

By The League of American Cyclists


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