Some tips on biking safely

By Dale Huffman, 

Dayton Daily News

August 16, 2001 -- When she reports to Smith Elementary School in Oakwood to begin third grade on Tuesday, chances are likely that Samantha Boulanger will be riding her bicycle.

Samantha, who is 8 years old, is a real bicycle enthusiast.

"She has ridden her bike nearly every day this summer," said her father, Gary Boulanger. "In fact, today I got an e-mail from her that went like this 'Dear Dad, Do you want to do a bike ride when you get home. I hope you do. Love, Samantha Jean.’ ”

Actually, Samantha and her father do a lot of biking together and are preparing for a bike excursion that will take in the 65-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail in September.

"She is also pretty adamant about riding to Washington, D.C., with me in about three years," Boulanger said. "Then we are thinking of a cross-country expedition when she's 13. This is her idea. But I am pleased."

He added, "All this from a brown-eyed Girl Scout who loves to sleep with her Lamby and listen to her mother read `Little House on the Prairie' before bed each night."

Boulanger added, "Samantha loves to bike, and she understands the rules of the road. She wears her helmet without being told. She locks her bike at the Oakwood Community Center pool when she swims there with her mother and brother. And she'll secure it at school starting next week."

Samantha gets her love of biking and her knowledge and appreciation of bicycle safety right at home. Her father is a premier bicycle fan, and is the executive director of the organization known as Bike Miami Valley, which is devoted to the promotion and development of safe bicycle programs in the Miami Valley.

With classes beginning in many schools within days, and the knowledge that many young people opt to ride to school on their bicycles, Boulanger is sending out a message to students, parents and motorists.

GOOD RULES FOR YOUNG BIKERS
Here are some pointers that Boulanger asks families to discuss before a child climbs on a bike.

• Wear a helmet at all times. (That goes for parents, too, who serve as role models for kids.) Wear the label on the front, making sure the helmet is snug and parallel to the ground. Bring your helmet inside at school or a store.

• Make sure your tires are inflated properly.

• Proper chain lubrication is important.

• A bicyclist should always ride on the right side of the road. For busy streets, cautiously use the sidewalk. Don't do tricks, race or jump curbs while on the sidewalk.

• Always look both ways twice before crossing the street and never assume a driver sees you or will use a turn signal.

• Wear a yellow shirt or jacket to be seen.

• Never take passengers on your bike. It's dangerous.

• Always use a lock when taking your bike to school if you don't want to take the risk of it being stolen. Combination locks are usually the best.

Boulanger said, "It's a given that we love and cherish our children. So it is necessary to take the time to teach them basic safe bicycling practices. In many cases, a strong dose of common sense will make the bike-riding to and from school fun, exciting and safe,"

He added, "Remember that bicycling is a lifelong practice. But you need a long life to practice it."

For more information you can go to www.bikemiamivalley.org or call 463-2702.

© Copyright 2001 Cox Interactive Media