Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

Bicycle Commuting Tips

Ride in the street, not on the sidewalk

Flow with traffic

Be Seen:
Wear bright clothing
Have a front white headlight
Have a rear red taillight

Be Safe:
Wear a helmet

Be predictable:
Signal to let others know where you’re going

Below are some of the ways that TART Trails promotes and educates about pedestrian and bicycle safety:

  • TART Trails serves as a year-round member of Cherry Capital Cycling Club Safety & Education Committee (2011 Light the Night Campaign gave free bicycle lights to those that need them)
  • TART Trails collaborated with MDOT on 2012 bike, car & pedestrian specific PSA’s (see attached)
  • TART Trails lead a walking school bus and bike train safety training for TCAPS Glenn Loomis Walking School bus (2011-2012)
  • TART Trails Youth Smart Commute partnered with Central Grade School (2011 & 2012) and Eastern Elementary (2012)
  • TART Trails Smart Commute Program provides summer and winter how-to bike commute sessions (2011 & 2012)
  • TART Trails partners with Traverse City Film Festival (2011 & 2012) hosting Kids Safety City for attendees to learn bicycle and pedestrian safety skills

 

TART Trails is also involved with Risk Watch to present bicycle and pedestrian safety curriculum in the schools. Below is a summary of the schools and curriculum for the 2011-2012 school year.

Materials for this program are proudly sponsored by: Specialized & McLain Cycle & Fitness

Schools:

  • Glenn Loomis (Oct)
  • Blair (May)
  • Kingsley (May)
  • Cherry Knoll (May)
  • Central Grade School (May)

(Pre-k – 2nd grades): 25 min.

A bike will be in the classroom for a visual aide and to review basic bike parts and to teach the ABC check before you ride. See and be seen role play exercise, safe and unsafe places to play, the importance of being with a parent, wear a helmet melon drop demonstration and bike helmet fitting demonstration

(3rd - 4th grades): 40min.-1hr.

A bike will be in the classroom for a visual aide and to review basic bike parts and to teach the ABC check before you ride. See and be seen role play exercise, wear a helmet melon drop demonstration and bike helmet fitting demonstration. Students play role of “reporter” to identify and communicate about safe and unsafe situations. We will talk about signaling, direction and attire for safe active transportation.

(5th – 6th grades): 50min.-1hr.

A bike will be in the classroom for a visual aide and to review basic bike parts and to teach the ABC check before you ride. We will discuss safety and use of other modes of transport such as skateboards, rollerblades, etc. See and be seen role play exercise, wear a helmet melon drop demonstration and bike helmet fitting demonstration. We will talk about signaling, direction and attire for safe active transportation. Students will learn correct street crossings, being seen by traffic and facilitate a conversation about hazards and making safe choices.

Additional Bicycle and Pedestrian Training

Bike rodeo course- Set up skills course (either in gym or in parking lot) to measure bicycling ability and skills. Basic skills that will be tested include balance, signaling, stopping and observance of traffic signs and signals. The course includes a basic bike inspection and helmet.