Cycle Safety for PEP (PhysicalExercisePays)

8/4/2019 Cycle Safety for PEP (PhysicalExercisePays)

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PHYSICAL EXERCISE PAYS

ACOOPERATIVEBIKE SAFETYPROGRAM

THE TRAVELERS

Presented as a publ ic serviceby

Travelers Independent Agentsand the U.S.Jaycees


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Office of the President-THE UNITED STATES JAYCEES Post Office Box 7Tulsa. Oklahoma 74102

March, 1977

Dear Jaycee:Although 100 million Americans enjoy bicycle riding tOday, some halfmillion people, mostly youth, incur bicycle injuries every year. Nowyou and your Chapter can undertake a bicycle clinic, popularly knownas a bicycle rodeo, to help young people in your community learn saferiding skills and proper bike maintenance.The enclosed new kit, "Cycle Safely for PEP" (RSVP 5305-0), is providedto you courtesy of The Travelers Insurance Companies in associationwith the U. S. Jaycees. As a library status program, it replaces andupdates our present information.Key points about this exciting bicycle safety kit are:

Free materials can be obtained through your local independentTravelers agent or broker.

This meaningful proj ect can be run in a short time. Extensive media coverage should be obtainable. Spring is upon us. It's an appropriate time to run "Cycle

Safely for PEP." A free loan bike safety film program is available for use inyour project, or in schools and youth groups.

Most important of all, youngsters' lives are saved and injuriesprevented.

You can review the details on this program in the enclosed kit. Ifthere is no Travelers agent in your area to assist you, write to CycleSafely for PEP, 9PB, The Travelers, One Tower Square, Hartford, ct.06115 (Telephone: 203-277-6878).

Jaycees have always responded to the needs of youth. So don't miss thisopportunity to help kids in your neighborhood.

Best wishes,

q:~.rank ZiebellPresidentP. S. Personnally hand this kit to a Jaycee in your Chapter this week.

"pniNT TO AMERICA"


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11111 I. Circling and Changein Directionskill tests provideyoungsters with anopportunity to demonstratetheir ability to ride safelyand to gain confidence atthe handlebars.

The following pages describe briefly thepurpose and layout for seven typical skilltests and a guide for scoring.I.Mount and DismountPURPOSE:To show how to start and stop without wavering.TEST: Driver straddles bike, one foot on the ground, theother placed on opposite pedal, pedal placed 45 degreesabove the horizontal, hands on handle grips. He shouldsimultaneously push off, press down on the pedal and raisehis body up and back onto the saddle Driver then pedals afew turns and applies brake. When almost stopped, heshould pull his body forward off the saddle, one foot on lowpedal, opposite foot forward and down to engage theground as his bicycle stops.SCORING: Ten points if driver mounts, steers bicyclewithout losing balance or swerving from side to sideerratical ly and gives his attention to a 180 degree areaahead, and then dismounts correctly. Deduct two points foreach incorrect maneuver.SIGNIFICANCE: With proper saddle height, theinexperienced driver tends to start or stop while seated.Since his feet will not reach the ground, he tends to wobblemto the traff ic stream, or to fal l to one side when stopping.If the pedal is not placed in the proper posit ion for starting,insufficient speed may result in lack of control. This methodgives full control at start and stop.

IlJ3,...-

PURPOSE: To test balance and related sense ofmomentum, and the changes in balance required byintended changes In direction,TEST: Start 5' from the circle. Driver must enter circle atthe opening and ride half-way around the first circle to hisright, then change direction to r ide to his left around thesecond circle. He reenters the first circle to his right,completing a figure 8. He repeats the procedure one moretime, and returns to the meeting point of the circles forexit as marked.SCORING: Ten points is the best possible score. Deducttwo points for each time the driver r ides off themarked lane.

SIGNIFICANCE: In traffic. there are manyinstances calling for a swerve in directionto avoid a pedestrian, a series of obstaclesor a pothole in the road, or an oncomingvehicle. The rider must be able to changehis direction In a precise manner, sometimes with l ittle warning, so that the bicyclewil l go where he intends. The test developsprecision of riding and confidence in theability to control the bicycle, avoiding aspill or a collision.

I. Straight line ControlPURPOSE: To test poise and control in driving and toestablish the ability to r ide in a straight unwavering line asrequired on the road.TEST: Driver should start 20' from the 60' lane and the firstpair of obstacles (blocks, weighted = 1 cans or fist-sizestones may be used as markers). The driver may go at anyspeed but must go between each of the pairs of markerswithout touching them. Markers may be placed at 5' or 10'Intervals on opposite sides of the lane, 6 to 8 inches wide.The driver should turn to the outside of the marked laneand repeat the test. This time he should be directed by thejudge to check traff ic from the rear and to remove his lefthand to make the proper arm signals for a left-hand turn, aright-hand turn, and slow or stop signal.SCORING: Ten points if the driver steers his bicyclewithout veering between all markers, without touching themwith the tires or stopping the bicycle, and signals correctly.Deduct two points for each faulty move.SIGNIFICANCE: For efficient cycling, the prime requisite isthe abili ty to maintain perfect balance without a waveringpath. The abili ty to drive a straight line permits the cycl istto maintain a position close to the road edge. out of thestream of traff ic. It is necessary to watch for traff icapproaching from the rear before making any maneuvers,without steer ing off the road or into the traffic. Signaling orgear-shifting requires removal of one hand withoutdisturbing equilibrium.

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II.Weaving - ManeuveringTo Avoid Obstacles I. Short Radius TurningPURPOSE:To test the ability to change direction quickly,which requires balance and judgment.TEST: Driver should start 20' from the first obstacle, ridingat normal speed and proceeding by going right of thatobstacle, left of the second one, etc. Obstacles (blocks,weighted cans, or cones) should be 6' apart.SCORING: Ten points if the driver does not hit anyobstacles and if he goes alternately to the right and left ofeach one in the line. Deduct one point for each time hemakes a wrong turn or touches an obstacle.SIGNIFICANCE: Hitt ing or missing an object in the road,whether it is a stone, a hole, or a pedestrian is a problem ofinstinct. A rider hits an obstacle because he is watching it,and naturally steers where he is looking. This test teachesthe rider to focus on the clear path rather than on theobstacles.

--',- ------j-, [J /' [J -- - a" [J , __ ' ~C,./ D ',--,. ~-r-8. 20'

'--I . 40'

PURPOSE: To test the abil ity of the rider to turn his bicyclearound easily and smoothly within a l imited area.TEST: The rider travels within the marked lane followingthe S curves.SCORING: Ten points is the best possible score. Deductone point each time the driver touches the ground witheither foot or rides over the border lines.SIGNIFICANCE: A rider is often called upon to turn aroundin a narrow street or constricted area. The successfulcompletion of this test involves making smooth and easyturns without using the brake excessively, touching theground with his feet or the border lines with either wheelof the bicycle.

Ii.Stopping Ability 7. Slow Speed

50'

PURPOSE:To test visual reactions in relation to momentumand to establish the driver's abil ity to stop in an emergency.TEST: Driver should go directly toward a cardboard boxat a moderate speed and stop with the front part of thewheel 10" to 14" from the box. Brakes should be appliedby the driver as he crosses the mark or line painted on thepath as indicated. Judge should measure stopping distance.SCORING: Ten points is the best possible score. Deducttwo points if the driver touches the ground with either footbefore bringing the bicycle to a stop or if his tires skid.Deduct one point for each 6" in excess of 14". Deduct 10points if the rider touches or knocks over the box.SIGNIFICANCE: In the same way that the distance requiredto stop a car increases with speed, the distance required tostop a bicycle also increases. Frequently cyclists must stopin an emergency manner due to an oncoming car, a turningcar, or a pedestrian who steps off the curb in their path.Sudden stops cause the weight to shift forward, allowingthe bicycle to skid and lose control or to pitch the driverover the handlebars. It is necessary to learn to shift weightto the rear to avoid loss of control in a skid. This test isdesigned to teach riders to judge distance, according tospeed, so they may stop their bikes before colliding withan obstruction .

Marko ;I-- 10' ---1 I 3'~

PURPOSE: To test balancing at slow speed.TEST: Start with bicycle 15' from a 60' lane and driveslowly toward the lines. Driver should go between the linesof the lane as slowly as possible without touching eitherline. The judge begins timing the rider as he enters thelane. He should take at least thirty seconds or longer toreach the other end of the lane.SCORING: Ten points if rider meets minimum timerequirement of thirty seconds. Deduct two points each timehe touches a line.SIGNIFICANCE: This test trains for straight driving, bydeveloping a sense of balance as well as a sense ofmomentum of turning. The test emphasizes how a slightswing of the front wheel serves to reinstate the driver'sbalance when he starts to topple while pedaling at aslow speed.

1I 1 _

3'"} I. 60' I. 15'--.J\ End Timing Begin TIming I


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STAR

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TurI

me

Registratioalso be uscorersregistratiocompleted

AnnouncementPlatformPA System

Intermediates

REGISTRATION*

qeaving

2Maneuver

Juniors

Contestant Assembly &Bike Inspection Area

Mount & DismountIJ

I StraigN LineonrrolJ


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Demonstration &Entertainment Area

SNJ1~

SuggestedAges6-1112-1415 and older

SuggestedGroupingsJuniorsIntermediatesSeniors

3.AII inspected bicycles and their riders should aready station. (Roped off or barricaded area ident"Junior Parking," "Intermediate Parking" and "Senisponsoring group spokesman now opens the Rodeotions of any visiting dignitaries, e.g., Mayor, Police Cof sponsoring groups. Also acknowledges volunteersHe then explains the rules of the Rodeo and the skillsignificance. If you've invited a local racing club, athrough the skill tests. Also, they can be very effecstrating "rules of the road."

4.The Rodeo spokesman now calls each participaby assigned number to enter the first ski ll station. Pahis score sheet to the judge, who reviews the skilbefore he starts. When the judge completes his scoscore sheet to the runner who brings it to the judgeand so on.

2.Registered youngsters are now directed to thestation. Only mechanically sound bicycles shouldcompetition. Here's where a local bike merchant or reout. Or a mechanically adept volunteer. Bring a baminor repairs and adjustments.If your community has a bike registration program,may wish to be on hand at this station to process abikes.

5.When the participant completes the course, a runcompleted score sheet to the scorers table where ithe youngster leaves the testing area, he is presented wof participation and other safety materials provided bagent.To hold the attention of your youngsters during thperiod, arrange with a local bike merchant or repaof a local bicycle racing club to put on a brief debicycle care and maintenance.

1. Youngsters arrive with their own bicycles andtration should be done by age grouping, with particconsecutively numbered identification badge for referand a corresponding numbered score sheet.

6.NOW ... the time everyone's been waitingANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS. Numbers of winninshould be checked against registration sheets so widentified by name.

TJ

Slow Speed7

FINISH- Judge Station- Timer- Certificate TalSle'

Prize Table

The number of awards presented will pretty much bethe number of prizes donated or purchased for thshould plan on at least a minimum of 3 prizes in eGrand Prize (a new bicycle?) Second Prize (a bike safchain lock?) Third Prize (a bicycle tire pump, a bike hIn case of ties, select one skill test to be repeated to


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Your Volunteers Can Help

IWhere and When ShouldYou Hold Your Bike Rodeo?

What Materials Will You Need?Actually. all you need are these easy to findand inexpensive items to get your Rodeocourse laid out. At least a 50' tape measure. Chalk, white plastic adhesive tape, lime,or paint and applicator to mark out skill

tests. If you use paint, a 50% water and50% latex base can be easily washed offafter use.

Hammer, nail and string to use as aswinging arc to layout circles.

Traffic cones (which you might borrowfrom your local police traffic division, ordepartment of public works or roads),quart cans filled with sand will do, orwooden blocks or boxes, for that matter.Paint them fire orange (safety color) 50%water and 50% latex base to increasevisibility.

You'll also need stopwatches, registrationand scoring sheets (sample in PR kit) clipboards and pencils for the judges.

A public address system for announce-ments and for music should be added toyour check list. (Check with your localpolice or radio stations for help in gettinga PA system. The radio station may alsobe helpful in supplying taped music foryour program. Incidentally, involving alocal radio station, as well as representa-tives of local newspapers is a good way toassure coverage for your program.)

scorers, timers, publicity committeemen, solicitors of prizes ...

There'll be plenty to do for your volunteers.They can help layout the course for yourskill tests. They can serve as

Where you hold your Rodeo is determinedlargely by the availability of a flat area largeenough to accommodate the course fortests. Ideal sites include the school yard,shopping center parking lot, playground orblocked-off street. Avoid grassy areas;hard-top surfaces are best.

Wherever possible, use school communications channels to reach the youngsters.Printed flyers or mimeographed announcements with your identification distributedthrough the schools can do the trick.

Plan your Bike Rodeo to tie into schoolsafety education activities, summerrecreation programs, special safety weeks- back to school or pre-vacation. Any timeyou can be sure of reaching the greatestnumber of youngsters and their parents.

registrars, bike inspectors, judges, runners,

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from local merchants. And don't forget yourlocal Red Cross Chapter or Ambulance Unit.Invite them to be on hand to provide FirstAid in case it's needed.


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or More Information About ...he Travelers "Cycle Safely for PEP" Bicycle Safety

or free-loan bike safety film program or free rodeo materontact your local Travelers agent or broker (see Yellowr write to: Cycle Safely for PEP, 9 PB, The Travelers, Oneower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06115.ocal and Regional Ordinancesontact your city, county and state government agencies (separtments, motor vehicle bureaus, etc.) for brochures.icycle Safetydditional ideas and source materials are available from:merican Automobile Association111 Gatehouse Roadalls Church, VA 22042lso check your area AAA Clubs)ational Safety Council25 North Michigan Avenuehicago, Illinois 60611he Bicycle Manufacturers Association of America101 15th Street, N.W.ashington, D.C. 20005ational Cycling Organizationshere are more than 1,000 bike clubs in the U. S. The follow


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Cycle SafelyFor

~.I~111 1111PHYSICAL EXERCISE PAYS

EfJTHE TRAVELERS

A Public Service ofThe Travelers Insurance CompaniesHartford, Connecticut 06115

M-9392 Rev. 8-76 Printed in U.S.A.


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a proven presentation of free materials and suggestions to help assure the successsafety program ... available FREE through your Independent Travelers Agent or B

The Travelers

Cycle Safely for PEP Progra

Bike Safety Check pamphlets 16 MM Free Loan Film

~~;a.~;a~ '-

o High school students can be encoto demonstrate safety rules of the roadout a skil l test course, to act asjudgescials. That way. you may reach youngsall ages with safety tips that can help rnumber of bicycle accidents in your coo Youcan also involve your entire coity inyour efforts. Contact local police fregistration. bicycle clubs or repairmencheck bikes. local service clubs for voto support your campaign. local merchto donate prizes.o And, don't forget the adult bike-ridpublic. They, too. may be lacking in saknowledge. Perhaps your PTO. churcgroup. etc. would like to uti lize the skilcourse to improve their skills.

Why Not Set Up A CySafely For PEP PrograFor Youngsters InYour Community?

Free-loan 16 mm.color and sound film,"Just Like A Car", withaccompanying teacher'scurriculum guide andsafety posters forclassroom instruction.

Posters & Publicity Kits Skill Test Layout Guides Badges Certif icates

Bicycling is one of theest growing family sportsmerica. More thanmillion have taken todal power" for transportation,reation, exerdse and theer fun of it all.But the statistics one-related acddents, injuriesfatalities have grownas fast.

The young, in particular,iously lack the experienceconcern for safety so

essary to their own

HELP THEM LEARN ...

For further detailsCal l your local

independent Travelers Agent or Broker(Check the Yellow Pages)


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Accident Fact Sheet

The Bicycle Manufacturers Association estimates that over 80 million bicyclesare in use in the country today. Taking into account the multiple use of theproduct by families and through bike rentals, they estimate there are over100 million cyclists.' That's about half our population!One unfortunate result of increasing bicycle use has been a substantial risein serious injuries and fatalities. Consider these facts:

Every year there are more than 400,000 bicycle-relatedaccidents requiring emergency room treatment. Of these,40,000 are serious injuries.

Source: Consumer Product Safety CommissionNational Electronic InjurySurveillance System

In 1975, there were 1,000 deaths resulting from pedalcycle/motor vehicle collisions:

Urban - 600Rural - 400

Pedalcycle Age Group Deaths:0-4 yrs. 105-14 yrs. 480

15-24 yrs. 28025-44 yrs. 10045-64 yrs. 10065-74 yrs. 20

75 yrs. & over 101,000

Percentage of Pedal cycle Deaths by age:0-14 yrs. 49%

15-24 yrs. 28%25 yrs. & over 23%

Source: Accident Facts, 1976 EditionNational Safety Council

What are the causes?

Nearly 80% of biCYCle/motor vehicle accidents stem directly fromunsafe behavior of the bicyclists. 92% of the bicyclists under


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the age of 12 were found to be responsi1Jlt~ for such collisions.1 Approximately 70% of vehicle/bike accidents occur at inter

sections. 61% of these accidents occur itlresidential areas.2 During daylight hours, bicyclists were usually responsible for

crashes. In darkness, the motorist was most often responsible.3 Risk of a fatal collision is nearly 4 times greater at night.4 Unsafe behavior patterns can De categorized as violations ofthe rules of the road. Most common are: driving on the wrongside of the road, failure to yield to entering traffic, disregarding signs and signals, and improper lighting at night.5

Correcting the human factors - ignorance of rules of the road, stunting, carelessness, inexperience, poor judgment - irNolved in the majority of bike accidents, remains a challenge to all safety-concerned parents ffildagencies.These statistics strongly suggest the need to educate both the bike-riding ffildthe motoring public in order to reduce the hazards and the fatalities in today'sbusy traffic mix.Every effort must be made to educate cyclists of all ages on equipment requirements and maintenance, practicing good driving skills, observing the rules ofthe road, being alert and using common sense. And the motoring public must alsobe educated to accept the cyclists' right to share the highway and demonstrate,by their driving practices, the same concern for the cyclists' safety.

1. To Prevent Harm, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 1975 Report2. ibid3. ibid4. Journal of Safety Research, June, 1976, National Safety Council5. Journal of Traffic Safety Education, January, 1975

Marketing Services DepartmentThe Travelers Insurance CompaniesJanuary, 1977


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THE TRAVELERS

THE TRAVELERS INSURANCE COMPANIES Hartford, Connecticut

Documents

Cycle Safety for PEP (PhysicalExercisePays)