1. Presented by: Jennifer Percy In conjunction with Power to the Pedals™ Photo Credit: www.pedbikeimages.org/EllyBlue (2009)

2.  While fatalities are decreasing, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008:  Nearly two people died every day in the U.S. in bicycle- motor vehicle incidents.  A total of 716 bicyclists were killed.  52,000 bicycle-related injuries were reported.  Alcohol reportedly was involved in 37% of traffic crashes resulting in bicycling fatalities.  The average age for injury was 31.  Most of those killed or injured were males.  53 bicyclist fatalities were reported in Texas. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (2008)

3.  You must obey all traffic laws:  Stop at red lights and stop signs.  Follow lane markers.  Ride near the curb and follow the direction of traffic.  Have a light on the front and a red light or reflector on the rear of your bike at night. (NOTE: You can be fined for not having a front light at night.)  Use hand signals.  Tips  Wear a helmet.  Check brakes and tires before riding.  Wear light-colored or reflective clothing so drivers can see you. Source: www.dot.state.tx.us/safety/tips/bicycles.htm

4.  According to the National Highway Safety and Administration, “Bicycle helmets offer bicyclists the best protection from head injuries resulting from bicycle crashes, and bicycle helmet laws have proved effective in increasing bicycle helmet use” (2008).  Right-click here to play a video on how to fit your helmet. Right-click here to play a video on how to fit your helmet. Video Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

5.  Right-click here to play a video on how to use a bicycle pump. Right-click here to play a video on how to use a bicycle pump. Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7teOArtWwsg

6.  Bicyclists must let their voices be heard. Contact your district office of the Texas Department of Transportation here.here

7.  Total time: 15-20 minutes.  Take five minutes to discuss among yourselves what you have just seen and heard.  When this time is up, spend the next 10-15 minutes individually:  Naming something you did not know, if anything.  Naming something you already knew, if anything.  Telling what you think is the most important piece of information from this presentation.

8.  www.dot.state.tx.us/local_information/defaul t.htm  www.dot.state.tx.us/safety/tips/bicycles.htm  www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/Communicati onConsumerInformation/Articles/AssociatedF iles/810886.pdf (2008)  www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/Traffic Injury Control/Multimedia/BikeSafety.wmv (2008)  www.pedbikeimages.org/EllyBlue (2009)  www.youtube.com/watch?v=7teOArtWwsg