PHYSICAL

EXERCISE PAYS

A
COOPERATIVE BIKE SAFETY PROGRAM

Presented as a publ ic service

by

Travelers Independent Agents and the U.S. aycees J

THE TRAVELERS

Office of the PresidentTHE UNITED STATES JAYCEES

Post Office Box 7 Tulsa. Oklahoma 74102

March, Dear Jaycee:

1977

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

Free materials can be obtained Travelers agent or broker. This meaningful Extensive media

through

proj ect can be run in a short time. coverage should be obtainable. time to run "Cycle

Spring is upon us. Safely for PEP."

It's an appropriate

A free loan bike safety film program is available your project, or in schools and youth groups. Most important prevented. of all, youngsters' lives

for use in

are saved and injuries

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

ct.

Jaycees have always responded to the needs of youth. opportunity to help kids in your neighborhood. Best wishes,

So don't miss

this

q:~.
P. S.
Personnally hand this kit to a Jaycee

Frank Ziebell President

in your

Chapter

this week.

"pniNT TO AMERICA"

11111
skill tests provide youngsters with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to ride safely and to gain confidence at the handlebars.

I.

Circling and Change in Direction

PURPOSE: To test balance and related sense of momentum, and the changes in balance required by intended changes In direction, TEST: Start 5' from the circle. Driver must enter circle at the opening and ride half-way around the first circle to his right, then change direction to ride to his left around the second circle. He reenters the first circle to his right, completing a figure 8. He repeats the procedure one more time, and returns to the meeting point of the circles for exit as marked. SCORING: Ten points is the best possible score. Deduct two points for each time the driver rides off the marked lane. SIGNIFICANCE: In traffic. there are many instances calling for a swerve in direction to avoid a pedestrian, a series of obstacles or a pothole in the road, or an oncoming vehicle. The rider must be able to change his direction In a precise manner, sometimes with little warning, so that the bicycle will go where he intends. The test develops precision of riding and confidence in the ability to control the bicycle, avoiding a spill or a collision.

The following pages describe briefly the purpose and layout for seven typical skill tests and a guide for scoring.

I.

Mount and Dismount

PURPOSE: To show how to start and stop without wavering. TEST: Driver straddles bike, one foot on the ground, the other placed on opposite pedal, pedal placed 45 degrees above the horizontal, hands on handle grips. He should simultaneously push off, press down on the pedal and raise his body up and back onto the saddle Driver then pedals a few turns and applies brake. When almost stopped, he should pull his body forward off the saddle, one foot on low pedal, opposite foot forward and down to engage the ground as his bicycle stops. SCORING: Ten points if driver mounts, steers bicycle without losing balance or swerving from side to side erratically and gives his attention to a 180 degree area ahead, and then dismounts correctly. Deduct two points for each incorrect maneuver. SIGNIFICANCE: With proper saddle height, the inexperienced driver tends to start or stop while seated. Since his feet will not reach the ground, he tends to wobble mto the traffic stream, or to fall to one side when stopping. If the pedal is not placed in the proper position for starting, insufficient speed may result in lack of control. This method gives full control at start and stop.

I.

Straight line Control

PURPOSE: To test poise and control in driving and to establish the ability to ride in a straight unwavering line as required on the road. TEST: Driver should start 20' from the 60' lane and the first pair of obstacles (blocks, weighted = 1 cans or fist-size stones may be used as markers). The driver may go at any speed but must go between each of the pairs of markers without 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 lane and repeat the test. This time he should be directed by the judge to check traffic from the rear and to remove his left hand to make the proper arm signals for a left-hand turn, a right-hand turn, and slow or stop signal. SCORING: Ten points if the driver steers his bicycle without veering between all markers, without touching them with the tires or stopping the bicycle, and signals correctly. Deduct two points for each faulty move. SIGNIFICANCE: For efficient cycling, the prime requisite is the ability to maintain perfect balance without a wavering path. The ability to drive a straight line permits the cyclist to maintain a position close to the road edge. out of the stream of traffic. It is necessary to watch for traffic approaching from the rear before making any maneuvers, without steering off the road or into the traffic. Signaling or gear-shifting requires removal of one hand without disturbing equilibrium.

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II.

Weaving - Maneuvering To Avoid Obstacles

PURPOSE: To test the ability to change direction quickly, which requires balance and judgment. TEST: Driver should start 20' from the first obstacle, riding at normal speed and proceeding by going right of that obstacle, 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 any obstacles and if he goes alternately to the right and left of each one in the line. Deduct one point for each time he makes a wrong turn or touches an obstacle. SIGNIFICANCE: Hitting or missing an object in the road, whether it is a stone, a hole, or a pedestrian is a problem of instinct. A rider hits an obstacle because he is watching it, and naturally steers where he is looking. This test teaches the rider to focus on the clear path rather than on the obstacles.

PURPOSE: To test the ability of the rider to turn his bicycle around easily and smoothly within a limited area. TEST: The rider travels within the marked lane following the S curves. SCORING: Ten points is the best possible score. Deduct one point each time the driver touches the ground with either foot or rides over the border lines. SIGNIFICANCE: A rider is often called upon to turn around in a narrow street or constricted area. The successful completion of this test involves making smooth and easy turns without using the brake excessively, touching the ground with his feet or the border lines with either wheel of the bicycle.

I.

Short Radius Turning

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40'

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

Ii.

Stopping Ability

7.

Slow Speed

PURPOSE: To test balancing at slow speed. TEST: Start with bicycle 15' from a 60' lane and drive slowly toward the lines. Driver should go between the lines of the lane as slowly as possible without touching either line. The judge begins timing the rider as he enters the lane. He should take at least thirty seconds or longer to reach the other end of the lane. SCORING: Ten points if rider meets minimum time requirement of thirty seconds. Deduct two points each time he touches a line. SIGNIFICANCE: This test trains for straight driving, by developing a sense of balance as well as a sense of momentum of turning. The test emphasizes how a slight swing of the front wheel serves to reinstate the driver's balance when he starts to topple while pedaling at a slow speed.

1
I 1 _

3'"}

I.
\ End Timing

60'
Begin TIming

I.

15'--.J

o 10' ---1; I-~

I 3'
50'

START
Contestant Assembly & Bike Inspection Area

REGISTRATION* Juniors Intermediates Seniors

I
J

Announcement Platform PA System

&

Registration area can also be utilized for scorers after registration is completed.

Mount

Dismount

Emelgency Stop

Ii

Maneuver

I
J

StraigN Conrrol Line

Weaving

Turning

Demonstration & Entertainment Area

1.

Youngsters arrive with their own bicycles and register. Regis tration should be done by age grouping, with participants getting I consecutively numbered identification badge for reference by scorer and a corresponding numbered score sheet. Suggested Ages 6-11 12-14 15 and older Suggested Numbering J-1, J-2, J-3, etc. 1-1, 1-2,1-3,etc. ~-1, S-2, S-3, etc

Suggested Groupings Juniors Intermediates Seniors

FINISH
J - Judge Station
T - Timer C - Certificate TalSle'

2.

Registered youngsters are now directed to the bike inspectior station. Only mechanically sound bicycles should be allowed ir competition. Here's where a local bike merchant or repairer can hel~ out. Or a mechanically adept volunteer. Bring a basic tool kit fo minor repairs and adjustments.

If your community has a bike registration program, a police officel may wish to be on hand at this station to process any unregisterec bikes.

P - Prize Table
TJ

3.AII inspected bicycles and their riders should assemble in the ready station. (Roped off or barricaded area identified by signs "Junior Parking," "Intermediate Parking" and "Senior Parking.") P sponsoring group spokesman now opens the Rodeo with introduc tions of any visiting dignitaries, e.g., Mayor, Police Chief, chairmar of sponsoring groups. Also acknowledges volunteers. He then explains the rules of the Rodeo and the skill tests and theil significance. If you've invited a local racing club, ask them to rur through the skill tests. Also, they can be very effective in demon strating "rules of the road."

4.The Rodeo spokesman now calls each participant individuall} by assigned number to enter the first skill station. Participant hands his score sheet to the judge, who reviews the skill test with hirr before he starts. When the judge completes his scoring, he hands score sheet to the runner who brings it to the judge at next station and so on.

When the participant completes the course, a runner delivers the completed score sheet to the scorers table where it is totaled. As the youngster leaves the testing area, he is presented with a certificate of participation and other safety materials provided by your Travelers agent.

5.

To hold the attention of your youngsters during the final scoring period, arrange with a local bike merchant or repairer or member of a local bicycle racing club to put on a brief demonstration on bicycle care and maintenance.

Slow Speed

6.NOW ... the time everyone's been waiting for ... THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF WINNERS. Numbers of winning score sheets should be checked against registration sheets so winners can be identified by name.
The number the number should plan Grand Prize chain lock?) of awards presented will pretty much be determined by of prizes donated or purchased for the Rodeo. You on at least a minimum of 3 prizes in each grouping: (a new bicycle?) Second Prize (a bike safety flag, a good Third Prize (a bicycle tire pump, a bike horn?)

In case of ties, select one skill test to be repeated to break the tie.

I Where and When Should You Hold Your Bike Rodeo?

Plan your Bike Rodeo to tie into school safety education activities, summer recreation programs, special safety weeks - back to school or pre-vacation. Any time you can be sure of reaching the greatest number of youngsters and their parents.

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

What Materials Will You Need?

Actually. all you need are these easy to find and inexpensive items to get your Rodeo course 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 and 50% latex base can be easily washed off after use. Hammer, nail and string to use as a swinging arc to layout circles. Traffic cones (which you might borrow from your local police traffic division, or department of public works or roads), quart cans filled with sand will do, or wooden blocks or boxes, for that matter. Paint them fire orange (safety color) 50% water and 50% latex base to increase visibility. You'll also need stopwatches, registration and scoring sheets (sample in PR kit) clip boards and pencils for the judges. A public address system for announcements and for music should be added to your check list. (Check with your local police or radio stations for help in getting a PA system. The radio station may also be helpful in supplying taped music for your program. Incidentally, involving a local radio station, as well as representatives of local newspapers is a good way to assure coverage for your program.)

Where you hold your Rodeo is determined largely by the availability of a flat area large enough to accommodate the course for tests. Ideal sites include the school yard, shopping center parking blocked-off street. Avoid hard-top surfaces lot, playground grassy areas; or

are best.

IIW
Your Volunteers Can Help
There'll be plenty to do for your volunteers. They can help layout the course for your skill tests. They can serve as registrars, bike inspectors, judges, runners, scorers, timers, publicity committeemen, solicitors of prizes ...

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

For More Information About ...

The Travelers Program "Cycle Safely for PEP" Bicycle Safety

For free-loan bike safety film program or free rodeo materials, contact your local Travelers agent or broker (see Yellow Pages) or write to: Cycle Safely for PEP, 9 PB, The Travelers, One Tower Square, Hartford, Connecticut 06115. Local and Regional Ordinances

Contact your city, county and state government agencies (safety departments, motor vehicle bureaus, etc.) for brochures. Bicycle Safety

Additional ideas and source materials are available from: American Automobile Association 8111 Gatehouse Road Falls Church, VA 22042 (Also check your area AAA Clubs) National Safety Council 425 North Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 The Bicycle Manufacturers Association of America 1101 15th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20005 National Cycling Organizations

There are more than 1,000 bike clubs in the U. S. The following national organizations will mail information about membership, bike trips and maps, U. S. and foreign tours. The American Youth Hostels, Inc. Delaplane, Virginia 22025 The League of American Wheel men, Inc. 19 South Bothwell Palatine, Illinois 60067 Competitive & Olympic Racing

The U.S. Cycling Federation P.O. Box 669 Wall Street Station New York, New York 10005

We gratefully acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by safet~ education organizations in the preparation of this program. Specia recognition is given to the Community Services Division, Harttor< (Conn.) Police Department; The U.S. Cycling Federation; The Bicych Manufacturers Association; and The President's Council on Physica Fitness and Sports.

Cycle Safely
For

~.I~
1111 1111
PHYSICAL EXERCISE PAYS

EfJ
THE TRAVELERS
A Public Service of The Travelers Insurance Companies Hartford, Connecticut 06115

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

The Travelers

Bicycling is one of the fastest growing family sports in America. More than 85 million have taken to "pedal power" for transportation, recreation, exerdse and the sheer fun of it all. But the statistics on bike-related acddents, injuries and fatalities have grown just as fast. The young, in particular, obviously lack the experience and concern for safety so necessary to their own self-protection.

Cycle Safely for PEP Program

a proven presentation of free materials and suggestions to help assure the success of your safety program ... available FREE through your Independent Travelers Agent or Broker:
Posters & Publicity Kits Skill Test Layout Guides Badges Certificates Bike Safety Check pamphlets 16 MM Free Loan Film

Why Not Set Up A Cycle Safely For PEP Program For Youngsters In Your Community?

High school students can be encouraged to demonstrate safety rules of the road. to lay out a skill test course, to act as judges and officials. That way. you may reach youngsters of all ages with safety tips that can help reduce the number of bicycle accidents in your community.

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Free-loan 16 mm. color and sound film, "Just Like A Car", with accompanying teacher's curriculum guide and safety posters for classroom instruction.

You can also involve you r entire community in your efforts. Contact local police for bike registration. bicycle clubs or repairmen to check bikes. local service clubs for volunteers to support your campaign. local merchants to donate prizes.

And, don't forget the adult bike-riding public. They, too. may be lacking in safety knowledge. Perhaps your PTO. church group. etc. would like to utilize the skill test course to improve their skills.

HELP THEM LEARN ...

For further details

independent Call your local Travelers Agent or Broker (Check the Yellow Pages)

Accident

Fact

Sheet

The Bicycle Manufacturers Association estimates that over 80 million bicycles are in use in the country today. Taking into account the multiple use of the product by families and through bike rentals, they estimate there are over 100 million cyclists.' That's about half our population! One unfortunate result of increasing in serious injuries and fatalities. bicycle use has been a substantial Consider these facts: rise

Every year there are more than 400,000 bicycle-related accidents requiring emergency room treatment. Of these, 40,000 are serious injuries. Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission National Electronic Injury Surveillance System

In 1975, there were 1,000 motor vehicle collisions:

deaths

resulting

from pedalcycle/

Urban Rural

- 600 - 400

Pedalcycle

Age Group yrs. yrs. yrs. yrs. yrs. yrs. over

Deaths:

75

0-4 5-14 15-24 25-44 45-64 65-74 yrs.

&

10 480 280 100 100 20 10 1,000

Percentage

of Pedal cycle 0-14 yrs. 15-24 yrs. over 25 yrs.

Deaths 49% 28% 23%

by age:

&

Source:

Accident National

Facts, 1976 Edition Safety Council

What

are the causes?

Nearly unsafe

80% of biCYCle/motor vehicle behavior of the bicyclists.

accidents stem directly from 92% of the bicyclists under

the age of

12

were found to be responsi1Jlt~ for such collisions.1 accidents occur at interoccur itl residential areas.2

Approximately 70% of vehicle/bike sections. 61% of these accidents During daylight hours, crashes. In darkness,

bicyclists were usually responsible for the motorist was most often responsible.3 is nearly 4 times greater at night.4

Risk of a fatal collision

Unsafe behavior patterns can the rules of the road. Most side of the road, failure to regarding signs and signals,

De categorized as violations of common are: driving on the wrong yield to entering traffic, disand 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 ffild agencies. These statistics strongly suggest the need to educate both the bike-riding ffild the motoring public in order to reduce the hazards and the fatalities in today's busy 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 of the road, being alert and using common sense. And the motoring public must also be educated to accept the cyclists' right to share the highway and demonstrate, by their driving practices, the same concern for the cyclists' safety.

1.
2.
3.

To Prevent

Harm, Insurance

Institute

for Highway

Safety,

1975 Report

ibid
ibid Journal Journal of Safety Research, June, 1976, National Safety of Traffic Safety Education, January, 1975 Council

4. 5.

Marketing Services Department The Travelers Insurance Companies January, 1977

THE TRAVELERS

THE TRAVELERS

INSURANCE COMPANIES

Hartford,

Connecticut

~1~9519

I'rllll~U

ill U.S.A.