Show I Bike Riders I. I Cause A v An increasing number of boys and girls across the state slate are killed every year in bike accidents In the State of Utah Ulah last year five children were killed and were injured THE UTAH Safety Safely Council reports that in the vast majority majority majority ma ma- of car bike-car collisions the youngster not nol the driver is isal at al fault faull In many of the cases he has violated a law or traffic traffic fic rule Most often says the Council Council Council Coun Coun- cil the youngster was killed or injured because he mistakenly mistakenly mis- mis took look the right of way made an improper turn or disregarded a stop slop sign or traffic signal Other causes include include in in- clude elude riding in the center of the street streel or highway on the wrong side of oC the street facing facing facing fac fac- ing traffic or while carrying passengers LEO H. H BARLOW Council Vice President for Traffic reminds reminds reminds re re- re- re minds parents that bicycle riders are required to lo obey traffic laws In the State of Utah Ulah bikes are governed by the same laws as motor vehicles Mr Barlow points out MR lam BARLOW says that the bike should match the size of the rider and be adjusted properly Generally the small 20 inch wheel fits fils the 7 5 age group I the 24 inch 24 inch wheel is designed for the 8 to 10 year olds and the standard 26 inch wheel is for anyone 11 or older A COASTER bike is a prime requisite for younger children They cannot cannot Barlow Barlow Barlow Bar Bar- low says readily get their fingers around the controls of hand brakes to give a good hard squeeze for sudden stops A light and warning device are absolutely essential A Ahorn Ahorn Ahorn horn or a bell can be heard much more clearly than a shout A light if necessary for both bolh night riding and riding on dark days TWO OPTIONAL i items tern s which help make your childs child's bike safer to ride are 1 baskets baskets baskets bas bas- bas bas- or saddlebags for carrying carrying carry carry- ing books and packages so that thai both bolh hands can be left free for steering and 2 reflective reflective re- re tapes which glow and make the bike much easier to see at night Place two Iwo short silver strips on the handlebars two long silver strips on the front fork and three short red strips on the rear fender |