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Registration:- $30.00, snack included
First 100 to register get a Cycle Smart T-shirt

“Mommy and Daddy, I want a bike.”  This is the number one Christmas gift request.  In fact, I think most of us can remember making that same request.  And those of us who were lucky enough to have our wish granted remember the excitement of learning to ride.  We also remember it was a lot safer then to ride a bicycle and there were not as many cars on the road.  In an effort to teach kids proper road safety and bike handling skills, the Beacon launched its Cycle Smart Programme.  This is a proactive initiative to help the children be safe road users in the hope that they will become good drivers.

Cyclists and drivers both have a right to use our roads - but sometimes you need to give a bit more thought to each other.  Here are some tips for both drivers and cyclists:

Dos and don'ts for cyclists:

•              Be visible. Ride well clear of the kerb, wear bright clothing and always use   lights after dark or in poor weather conditions.

•              Show drivers what you plan to do. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn.

•              Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodging between them.

•              Don't jump red lights.

•              Don't ride the wrong way up one-way streets, unless there's a sign saying cyclists can.

•              Don't ride across pedestrian crossings.

Dos and don'ts for motorists:

•              Expect sudden movements by cyclists, especially in windy weather and on bad road surfaces.

•              Watch for cyclists on the inside when you turn left.

•              Always look for cyclists before opening a car door.

•              Give cyclists turning right extra consideration.

•              Don't squeeze past cyclists - give them space, at least half a car's width.

•              Don't dazzle cyclists - use dipped headlights, the way you would with another car.

•              Don't get annoyed when cyclists ride away from the kerb - they need to avoid drains and potholes, and be seen as they come to junctions with side roads.

Our leaflet Drive safe, cycle safe for more advice.  Visit our site for younger cyclists http://www.cyclesense.net for tips on staying out of harm's way.

Call 624-MIKE (6453) for information on our upcoming kids events