More than 50 children strapped on their helmets and peddled around the Jasper Activity Centre parking lot to learn about bicycle safety May 30.
Held once every two years, Pedal Pushers is a provincial program that aims to teach children between the ages of five to 12 how to ride safely in traffic, avoid collisions and follow trail etiquette in national parks.
As part of the program, organizers set up an obstacle course with road signs and taught the kids how to use proper hand signals. The kids also heard from RCMP Const. Devon Slade who explained the rules of the road and potential consequences for breaking the law.
“This is a bike town so we really want to teach kids to be aware of vehicles,” said Wendy Hall, an organizer and owner of Freewheel Cycle.
Provincially the law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet, including children in trailers and on “trail-a-bikes.” Adults are also encouraged to wear a helmet to avoid injury.
Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, bicycles are recognized as a vehicle and thus cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicle operators.
This includes obeying all signage and the rules of the road, such as stop signs. Cyclists must also yield to pedestrians and ride as close to the curb as is safe, as well as riding single file, except when passing another vehicle.
If a cyclist dismounts and is walking beside their bicycle, they are considered a pedestrian and may use the sidewalk or crosswalk.
In Jasper, only children who are under the age of 10 and are accompanied by an adult are allowed to bike, rollerblade, skateboard or scooter on the sidewalk in the central business district.
Provincial law stipulates all bicycles must have a bell or horn, a proper braking and steering system, a headlight, a red taillight and a red reflector mounted on the rear of the bike.
Provincial fines for breaking the rules range from $100 to $575 and four demerit points for failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk.
Using proper hand signals is also mandatory.
To make a left hand turn, cyclists should stick their left arm straight out. For a right hand turn, cyclists must bend their left arm 90 degrees up at the elbow, like they are waving. To stop, cyclists must put their left arm out and bend it down at 90 degrees.
In national parks, mountain biking is only allowed on designated trails. If a trail is not designated for cycling, the trail is off limits.
Cyclist should respect trail closures because they may be in place for ecological or safety reasons.
Riders also need to yield properly by letting trail users know they’re coming. Cyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill.
Cyclists should also be aware of horses, which can be easily startled and should use extra caution and follow directions from the horse’s rider if they are uncertain.
Paul Clarke
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