During Spring and Summer, there are many ways to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle.  Take the time to enjoy neighbourhood walks after supper or an afternoon hike through some of the many trails available to us in Thunder Bay and surrounding area. 

With the warmer weather you may be anxious to get back on your wheels, whether they be attached to a bicycle, skateboard, in-line skates, or scooter.  Before you hit the road though, make sure your equipment is in good working order and that you know the rules of the road as well as the ways to avoid injury.

Read more about what you need to be safe when you're:

Cycling  /  In-line Skating  /  Skateboarding  /  Scooter-Riding

Cycling

Most of us want to jump on our bikes and take off once summer gets here. Take the time to check your equipment first.  It is important to check the chain (adding lube if it looks dry), the brakes, and the tires looking for problems with wear and pressure.  Proper upkeep is important for the life of your bike and yourself.

Make it Legal

The Law requires:

• Cyclists under 18 years of age wear an approved bicycle helmet.   Parents and guardians of children aged 16 and under must make sure their children are wearing a helmet when on a bike.
• A white light mounted on the front and red reflectors on the back of your bike when you ride one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise
• White reflective tape on front forks and red reflective tape on the front and rear stays
• A working bell or horn

 Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Leaving the driveway	To avoid accidents, stop before entering the street, scan left and then right for traffic.  If there is no traffic, go ahead onto the roadway.
Running a STOP sign	Teach children to stop at all STOP signs, look both ways for traffic, wait for traffic to clear, and then start riding when safe.
Turning without warning	Walk your bike across busy streets.  Always signal when turning to let drivers know where you are going.  Look quickly over your shoulder to check for traffic.  Have children practice riding in a straight line without swerving,  while looking over their shoulder.
Riding after dark	Accidents happen when cyclists can't be seen by drivers.  Do not allow children to ride bikes after dark.  Be sure all bikes have lights and reflective tape as required by law.
Playing Follow the Leader	Children riding in groups tend to just follow each other through intersections.  Followers think that because the first child crossed safely, they can just follow without checking for cars.  Encourage children to make their own decisions and check for traffic themselves.
Not being seen	Make eye contact with drivers, especially those making turns or pulling into traffic.  Drivers are looking for cars and might not see you.
On the street too early	Children have certain difficulties in understanding and reading traffic situations.  How Children See Traffic puts them at great risk for injury.

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In-Line Skating

In-line skating (also known as rollerblading) is a fun pastime that is an excellent form of physical activity.  Because it requires speed, balance, coordination and takes place on hard surfaces, there is a great risk for injury.

Before you head out for a day’s adventure, consider these safety tips:

Always wear the gear.	This includes a CSA, CPSC, or Snell certified helmet, knee and elbow pads, as well as wrist guards.  This is important for all members of the family.  If your child sees you wearing the gear, they are more likely to wear it themselves.
Practice.  Practice.  More Practice.	First time skaters should practice on a soft lawn and then progress to a flat surface that won't have a lot of people or traffic on it (i.e. an empty parking lot). Try to master a few basic moves such as braking, turning,  controling your speed and being able to avoid pedestrians and other obstacles.
Know your place.	Skate on the right side of sidewalks, trails, and pathways. Pass on the left as cars do, giving some kind of warning to the person you are passing so you do not startle them. It is a good idea to just yell "passing on the left" before you go by.
Get your body ready.	Warm up before skating and cool down afterwards with a few stretches and some walking. This will help you avoid injury and lessen the chance of you feeling stiff and sore the next day.
Get your wheels ready.	Check your skates regularly to make sure all parts are in good working order.  Replace wheels and brakes that have become worn.
Fit is everything.	Choose good quality skates that fit your feet properly. Rollerblades should be snug - but not uncomfortably tight. Like figure skates, rollerblades should be laced or buckled up tight enough to provide adequate ankle support.
Street Smarts.	Only experienced skaters should travel on the streets. Its best to avoid this if possible as it can be dangerous. If you skate on the streets, watch for cars and other traffic. Remember that you must obey all traffic regulations.  Children under the age of 10 should be supervised by an adult.

                                                                         

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Skateboarding

Skateboarding is becoming more popular among children and youth, especially young males.  Skateboarding requires good balance and control so it’s important, especially if just starting the sport, to practice riding safely and use protective equipment. 

Skateboarding is an activity in which you move quickly over hard surfaces.  It can lead to injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to tragic brain injury. 

Almost half of all injuries happen to boys aged 10-14.

• 35% of skateboarding injuries result in fractures to the arm or leg
• 30% of injuries result in abrasions or bruising
• 21% result in sprains or strains
• 10% result in cuts or lacerations
• 4% result in head injury or concussion  (CHIRRP, 2001)

Children younger than 5 years of age should not use skateboards.  Their centre of gravity is higher and they haven’t developed the physical skills and thinking ability required to protect them from injury.

(Research taken from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2005)

Learning How to Fall

Skateboarding requires good balance and body control.  Many young skateboarders lack the necessary balance and reflexes required to prevent injury.  That's why it is a good idea to learn how to fall before you start skateboarding.  Learning how to fall more safely may reduce the chances of serious injury.

• If you are losing your balance, crouch down on the skateboard so that you will not have as far to fall.
• In a fall, the idea is to land on the fleshy parts of your body rather than sticking out your arms to break the fall.
• If you fall, try to roll rather than absorb the force with your arms.
• Even though it may be difficult during a fall, try to relax your body rather than go stiff.

(Permission to reprint granted by the National Safety Council, a membership organization dedicated to protecting life and promoting health)

Protect yourself while skateboarding with these safety tips:

Learn basic skateboarding skills	Learn: how to stop properly and safely safe slowing and turning techniques how to fall safely
Wear the Gear	Necessary protective gear includes: a properly fitted skateboard helmet Helmet Safety Cardmultiple-impact helmet that meets ASTM F1492 standards closed, slip-resistant shoes knee and elbow pads Be sure to empty all hard and sharp objects from  pockets because they can cause injury if you fall.
Use a quality skateboard	Skateboards have three parts: the deck (the board itself) the trucks (device to which wheels are attached) the wheels Shorter decks are best for beginners.
Maintain your skateboard	Inspect it before every ride.  Look for: loose, broken or cracked parts sharp edges on metal boards slippery top surface wheels with nicks and cracks Get professional help to repair serious defects.
Skate on smooth pavement away from traffic	never hold onto a moving vehicle while skateboarding skateboarding can be dangerous in wet conditions avoid skating in crowded walkways or in darkness screen the area before you skate: look for rocks, cracks or other debris
Know your abilities	skateboarding skill requires a lot of time and practice to master injury can result when you skate faster than surface conditions or your experience allows practice new tricks and jumps in a controlled area, such as a skate park.  Practice with others.
Stay in shape	prevent injury by keeping in good physical condition stretch and do conditioning exercises before and after skateboarding
Be aware	don't wear headphones skateboarders need to be aware of what is going on around them, including the approach of cars and pedestrians  listen for warnings of potential hazards from your friends
Be considerate	be thoughtful of pedestrians and cyclists less skilled boarders would appreciate your help in learning new skills allow less experienced boarders their own space where they can practice safely "park" your board on its end, where no one will trip over it