BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS

4 Always wear a bicycle helmet.

4 Find a safe place to ride — younger children ILLINOIS

should ride on the sidewalk. BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS
4 Follow the rules of the road when riding your
bike in the street.

4 Stay on the right side when riding your bike in

the street.
Bike riding is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors
and get exercise. When riding your bike, it is
4 Obey street signs and traffic lights.
important to obey all the street signs and
4 Stay off busy streets. traffic lights and to wear a helmet to protect
yourself in case of an accident.
4 Look left, then right, then left again when
crossing the street. Be aware of motorists on the road and do
not “play” in the street. Young bicyclists are
4 Watch for cars near driveways or alleys. encouraged to ride on the sidewalk whenever
possible.
4 Never carry riders on your bike.

4 Never ride between cars. This brochure provides young bicyclists tips
for staying safe while riding and checkpoints
4 Give pedestrians the right of way. to ensure their bicycle safety. Please read
this brochure carefully and follow the guide-
4 Make sure your bike has a headlight if you ride lines in it to ensure a fun and safe ride.
in the street at night.

4 Stay alert for unexpected obstacles.

Alexi Giannoulias
Answers to road signs inside brochure:
Secretary of State
1. Stop Sign 4. School Crossing 7. No Bicycles
2. Do Not Enter 5. Railroad Crossing 8. Traffic Signals Ahead
3. Pedestrian Crossing 6. Bicycle Crossing Ahead 9. One Way

For more information about bicycle safety, please consult the Illinois
Bicycle Rules of the Road booklet.
Printed by authority of the State of Illinois by union employees.
October 2023 — 10M — DSD A 170.6
 Bicycle Helmets
• A bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85% in the event of a crash.
• Damage to the brain from an external blow can affect your ability to walk, talk and
think.
1 • Replace any helmet that has been involved in a crash. There may be damage to the
foam, although it may not be visible.
• Check inside the helmet for a CPSC sticker. This sticker tells you your helmet meets
the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
• Your helmet should be level on your head, not tilted back at an angle (see right).
• Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not obstruct your field of vision.
• Make sure the chin strap fits securely and the buckle stays fastened.
2
• Helmets are not just for bicyclists. Skateboarders, in-line skaters and scooter riders
should also wear helmets.

A Safe Bike = A Safe Ride

Seat Height — a Rear Reflector — f
Make sure the seat is adjusted correctly and tightened. If you ride in the dark, the law requires your bike to
3
have a rear red reflector visible from 600 feet.
Handlebars — b
Make sure handlebars are properly adjusted and Coaster Brakes — g
tightened. If you have to pedal backward to apply the rear
brake, the bike has coaster brakes. Check them by
Hand Brakes — c
pushing the bike forward with one hand and using
While pushing the bike forward with one hand, use
your other hand to pedal backward. This should stop
4 your other hand to squeeze the brake lever. You
the bike.
should be able to stop the bike without squeezing the
lever to the handlebar. Pedals — h
Rock the pedals front to back. They should spin
Headlight — d
freely. If they are loose or tight, the bearings need to
If you ride in the dark, the law requires your bike to
be adjusted.
have a front light visible from 500 feet.
5 Chain — i
Tires — e
Keep the chain snug, clean and lubricated.
Make sure the tires are inflated to the pressure
shown on the tire’s sidewall.
b c
f a
6
d

7
e

i h
g

8
Can you name the road signs at the left of the page?
1. _____________________ 4. ____________________ 7. ____________________

2. ____________________ 5. ____________________ 8. ____________________

9
3. ____________________ 6. ____________________ 9. ____________________
(Answers on back.)
BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS
4 Always wear a bicycle helmet.

4 Find a safe place to ride — younger children ILLINOIS

should ride on the sidewalk. BICYCLE SAFETY TIPS
4 Follow the rules of the road when riding your
bike in the street.

4 Stay on the right side when riding your bike in

the street.
Bike riding is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors
and get exercise. When riding your bike, it is
4 Obey street signs and traffic lights.
important to obey all the street signs and
4 Stay off busy streets. traffic lights and to wear a helmet to protect
yourself in case of an accident.
4 Look left, then right, then left again when
crossing the street. Be aware of motorists on the road and do
not “play” in the street. Young bicyclists are
4 Watch for cars near driveways or alleys. encouraged to ride on the sidewalk whenever
possible.
4 Never carry riders on your bike.

4 Never ride between cars. This brochure provides young bicyclists tips
for staying safe while riding and checkpoints
4 Give pedestrians the right of way. to ensure their bicycle safety. Please read
this brochure carefully and follow the guide-
4 Make sure your bike has a headlight if you ride lines in it to ensure a fun and safe ride.
in the street at night.

4 Stay alert for unexpected obstacles.

Alexi Giannoulias
Answers to road signs inside brochure:
Secretary of State
1. Stop Sign 4. School Crossing 7. No Bicycles
2. Do Not Enter 5. Railroad Crossing 8. Traffic Signals Ahead
3. Pedestrian Crossing 6. Bicycle Crossing Ahead 9. One Way

For more information about bicycle safety, please consult the Illinois
Bicycle Rules of the Road booklet.
Printed by authority of the State of Illinois by union employees.
August 2024 — 10M — DSD A 170.6