I ride my bike to and from school everyday, and I couldn’t help but notice that this year there are more people doing the same. Last year there was only a handful of us. Now, the bike racks are almost full, and I get to say hello to more smiling faces as we all get ready to go home. Our school community is growing, which means we all should stay aware of what is going on around us and how to stay safe. Students, who ride their bike to school, should keep in mind that it is school policy for bikes to be walked across campus if need be. Bikes should never be ridden on campus. They are also responsible for locking their bike in the bike rack. It is important to know how to be safe on the road as well.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you are on your journey to school:

     1: Wear a helmet. We’ve all heard this one before; it’s like buckling up in the car, and it is just as important. 

     2: Check equipment and make sure your bike is in good shape. It would be unfortunate if a part of your bike breaks as you are riding it, so it is better to double check before you start your journey.

     3: Make sure you can be seen. Stay out of the blind spots of other vehicles.

     4: Be aware of driveways and intersections. A car might not see you as it is backing up or coming around a corner on a quiet intersection, so it is a good idea to be cautious and stay out of the way in these senarios.

     5: Look before crossing or turning.

     6: Slow down at stop signs before turning, and be mindful of traffic lights.

     7: When using the bike lane, go with the flow of traffic. It’s the law.

     8: Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks. 

     9:Have at least one hand on the handle bars at all times. You can’t steer very well without any hands on the handle bar no matter how talented you think you are, so please don’t try.

It is important to know how to signal to others about what you are doing, so there is no miscommunication. Next time you need to tell someone which way you are turning, or if you are slowing down, these are the signals you should use:

   Left: Fully extend your left arm out.

   Right: extend your left arm and bend it upward, or fully extend your right arm.

  Slowing Down/Stopping: extend your left arm, then bend it downward.

I am glad that more people are choosing to ride their bikes to school. It is a fun and relaxing way to travel, but bicyclists have a chance of getting hurt if they do not ride responsibly. I hope that my fellow two-weeled travelers remember to stay safe on the roads while they enjoy their trip.