3rd Grade Bike Rodeo

Mr. Brenhiser is looking for parent volunteers for the Bike Rodeo. Volunteers will be asked to help at one of
the instructional stations. These stations include Helmet Check, Bicycle Maintenance, Bicycle Safety, Hand
Signals and the Riding Course. We will need between 8-10 volunteers per class. Your commitment is only for
the class that your child is participating. Contact Mr. Brenhiser at craig_brenhiser@needham.k12.ma.us or
(781) 455-0452 ex. 322 to confirm your commitment by Thursday, October 19th.

When?
Friday, October 20th
(Rain date-Friday, October 27th)
What time on Tuesday?
3 Badger- 11:50-12:40
3 Hession-12:50-1:40
3 Sullivan-1:45-2:35
Where do I bring my bike?
Bikes may be dropped off the morning of
the event, and wheeled to the bike rack
near the playground. Each bike should be
parked near the cone marked with their
teachers name. You may also drop the bike
off after school on Thursday and leave it in
the gymnasium so your child has it for
Friday.
What does each child need to bring?
Their own helmet (must be on to ride)
Two wheeled bicycle
*I suggest marking their name on the
bike and helmet with tape.
Whats involved?
Students will rotate through stations which feature many aspects
of safe riding such as bicycle safety, hand signals, helmet check
and rules of the road. Students will be quizzed on what they learn
and have a chance to show their riding on bike course. At the
conclusion of the event, students receive a certificate of
participation and then a bicycle license once they are produced by
the Needham Police Department.
How do I get the bike to school?
Students may ride to school with a parent that morning or bring it
in a car. Drop offs may start at 7:30 am on the 20th. Bikes cannot
go on the school bus.
What if my child cannot get their bike to school that morning?
If you are unable to get a bike into school that day, please let us
know ahead of time. We can arrange a smart swap with another
classmate so you may ride in rodeo on a bicycle that is the just
right size. Please inform your classroom teacher or Mr. Brenhiser.
Students are not allowed to borrow a helmet from a classmate.
What if I cannot ride at this time?
Students have all year to keep practicing and can show me any
time that they learn. For the rodeo day, students will still
participate in the learning stations and the quiz, but just pass on
the riding course for now. When they are capable, students can
arrange a time before school begins to show their skills.

Visit my website for pics of previous bike rodeos!

http://eliotpe.weebly.com/special-events.html

Students can not ride their bikes to school unless a parent rides with him/her.
Students may walk their bikes to school, ride with a parent, or have their bike dropped off. After our
Bike Rodeo, students that displayed the ability ride safely on their own, are then allowed with parental
consent to ride to and from school by themselves. Students may be able to ride home that day! Please
discuss your expectations with your child before hand to avoid any miscommunications at the end of
school that day. Mr. Brenhiser may contact parents or guardians, if there are any safety concerns for
your child following the event.
 3rd Grade Bike Rodeo

Hand Signals

Find the Right Helmet Fit

Make sure your child has the right size helmet and wears it every time when riding, skating or
scooting. Your children's helmet should meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's
standards. When it's time to purchase a new helmet, let your children pick out their own; they'll be
more likely to wear them for every ride.
Make sure the helmet fits and your child knows how to put it on correctly. A helmet should sit on
top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward, backward or side to side. The
helmet straps must always be buckled, but not too tightly. Safe Kids recommends kids take the
Helmet Fit Test.
EYES check: Position the helmet on your head. Look up and you should see the bottom rim of the
helmet. The rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
EARS check: Make sure the straps of the helmet form a "V" under your ears when buckled. The
strap should be snug but comfortable.
MOUTH check: Open your mouth as wide as you can. Do you feel the helmet hug your head? If
not, tighten those straps and make sure the buckle is flat against your skin.
- See more at: http://www.safekids.org/tip/bike-safety-tips#sthash.uGEVSVs2.dpuf

Rules of the Road Bicycling on the Road

Bicycles in many States are considered vehicles, and cyclists have the same rights and the same
responsibilities to follow the rules of the road as motorists. When riding, always:

Go With the Traffic Flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles.
Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and youre a driver. When you ride in the street, obey
all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
Yield to Traffic When Appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for
traffic on a major or larger road. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered
a crosswalk.
Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.
Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm
grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike.
Look Before Turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic,
then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.
Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked
cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).
3rd Grade Bike Rodeo