1. family and parenting
2. children

how to organize a festival in
your community
Community Host
KIDS CAN-BIKE
Community Host Manual
Prepared by Will Wallace
This manual is a companion to the
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival: Instructor's Manual
and Cycle Right: A Beginner's Bicycling Course for Young Riders
Copyright© Canadian Cycling Association
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, or photocopying,
recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the copyright owner.
First printing, 1995
Published by:
Canadian Cycling Association
1600 James Naismith Drive
Gloucester (Ontario) K1B 5N4
Phone 613-748-5629 • Fax 613-748-5692 • E-mail cycling@cdnsportca
Printed in Canada
Acknowledgments
The preparation of this Community Host Manual followed the principle which we hope you will apply
in offering the Kids CAN-BIKE Program to fellow cyclists: through collaborations and partnerships.
We owe much to the people who contributed along the way.
This program would not have been possible without the financial assistance provided by the Health
Canada Fitness Program. A debt of gratitude goes to the staff at the Fitness Program, in particular to
Tim Weir who has been following our development since the beginning.
The concept of the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival was nurtured into a national program thanks to the vision
of professionals such as Gavin MacPhail, Brigitte Nowak, Malak Sidky and Barbara Wentworth.
The Ontario Cycling Association gratefully provided staff time, office space and equipment which
facilitated the development of materials and helped create links with our many partners. Thanks to
Blair Webster and his staff at the Ontario office.
The review of manuals is often time consuming. For this reason, we owe a special thank you to June
Barrette, Peter Haidelmayer, Police Constable Damn Little and Malak Sidky for their patience and
constructive criticisms during the review of the many drafts developed since the beginning of this
program.
Our national partner, SAFE KIDS Canada, has been instrumental in implementing the Kids CAN-BIKE
Festival in the community. We thank Dianne Merrick for her continued support and expertise, Jane
Rogers for her contribution in writing and editing the manual, and the rest of the staff for working
beyond the call of duty. We also wish to express our gratitude for the assistance provided by the
Ontario Ministry of Transportation, Bicycle Safety Team.
For the pilot projects, we thank Michele Antunes, Peggy Howorth and Tish Willekes at the East York
Public Health Department, Theresa Huber of the Sarnia-Lambton Injury Prevention Committee, Bev
Mclntyre of the Sudbury Cycling Club, Gavin MacPhail of Citizens for Safe Cycling, as well as
Barbara Wentworth and her cycling ambassadors at the Toronto City Cycling Committee.
Finally, we thank Dr. Colin McArthur and Dr. Pat Parkin at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children for
their help in evaluating the Kids CAN-BIKE Festivals.
Foreword
The Canadian Cycling Association is the national governing body for cycling in Canada. It is
committed to encouraging and developing safe and pleasant cycling. It promotes cycling through
educational programs for all age groups and cycling interests, by working with enforcement agencies to
ensure that motorists and cyclists alike understand their rights and responsibilities on the road, by
ensuring that our transportation and roadway systems are properly designed and engineered for
cyclists, and through encouragement and public awareness programs.
With nearly 18 million cyclists in Canada and 1.5 million bicycles sold annually, the Canadian Cycling
Association has a particular interest in the safety of all cyclists. To address this issue, the Association
provides leadership in several areas which affect one or more of the following: (1) the cyclist, (2) the
bicycle, (3) the cycling environment, and (4) the cycling rules and regulations. For optimum safety, a
cyclist must have the proper skills, use the appropriate equipment, have appropriate facilities, and
follow the appropriate rules and regulations.
To develop proper cycling skills, the Canadian Cycling Association has developed the CAN-BIKE
Program which is unique in Canada in that it is the only complete cyclist education program available.
This program is designed to teach traffic, touring and maintenance skills to Canadians of all ages in an
effort to provide safe, enjoyable cycling. Since its creation in 1987, more than 200 Instructors have
been certified to teach the CAN-BIKE courses to which approximately a quarter million Canadians
have been exposed. The program has been successful in alleviating the participants' fears of riding
within our existing transportation network and increasing the use and mileage of their bicycle. In
1995, in collaboration with SAFE KIDS Canada, the Canadian Cycling Association developed the
Kids' CAN-BIKE festival, a type of bicycle rodeo which acts as an introductory level to the CANBIKE courses.
The Kids CAN-BIKE Festival will help children develop proper cycling skills in order that they may
enjoy the benefits of cycling for many years to come. By adopting appropriate cycling behaviours,
cyclists can learn, from a very young age, how to share the road with other users, therefore facilitating
their transition from the playground to the transportation network.
The Canadian Cycling Association is pleased to be working with its national, provincial and local
partners in the implementation of this worthwhile initiative. We hope the Canadian public will join our
team by participating in what should be a festive learning experience for the whole family.
Charles Laframboise Director/Recreation
and Transportation Canadian Cycling
Association
Foreword
SAFE KIDS Canada is a national, charitable organization dedicated to informing the public that
preventable injuries are the leading health threat to children under the age of 15, and works with other
national and community groups to develop or promote programs that will reduce the number and
severity of these injuries.
Bicycle related injuries are a significant cause of death and serious injuries to children. Cycling
mishaps are the most common cause of head injury in children. Head injuries account for 75% of all
deaths from bike injuries. Bicycle helmets play a major role in decreasing cycling related head injuries,
but helmets alone cannot prevent all cycling injuries. What is needed is a program that promotes both
the use of bicycle helmets and teaches children proper bicycle skills.
That is why SAFE KIDS Canada teamed up with the Canadian Cycling Association, the Ontario
Cycling Association, the East York Public Health Unit, the Hospital for Sick Children and the Toronto
City Cycling Committee to design and pilot this community based event which upgrades the bicycle
"rodeo" concept of the 1970's. The result of the cooperative effort is the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival
where the fundamental emphasis is on bicycle handling skills and teaching by skilled CAN-BIKE
Instructors.
Rather than inventing new programs, SAFE KIDS Canada has been working hard to identify good
existing programs and improve them with our added child safety component. We are proud to work
with the Canadian Cycling Association to bring Kids CAN-BIKE Festivals to children across Canada,
so that children can enjoy "safe" cycling.
Thank you for your commitment to "Keep Our Kids Safe".
Dianne Merrick
Executive Director SAFE
KIDS Canada
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
CHAPTERS
Forewords
KIDS CAN-BIKE COURSE
INTRODUCTION
The Kids CAN-BIKE Program
3
Key Features of the Program
4
CHAPTER 1
CREATING A SUSTAINABLE PROGRAM
IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Host Agency
5
Training Your Leaders
6
CHAPTER 2
What Is the Kids CAN-BIKE Course?
13
Space Requirements
13
Training of Instructors
14
Festival Instructor and
Course Instructor
15
Festival Instructor/Instructor Trainer,
Course Instructor/Instructor Trainer,
and Skills 2 Instructor
16
Training Costs for CAN-BIKE Instructors
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival Instructor
(Course and Festival)
CAN-BIKE Skills 2 Instructor
16
16
Fees for CAN-BIKE Instructors
17
Costs to Participants
17
CHAPTER 4
KIDS CAN-BIKE FESTIVAL
What Is the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival?
7
Weather and Time Requirements
8
Space Requirements
9
Types of Festivals
Community Based Festival
School Based Festival
10
10
How to Become a Festival Instructor
11
Training Costs for Festival Instructors
11
Costs to Festival Participants
12
BEING A HOST AGENCY
Defining Your Role as Host Agency
18
Deciding What Kind of Program You
Want In the First Year
18
An Example of a First Year Program
Schedule
20
Logistics
Planning
Training
Scheduling
Marketing
Course Delivery Coordination
21
21
21
21
22
APPENDICES
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Introduction
for taking the initiative on behalf of children's bicycle
Congratulations
safety in your community. By offering a high-quality program that
teaches important cycling skills to children, you will help boost their
confidence and help keep them safe while they cycle. We are confident that
you will find the quality you have been seeking in the Kids CAN-BIKE
Program.
Based on sound principles and the latest research, the Canadian Cycling
Association, in partnesrhip with SAFE KIDS Canada, developed the Kids CANBIKE Program in response to the need for children's safe cyclist skills training
which was nationally recognized.
Many people believe that learning to ride a bike requires learning how to
balance, period. But there is far more to learn, just as there is with other
activities such as swimming and skating. As children grow and develop, they
are able to learn more complex skills, and they need the opportunity to develop
these skills to ensure that they continue to thrive as cyclists. The Kids CANBIKE Program offers children the opportunity to (1) develop their knowledge of
safe cycling equipment, (2) enhance their bicycle handling skills, and (3) develop
their traffic decision-making skills.
Cyclist training is essential. Cycling injuries are a common cause of death and
disability among children. According to the Canadian Institute of Child Health,
almost one fifth of all childhood deaths attributable to motor vehicle collisions
occur among cyclists 5 to 14 years of age. Transport Canada reports that, in
1992, there were 32 cycling fatalities and 4,000 reported injuries among children
1 to 14 years of age.
People who do not receive training either learn by experience, the long and hard
way, or they never get over the feeling that cycling is dangerous, and, too often,
give it up as they get older.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
By introducing the children in your community to sound cyclist skills training via
the Kids CAN-BIKE Program, you are preparing them for a lifetime of safe
cycling. By helping children develop good cycling habits early, you are helping
them engage in something that is active, stimulating, environmentally responsible
and practical.
Please note: This Community Host Manual is to be used in conjunction with
the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival: Instructors Manual and Cycle Right: A
Beginner's Bicycling Course for Young Riders. Once you have reviewed this
material and set your training schedule, the Instructor manuals will be made
available to you.
The Kids CAN-BIKE Program
The Kids CAN-BIKE Program is a cycling safety skills program focused on
cyclists aged 8 to 13 year. Children in this age group are riding independently
and need to develop their knowledge and skills to stay safe and feel confident
about operating the bicycle as a vehicle.
The Kids CAN-BIKE Program is run under the auspices of the Canadian
Cycling Association, the governing body for cycling in Canada, ensuring that the
program and the Instructors meet national standards.
Kids CAN-BIKE is part of the national CAN-BIKE Program, which is
becoming the standard for bicycle education for children and adults across the
country. A growing number of police forces train their bicycle patrol officers
using CAN-BIKE as their basic road safety course. More and more school
boards require that teachers who take children on bike trips gain CAN-BIKE
certification. As well, many municipalities require bicycle couriers to complete a
CAN-BIKE course before they are issued a license, and bicycle tour operators
train their tour leaders using CAN-BIKE to ensure safe adventures. Many
members of the cycling public have also benefited from the program by
enhancing their cycling skills.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Key Features of the Program
•Instructors are trained and certified;
•Children are taught skills for which they are developmentally ready to learn;
•Skills taught target injury prevention priorities;
•Courses promote the fact that cycling skills training is a process that unfolds
throughout childhood;
• Courses encourage on-road training;
•Courses develop knowledge of safe equipment, handling skills and traffic
decision-making;
•Program seeks to establish realistic expectations about training and bike
safety;
•Program is nationally recognized.
There are two courses in the Kids CAN-BIKE Program: the Kids CAN-BIKE
Festival and the Kids CAN-BIKE Course. The goal of the Canadian Cycling
Association is that each child will complete the Kids CAN-BIKE Course before
they leave elementary school. We see the Festival as a way of introducing
children, parents and communities to the Kids CAN-BIKE Program.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Creating a Sustainable
Program in Your
Community
here are two key elements to making the Kids CAN-BIKE Program a
success in your community: (1) having a host agency that can do the
administrative and promotional work; and (2) having trained Instructors who
are energetic and enthusiastic.
T
Host Agency
As with all training programs, many administrative and communications tasks
supporting the lessons must be accomplished. The Kids CAN-BIKE Program is
no exception.
The role of the host agency is to provide a home for the Kids CAN-BIKE
Program. This role consists of several tasks which are discussed below.
Each community will have a specific host agency, depending on how it is
organized. Examples of host agencies are cycling clubs and organizations, injury
prevention coalitions (such as a SAFE KIDS Canada affiliates), public health
agencies, parks and recreation departments, community centres, summer sports
camps, the police service, environmental groups, after school programs, service
clubs, and so on. The Kids CAN-BIKE Program is flexible enough to be
accommodated in each of these settings.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Training Your Leaders
The training of Instructors requires several elements, as detailed below, the most
important of which is the early identification of individuals who are willing to be
trained. They should be cyclists who have the time and the interest to take part
in the training sessions and to instruct in the Spring and Summer.
Most communities have organized cycling groups in one form or another. Your
provincial cycling association is likely in contact with these groups and will be
able to help you identify where likely candidates may be found. As well,
physical education students from high school, college and university are often
looking for opportunities to develop their skills. They also represent a good
source of Instructors.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival
What is the Kids CANBIKE Festival?
T
he Kids CAN-BIKE Festival is an adaptable playground based event for
children 8 to 13. An Instructor takes a maximum of 8 children through a 75
to 90 minute program. It is ideal for a community or in-school event. The
children are introduced to information about safe equipment (helmet and
bike), and four key safe cycling handling skills during the Festival. These four
handling lessons are straight line riding, shoulder checking, signalling, and
stopping and starting.
Many traditional rodeos have stations through which children rotate. The Kids
CAN-BIKE Festival is not organized in this fashion, mainly because each lesson
builds on the previous one. Instead, one Instructor (and a volunteer teaching
assistant, when possible) takes a group of up to 8 children (6 is preferable) to
one teaching site where all the lessons are taught in that same location. No
rotating! An advantage of this structure is that you only need space according
to the number of participants you are expecting. A small event may only require
one teaching site, a larger one, four or five, and a huge event, twelve (see space
requirements on Page 13).
Children who participate must have a bicycle helmet, as well as a bike that fits
and is in good working order. It is useful to have someone comfortable with
bike mechanics involved. Other activities, such as barbecues, prize draws, and
displays can be integrated into the event.
While the cyclists take part in the Festival, parents and caregivers with younger
children can be invited to participate in other age appropriate activities at the
Young Riders Centre, making the Festival an excellent family activity.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Weather and Time Requirements
The Kids CAN-BIKE Festival is an outdoor event. You will need to have
access to a large enough playground, or parking lot free of traffic to
accommodate the number of children you expect to participate in one day. In
the event of rain, you should have a back-up plan. Here are some options to
consider:
1. Publish a "rain date".
2. Cancel the event.
3. Postpone the start of the event, hoping the rain will stop.
4. Continue in spite of the rain (be mindful of slipperiness of surface).
5. Have access to an indoor venue.
Your decision will depend on local conditions (for example, how likely is it for
the rain to continue, and so on), but you should prepare yourself in advance. In
your plan, you should have answers to the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Who makes the decision? What are the criteria?
When will the decision be made?
How will the decision be communicated to the Instructors and volunteers?
How will the decision be communicated to the participants?
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Space Requirements
Each teaching site must be a minimum of 10 metres wide by 40 metres long.
You will also need extra space to accommodate the helmet sales/check, bike
mechanic check, registration/information, food, and the Young Riders Centre (if
you have one). See the example set-up below.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Types of Festivals
Community Based Festival
Because each instruction cycle takes approximately 90 minutes, you will find
that you can comfortably run three cycles in one day. The number of children
you anticipate will determine how many Instructors you need, or the number of
Instructors you have available will determine how many children can participate.
In setting your schedule, consider lunch breaks for Instructors. The Instruction
is intensive, and they will need a break. Below is an example of a Festival day
schedule with four Instructors and four teaching sites:
Time
Instructors
Children/
Instructor
Total Children
Taught
Session 1:
9:30-11:00
6-8
24-32
Session 2:
11:30-13:00
6-8
24-32
Session 3:
15:00
13:30-
6-8
24-32
Total:
72-96
School Based Festival
A school based Kids CAN-BIKE Festival must fit into the rhythm of the school
day. Typically, you will have half a day to run your Festival. Practically, this
means one instruction cycle. Given the average size of most school yards, you
will be able to run four teaching sites, in which case you should expect to be
able to accommodate one average sized class, or parts of several classes.
(Target grades four and five)
Number of Instructors Number of Sessions
6-8
12-16
18 -24
24-32
1
2
3
4
5
6
30-40
36-48
42-56
7
8
9
10
11
12
24-32
36-48
48-64
60-80
72-96
84-112
18-24
36-48
54-72
72-% :
90-120
108-144
126-168
48-64
96-128
144-192
54-72
108-144
162 -216
60-80
120-160
66-88
132-176
72-96
144 -192
180-240
198-264
216-288
Table 1: Number of participants possible in the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival
10
2
12-16
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
How to Become a Festival Instructor
To become a Kids CAN-BIKE Festival Instructor, you must take the one day
CAN-BIKE Course and the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival Seminar.
Total number of hours of training = 11.
One day CAN-BIKE Course: Introduction to the basic CAN-BIKE
approach to safe cycling. Includes discussion,
handling skills practise, and on-road riding.
(7.5 hours)
Kids CAN-BIKE Seminar:
$
Provides essentials on how to teach Kids
CAN-BIKE to children, including understanding children's development, and how
children learn; injury prevention priorities for
children; classroom management; risk management; giving feedback; curriculum structure
and lesson content. (3.5 hours)
Training Costs for Festival Instructors
Training costs vary across the country. However, the following can be used as a
guideline.
CAN-BIKE Course (one day):
Kids CAN-BIKE Seminar:
$40/person, 5 person minimum
$25/person, 5 person minimum
Note
At least one of the new Instructors must become an
insured member of the Canadian Cycling Association. Contact
your provincial cycling association for details.
11
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
$
Costs to Festival Participants
No cost! The community absorbs the training costs through local or individual
resources, and everyone involved volunteers his or her time.
If the Festival is part of a school or camp program, and there is a regular
schedule of events, then Instructors will need to be paid. In this case, the local
pay scale should be used for similarly trained individuals, and the cost
incorporated into a program budget that may or may not include a user fee.
Community grant programs have been used successfully in several communities
to help defray the costs associated with holding a Festival.
12
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Kids CAN-BIKE Course
What is the Kids CAN-BIKE Course?
he Kids CAN-BIKE Course is a ten hour course for children 9 to 13. It is
the goal of the Canadian Cycling Association that every child should
participate in this course before they leave elementary school. In our
view, no bicycle education program is complete without on-road training, where
children can understand the real consequences of their choices in traffic. As
well, the bicycle is a vehicle and is best operated on the road. The Kids CANBIKE Course provides a structured way for children to graduate to the road.
T
The Kids CAN-BIKE Course teaches children the rules of the road, how traffic
works, and how cycling fits in. It teaches children about safe equipment, bicycle
maintenance, safe bicycle handling skills, good cycling practices, and traffic
decision-making on-road. The Instructor takes the children in a small group
from the classroom, to the playground, to residential streets in a series of lessons
that allow the children to experience success, as well as safe and confident
cycling.
Space Requirements
The Kids CAN-BIKE Course requires an inside room where children can leave
extra belongings and where you can retreat if it rains. You can also teach the
traffic theory in the room, although it is often more interesting for everyone to
be outside under a tree. You will also need to have access to a VCR to show
the video.
13
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
For the handling skills portion of the course, you will need to have access to a
playground or parking lot free of traffic. The size of the area should be about 15
metres by 40 metres.
For the on-road portion of the course, you will need to find a residential
neighbourhood with quiet streets. It is better if these are two-way streets, and
the neighbourhood is big enough that you do not need to ride on busy streets.
Locations should be developed in consultation with the Course Instructor, but
you may need to take the initiative for choosing a location in the first year.
Because the Kids CAN-BIKE Course includes on-road training, special
precautions must be taken. A child's parent or guardian must sign a waiver.
Each Instructor must be insured for off-site activity, and should have some first
aid training and a first aid kit. The easiest way to fulfil insurance requirement is
for the Instructor to be an insured member of the provincial cycling association.
In some provinces, an Instructor may be "required" to be a member of the
provincial association. For coverage to be in effect, the provincial association
must be notified of the event. A copy of the course schedule is usually
sufficient, but check with your provincial cycling association ahead of time.
During the Instructor training, these requirements and other safety details at
discussed. Please see the safety check list in the appendix, which you can you
use to discuss safety planning with the Instructor.
Training of Instructors
A major strength of the Kids CAN-BIKE Program is that it offers a way to
develop community based Instructors who can teach safe cycling to children.
There is no ready pool of Instructors who can travel to your community to teach
the Kids CAN-BIKE Program, and even if there were, the cost would soon be a
major impediment.
The goal of the Canadian Cycling Association is to help communities establish a
pool of Instructors in the community itself, so that the expertise you need is
readily available.
We recommend, therefore, that the initial training in your community be more
ambitious than your immediate goals suggest. That is, that the training be
complete enough to allow individuals in your community to become Instructor
14
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Trainers. For example, if you train people to become Kids CAN-BIKE Festival
Instructors, this is the only course they will be able to teach and they will not be
in a position to train others. If they move to another community or are unable
to stay involved, then your community is back where it started.
Access to certification as an Instructor Trainer is through completion of the
CAN-BIKE Skills 2 Course. The certification process, which includes a
weekend workshop, practice teaching and a written exam, does not need to be
completed all at once, before you start a Kids CAN-BIKE Program in your
community.
If your resources are not sufficient at first to allow this level of training, we will
continue to work with you, but your objective of developing Instructor Trainers
in your community should then be integrated into your future plans.
Here are the detailed training requirements for Instructors of each course. The
courses listed in bold are those that a certain level of training enables someone
to teach.
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival Instructor
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival Instructor and Course Instructor
To become a Kids CAN-BIKE Festival Instructor and Kids CAN-BIKE Course
Instructor, you must take the CAN-BIKE Skills 2 Course and the Kids CANBIKE Festival Seminar.
Total number of hours of training = 21.5
CAN-BIKE Skills 2 Course:
Comprehensive cycling skills course for regular
cyclists. Includes in-depth discussion of traffic
dynamics, extended development of bike handling
skills and collision avoidance techniques, and
practise of riding strategies in all levels of traffic.
It includes a certification exam at the end of the
course, which includes practical and written
elements. (18 hours)
Kids CAN-BIKE Seminar:
Provides essentials on how to teach Kids CANBIKE to children, including under-standing
children's development, and how children learn;
injury prevention priorities for children; classroom
management; risk mana-gement; giving feedback;
curriculum structure and lesson content. (3.5
hours)
15
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival Instructor/Instructor Trainer,
Kids CAN-BIKE Course Instructor/Instructor Trainer,
and CAN-BIKE Skills 2 Instructor
To become a Kids CAN-BIKE Instructor Trainer and a CAN-BIKE Skills 2
Instructor, you must take the CAN-BIKE Skills 2 Certification Course, achieve
a minimum of 80%, and show an aptitude for teaching.
Total number of hours of training = 53.5 hours
CAN-BIKE Skills 2 with an 80 % average (18 hours), Kids CAN-BIKE
Festival Seminar (3.5 hours), plus a weekend workshop (16 hours), practise
teaching of the one day course twice (2 x 7.5 = 15 hours), plus a one hour
written exam (pending).
$
Training Costs for CAN-BIKE Instructors
Kids CAN-BIKE Instructor (Course and Festival)
CAN-BIKE II Certification Course: $75/person, 5 person minimum
Kids CAN-BIKE Seminar:
$25/person, 5 person minimum
Note
Each Instructor must be an insured member of the Canadian
Cycling Association. Contact your provincial cycling association
for details.
CAN-BIKE Skills 2 Instructor
CAN-BIKE 2 Certification Course: $75/person, 5 person minimum
CAN-BIKE 2 Instructor Workshop: $100/person, 4 person minimum
(includes exam fee)
Workshop Materials:
$80/person
16
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Fees for CAN-BIKE Instructors
Instructor Fees vary across the country. The fees listed below are suggested
rates. [Please note: Instructors in training are paid at a locally determined
rate.] A guideline for fully trained Instructors' fees is as follows:
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival Instructor: no fee, volunteer
Kids CAN-BIKE Course Instructor: $150 - $200/course
CAN-BIKE Skills 2 Instructor:
$300/course
If an Instructor is coming from out of town, you should expect to negotiate an
extra fee for travel time and route research, as well as travel, meals and
accommodation expenses, where required.
$
Costs to Participants
Costs vary across the country depending on local conditions, but the following
can be used as a guideline.
$40 per student on average. This price is a good deal for ten hours of
instruction, and there is room to raise this rate if local conditions require it. The
fee is based on an Instructor receiving $150 to $200 for the course, and the
provincial cycling association receiving $5 a student for administration, course
development, and production of a certificate.
17
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Being a Host Agency
De fining Your Role as Host Agency
Before you can identify your responsibilities, you must first decide what
role you wish to play in bringing the Kids CAN-BIKE Program to your
community.
For example, do you want this program to be an on-going part of your
organization's activities, or do you see your role as empowering others to
deliver this program in your community? In the first instance, you are claiming
ownership of the program, in which case you must develop the capacity within
your organization to develop, implement and maintain the courses. In the
second case, you want to fill a void in bicycle safety education within your
community, but your mandate is limited. Therefore, you must ensure that the
program can be delivered by ready and able individuals who may require support
at first.
Whatever your intentions, one fact is clear: For the Kids CAN-BIKE Program
to succeed, it needs a home. Deciding where that home will be is your first
responsibility.
Deciding What Kind of Program
You Want in the First Year
The ultimate goal of the Kids CAN-BIKE Program is to have every child
participate in the Kids CAN-BIKE Course before they leave elementary school.
This goal will not be achieved in the first year! A complete Kids CAN-BIKE
Program will have children participate in the Festival and the Course, in addition
to other classroom based bicycle education, as part of a process which meets the
needs of children for knowledge and skills as they are ready to learn them. For
18
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
this reason, the development of this complete program is not to be achieved in
the first year. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that these goals are achievable
over a period of time.
In the beginning, your objective is to decide what you can successfully manage.
Do you want to host a Festival or a series of Festivals? Do you want to use the
Festivals as a way of promoting the Kids CAN-BIKE Course? Perhaps there is
already a well established rodeo in your community, in which case you may want
to by-pass the Festival and work with the current organizers to promote Kids
CAN-BIKE Courses, thereby providing the next level of bicycle safety
education in your community. Maybe the demand is for on-road training only,
in which case the Kids CAN-BIKE Course is your priority.
Answering these questions will help you with two important decisions. The first
is deciding the kind of training you want and when it should happen. The
second is determining a schedule and location for your program.
Typically, Kids CAN-BIKE Festivals are introduced to the community in the
Spring. May and June tend to be the traditional time for community cycling
events, when children are dusting off their bikes. You may have another logical
time during the summer to hold your Festival, which is fine too.
Kids CAN-BIKE Courses can be scheduled in many different ways. During the
school year, they are best held on a number of weekend days over a period of
several weeks. During the summer break, Kids CAN-BIKE Courses can be
scheduled as part of summer sports programming. Often, the ten hour Course
can be split into five half days, with other activities, cycling-related or not,
occupying the children for the other half day. They can also be completed in
two long days, but children learn better when they have time to practise and
absorb their new knowledge over a longer period of time.
Training for the Festival is completed in 11 hours, while training for the Course
is completed in 21 1/2 hours. Usually, CAN-BIKE training is not scheduled to be
immediately followed by the Seminar, in order to allow the Instructor candidates
time to read the supporting materials and absorb the information. However, if
logistics require an extended weekend course, then the entire training can be
completed in that time.
Ideally, you would want training to be completed at least two weeks before the
first course is scheduled. This extra time allows you to assess the strengths and
weaknesses of your Instructors and to provide time to plan for extra support or
remedial work, if necessary.
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
In the first year, you will not be able to have someone in your community
provide the training unless they were previously trained. Becoming a Kids
CAN-BIKE Instructor Trainer takes most people from the Spring to the Fall
Contact your provincial cycling association to obtain the coordinates of the
nearest available Instructor.
An Example of a First Year Program Schedule
November
Planning Phase Begins
January
Plan Finalized
February 15
;
March 1
Course Schedule Completed,
Training Dates Set
April 12-14
Course Schedule Published
Instructor Training; CAN-BIKE II Course
April 29
Instructor Training: Kids CAN-BIKE Seminar
May 15
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival (School)
May 25
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival (Community)
June 5
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival (School)
June 19
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival (School)
July 8-12
Kids CAN-BIKE Course (Summer Sports Camp)
July 22-26
Kids CAN-BIKE Course (Parks and Rec. Dept)
Aug. 26-30
Kids CAN-BIKE Course (Summer Sports Camp)
Oct. 19-20
Instructor Training: Instructor Trainer Workshop
This schedule demonstrates a series of steps which introduce the
Kids CAN-BIKE Program, develop its acceptance and integration in
the community, and set the stage for sustainability in future years
with Instructor training.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Obviously, in the first year, your program can be smaller or larger than the
example provided above, depending on your resources.
Logistics
In your first year of operation, a number of logistical issues will need to be
addressed while setting up a Kids CAN-BIKE Program. These issues concern
(1) Planning, (2) Training, (3) Scheduling, (4) Marketing, (5) Course Delivery
Coordination, (6) Weather and Time Requirements, and (7) Space
Requirements.
Planning
1. Establish your steering committee, complete with mandate and objectives.
2. Notify the provincial cycling association of your interest and activities.
3. Develop a timeline, task list and budget.
Training
1. Develop your local partners.
2. Find your Instructor candidates.
3. Schedule training, book classroom and parking lot or large playground (if
booking is necessary).
4. Confirm travel and accommodation plans for the Instructor Trainer, if he or
she is coming from out of town.
5. Be present at the beginning of the training course to make introductions and
take care of last minute logistics.
Scheduling
1.
2.
3.
4.
Decide on courses to be taught.
Develop schedule.
Confirm locations which meet course criteria.
Encourage youth agencies (such as schools, scouts, guides and community
groups) to have their children participate in the Festival or the Course.
Always encourage pre-registration (Strongly recommended).
5. Following Instructor training, confirm Instructor roster for courses.
6. Re-confirm Instructor and location logistics at least one week before event.
Marketing
1. Develop a flyer with course dates, locations and costs. Develop preregistration form.
2. Develop a list of distribution points for flyer and form; delegate distribution.
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
3. Get course information published in recreation department/community
centre listings.
4. Ensure that key people in your community are aware of the program.
5. Take advantage of word of mouth.
6. Develop and distribute a media release.
Course Delivery Coordination
{Once the organizational process has been established in a Kids CAN-BIKE
Course, the Instructor should be responsible for much of the logistical details.
However, be aware that some Instructors will need support. For Kids CANBIKE Festivals, there is a need for more overall coordination because of the
large number of people involved.}
1. Assign responsibilities amongst Instructors and volunteers for organizational
tasks.
2. Contact helmet supplier (if applicable).
3. Contact bike mechanic and arrange for supply of bike parts (if applicable).
4. Confirm with BBQ organizer's time, place and expected numbers (if
applicable).
5. Confirm details with other groups and sponsors involved.
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
KIDS CAN-BIKE
23
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
c
Kids CAN-BIKE Description
Safe Cycling Skills Courses
for:
The Kids CAN-BIKE Program is composed of two (2) courses, the Kids CANBIKE Festival and the Kids CAN-BIKE Course. These courses are quickly
becoming the standard for bicycle education in Canada due, in large part, to the
following features:
• instruction is provided by nationally certified Instructors;
• skills training is appropriately provided to a specific age category;
• the emphasis is on cycling skills leading to injury prevention;
• the program encourages on-road training;
• courses help develop a good knowledge of the cyclist's equipment, bicycle
handling skills and traffic decision-making;
• provides realistic expectations about bike safety and training; and
• the program is recognized nationally.
The Kids CAN-BIKE Festival is a playground based event for children 8 to 13
years of age. The main purpose of the Festival is to introduce key bike handling
skills to children who are beginning to ride independently, and to introduce the
idea of further training that deals with traffic decision-making on road. During
the Festival, one certified Instructor takes a maximum of eight children through
a helmet adjusting lesson, a bike check, and four riding stations: (1) straight line
riding, (2) shoulder checking, (3) signaling, and (4) braking. The Festival takes
between 75 to 90 minutes to complete. To participate, children must have a
helmet and a bike in good working order that fits. There are no costs to
participants. An activity centre for younger children and their parents or
caregivers is available. The Festival is perfect for schools because it can be
organized during a school day.
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Kids' CAN-BIKE Course: On-Road Education
The Kids CAN-BIKE Course involves discussion about the rules of the road,
the bicycle's place in traffic, and safe equipment, practice of bike handling skills,
and on-road training in small groups on residential streets. The focus of the onroad training is to develop good road position and lawful bicycle operation,
good planning skills and good decision-making skills. The course is for children
9 to 13 years of age. Younger children do not have the physical and mental
skills to consistently ride safely on the road without adult supervision.
One Instructor teaches eight children in this ten (10) hour course. Lessons are
designed to build from simple concepts and skills to more complex ones. This
structure ensures that risk is minimized, but also that children see their skill and
confidence grow as the course proceeds. Usually, this course requires a fee to
cover Instructor honorarium and administrative charges.
The training for this course is completed in twenty-one (21) hours. It involves
an eighteen-hour CAN-BIKE Skills 2 certification course and a three-hour Kids
CAN-BIKE Seminar. There are costs associated with this training. Because of
the small class size, and the fact that the course runs for several days, it is
important that this course is hosted by an agency which can deal with the
logistics of the program, such as a recreation or community centre, or a summer
sports camp. Once again, it is important that each community develop a pool of
Instructors so that it can continue to deliver the course over a number of years.
Conclusion
The Kids CAN-BIKE Program requires an investment of commitment, time and
money. However, with the need for high quality cycling instruction, this
investment is worth its weight in gold. In comparison with other activity skills
such as swimming or skating, cycling is just beginning to develop its training
programs. According to parents of Festival participants, the Kids CAN-BIKE
Program is "the highest quality cycling education their child has received".
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Public Announcement
The Pleasant Valley Cycling Coalition is pleased to announce that a
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival,
the national safe cycling skills course
developed by the Canadian Cycling Association
is coming to
Nora Young Public School
Saturday, May 25, 1996
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
for cyclists aged 8 to 13 years (with activities for
younger children and their parents/caregivers)
Please fill out a registration form at
Sandy's Hardware
Gear Up Bicycle Shop
East District Optimist Club
Nora Young Public School
Cyclists: Come on out and get trained!
Kids CAN-BIKE is becoming the standard for children's bicycle education in
Canada. "Because we train our Instructors to national standards, parents,
teachers and youth leaders can be assured that children are receiving excellent
instruction", says Daphne Hope, Vice President/Recreation and Transportation
for the Canadian Cycling Association.
"We are really excited about making the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival available in
our community", says Phil Diamond, Chair of the Pleasant Valley Injury
Prevention Coalition. "We now have trained Instructors in our community who
are eager to pass on their knowledge".
For more information, please contact Donna Swanson at 012-345-6789.
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
The Pleasant Valley Cycling Coalition introduces the Kids
CAN-BIKE Festival
PVCC BRINGS THE KIDS CAN-BIKE FESTIVAL TO PLEASANT VALLEY
Pleasant Valley (Ontario), April 1, 1996: The Pleasant Valley Cycling
Coalition (PVCC) is pleased to announce that the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival,
developed by the Canadian Cycling Association, is coming to the Nora Young
Public School, Saturday, May 25, 1996, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.
The Kids CAN-BIKE is a playground based event for children 8 to 13 years of
age. Activities for younger children and their parents and caregivers are also
offered. The main purpose of the Festival is to introduce key bike handling
skills to children who are beginning to ride independently, and to introduce the
idea of further training that deals with traffic decision-making on road.
Kids CAN-BIKE is becoming the standard for children's bicycle education in
Canada. "Because we train our Instructors to national standards, parents,
teachers and youth leaders can be assured that children are receiving excellent
instruction", says Daphne Hope, Vice President/Recreation and Transportation
for the Canadian Cycling Association. "We are really excited about making the
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival available in our community", says Phil Diamond,
Chair of the Pleasant Valley Injury Prevention Coalition. "We now have trained
Instructors in our community who are eager to pass on their knowledge".
Registration forms are available from Sandy's Hardware, Gear Up Bicycle Shop,
East District Optimist Club, and Nora Young Public School.
Cyclists, come on out and get trained!
Contact: Donna Swanson (012) 345-6789.
-30-
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Checklist of Materials
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
List of Available Resources
KIDS CAN-BIKE RESOURCES
Bicycle Safety for Your Child: Ten Steps to Help Your Child Cycle Safely
by Will Wallace
Prepared for parents and caregivers of Festival participants. Offers key aspects of cycling to
be discussed with children. Canadian Cycling Association, 1996.
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival: Community Host Manual
by Will Wallace
Provides comprehensive information on how to organize a Festival in your community. Offers
sound advice on creating a sustainable program in your community, provides detailed
information about the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival and the Kids CAN-BIKE Course, and
provides assistance on being a host agency. Canadian Cycling Association, 1996, 40 pages.
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival: Instructor Manual
by Will Wallace
Provides information on the logistics of the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival (format of the Festival,
space requirements, event size, number of participants, equipment required, volunteers
required and set up), risk management, and Festival instruction (equipment stations, riding
stations and the Young Riders Centre). Canadian Cycling Association, 1996.
Kids CAN-BIKE Festival: Participant Passport
by Will Wallace
Provides a brief description of the Kids CAN-BIKE Program. Space is provided for individual
evaluations of each participant. Canadian Cycling Association, 1996.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Bicycle Owner's Manual
by Diana Bailey
The first comprehensive, non-technical bicycle owner's manual for new and not so new
cyclists. The topics in this booklet are chosen to promote safe and enjoyable cycling. Are
discussed the anatomy of a bicycle, getting the right fit, using the controls, sharing the road,
maintaining the bicycle, riding for fitness, securing the bicycle and choosing accessories.
Canadian Cycling Association, 1990, 66 pages.
$3.00 + $1.00 for Shipping and Handling = $4.00
29
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Effective Cycling
by John Forester
The cyclist's bible! Everything you always wanted to know about bicycling but were afraid to
ask. Bicycle, cyclist, cycling environment, safe cycling skills, education, regulation and
politics are covered in a detailed fashion. A valuable resource for all. Reference manual for
the Canadian Cycling Association's CAN-BIKE Skills 1 and Skills 2 courses. The MIT Press,
1993, 599 pages.
$25.50 + $3.80 for Shipping and Handling = $29.30
Effective Cycling Video
produced by Robert Seidler and John Forester
This video offers instruction on how to ride further, faster, safer, and more confidently. The
viewer is given an introduction to traffic cycling principles, as taught in John Forester's
textbook Effective Cycling. This video is a richly illustrated course offering well-tested
techniques of traffic safety, physics, and physiology. The video makes cycling sense for both
occasional and enthusiastic cyclists. It will make you comfortable using your bicycle as a
vehicle every day. Reference video for the Canadian Cycling Association's CAN-BIKE Skills
1 and Skills 2 courses. VHS format only. Seidler Productions, Inc., 1992, 41 minutes.
$29.95 + $4.50 for Shipping and Handling = $34.45
Anybody's Bike Book: An Original Manual of Bicycle Repairs
by Tom Cuthbertson
An original manual of bicycle repairs illustrated with cartoon-like drawings. Provides a list of
necessary tools and step-by-step procedures for maintenance and repair jobs. Maintenance
made fun and easy. Ten Speed Press, 1984, 215 pages.
$13.95 + $2.10 for Shipping and Handling = $16.05
Bicycle Repair
by the Editors of Bicycling Magazine
How to fix the most common bicycle failures. The book tells you what you can repair, and
when you should get professional help. Rodale Press, Inc., 1985, 92 pages.
$6.95 + $1.05 for Shipping and Handling = $8.00
Roadside Bicycle Repairs: The Simple Guide to Fixing Your Bike
by Rob Van der Plas
The handiest and most complete small-format bike repair book for a non-technical audience.
Step-by-step instructions for all essential bicycle repairs accompany extensive advice on
simple do-it-yourself preventive maintenance. An essential ingredient for all traveling
cyclists. Bicycle Books, Inc., 1988, 112 pages.
$6.50 + $1.00 for Shipping and Handling = $7.50
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Cycling Skills: A Guide for Teen and Adult Cyclists by
the Toronto City Cycling Committee
This booklet is your guide to bicycling safely in the city. If you're new to cycling, it provides
an easy to follow, step-by-step guide to the handling skills and traffic skills you need. If you're
an experienced cyclist, but still feel uncomfortable riding in downtown traffic, or are unsure of
your legal rights as a cyclist, there's information for you too. Ontario Ministry of
Transportation, 1988, 45 pages.
$1.00 for Shipping and Handling
Smart Cycling: A Guide for Young Riders
by the Toronto City Cycling Committee
This information booklet was prepared in the interests of safe cycling for young riders aged
10-14. Includes such information as: handling skills, emergency handling, visibility, riding
on the street. Toronto City Cycling Committee, 1986, 16 pages.
$1.50 + $1.00 for Shipping and Handling = $2.50
Bicycle Touring Skills: An Instructor's Guide
by Don Hollingshead
This course implies the recreational aspect of bicycle touring. Since this may be the only
recognized bicycle education that students encounter, much time is spent reviewing basic
cycling skills while attempting to instill a responsible attitude about sharing the road with
other vehicles. The course covers topics such as instructor role and objectives, course
organization, touring equipment and camping, tour planning, etc. Canadian Cycling
Association, 198S, 29 pages.
$7.25 + $1.05 for Shipping and Handling = $8.30
Bicycling I Course: Instructor's Manual by
Barbara Bernhardt
This manual is intended for certified CAN-BIKE Skills Instructors. It is used as a teaching
guide for bike handling skills and cycling technique, traffic skills, accident prevention, basic
bicycle equipment selection. Canadian Cycling Association, 1985, 35 pages.
$7.25 + $1.05 for Shipping and Handling = $8.30
Bicycling I Course: Course Handouts
by Barbara Bernhardt
The participant handouts are a collection of information pieces on topics such as buying a
bicycle, bicycle inspection, gearing, hazards, cycling in traffic, etc. The handouts are used in
conjunction with the Bicycling 1 Course: Instructor's Manual. Canadian Cycling Association,
1986, 24 pages.
$1.95 + $1.00 for Shipping and Handling = $2.95
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Bicycling n Course: Instructor's Guide
by Daniel Egan
The Instructor's Guide is designed to assist in the teaching of the CAN-BIKE Skills n Course.
Covers topics such as advanced traffic cycling skills, advanced hazard avoidance skills,
efficient cycling technique for all types of weather and terrain conditions, bicycle maintenance
and safe group riding techniques. Canadian Cycling Association, 1985, 26 pages.
$7.25 + $1.05 for Shipping and Handling = $8.30
Cycle Right: A Beginner's Bicycling Course for Young Riders by
Ken Croxford and Denys Beames
"Cycle Right" is a basic cycling course for young beginners at the grade 5 to 8 level. This
course teaches basic bicycle handling skills, basic traffic skills and basic safety maintenance
requirements for safe and proper use of the bicycle both for riding alone and for riding in
groups. Canadian Cycling Association, 1991, 42 pages.
$7.50 + $1.10 for Shipping and Handling = $8.60
Guide to Bicycle Rodeos
by John Williams and Dan Burden
Includes all that you will need for running your own bike rodeo programs: basic balance and
traffic skills, accident causes and cures, resources for bicycle safety campaigns, examples of
successful projects. Bikecentennial, Inc., 1988,48 pages.
$8.30 + $1.25 for Shipping and Handling = $9.55
Introduction to Cycling Skills:
Manual
by Denys Beames
A One-day Course for Beginning Cyclists - Teacher's
This manual is intended for use by teachers of the "Introduction to Cycling Skills" course.
The course is designed as a basic skills development course for beginning cyclists. Its goal is
to give new cyclists the encouragement, confidence and motivation to increase their bicycle
use, and to seek out more advanced cycling instruction. Riding technique, basic handling
skills and road riding are discussed. Canadian Cycling Association, 1991, 22 pages.
$7.00 + $1.05 for Shipping and Handling = $8.05
Smart Cycling Program
Smart Cycling is a live action video program about bicycle safety and skills. The program
offers complete instructional information that not only promotes traffic and bicycle safety
awareness but illustrates basic concepts for the proper operation and maintenance of a bicycle
in everyday traffic situations. Image II Communications Inc., 1988.
• Instructor's Manual
by Denys Beames and Oksana Hlodan
The live action video is accompanied by an Instructor's Manual which is rich in activities,
presentation suggestions, and complete lesson plans. For the student, there is an Activity
Funbook included at the back of the Manual. 44 pages.
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
• Live Action Video
produced by Oksana Hlodan
Taking a fresh and thoroughly modern approach, the video uses humour and fantasy to
illustrate safe cycling skills. With an intriguing story revolving around an absent-minded
"fix-it" man who moonlights as an inventor, and a cycling helmet with mysterious
properties, the video creates a stimulating learning experience that captures student interest
VHS format only. 15 minutes.
Instructor' Manual
$13.00 + $1.95 for Shipping and Handling = $14.95
Live Action Video
$33.50 + $5.00 for Shipping and Handling = $38.50
Package (includes manual and video)
$40.00 + $6.00 for Shipping and Handling = $46.00
Tour Leadership: A Leader's Guide
by Danelle Laidlaw
:
This manual was designed to assist those people who will be leading one-day and multi-day
cycling tours. It was written to assist the leader in preparing for the ride/tour, ensuring that
each participant is prepared, understands its role as well as group riding skills, and that the
leader is prepared for all situations, particularly emergencies. The manual has been laid out as
a step-by-step guide and has been arranged in a time-logical sequence. Canadian Cycling
Association, 1993, 52 pages.
$10.00 + $1.50 for Shipping and Handling = $11.50
NOTE: All materials mentioned above are available from:
Canadian Cycling Association
1600 James Naismith Drive
Gloucester (Ontario)
K1B 5N4
Tel: 613-748-5629
Fax: 613-748-5692
E-mail [email protected]
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Festival Preparations
THE DAY BEFORE THE FESTIVAL
• Confirm responsibilities with all volunteers
• Confirm access to washrooms, water, etc. with site supervisor
• Check equipment
• Review risk management, first aid, emergency action plan
ON THE DAY OF THE FESTIVAL
08:00 hrs
Opening team of volunteers arrives at site
Raise banners Mark out teaching areas
Paint, chalk or tape lines as required
Set up registration and information tables, helmet loan/purchase
Ensure that washrooms are accessible
08:30 hrs
Mechanic and police officer (if applicable) arrive
Instructors arrive
Review checklist
Safety check of teaching areas/necessary sweeping
09:00 hrs
Registration opens
09:30 hrs
Festival instruction begins
11:00 hrs
Lunch brigade sets up (if applicable)
12:00 hrs
Lunch is served
14:00 hrs
Last time to start a teaching session
15:00 hrs
Festival instruction ends
15:30 hrs
Clean up
THE DAY AFTER THE FESTIVAL
• Write thank you letters •
Complete paper work
• Submit registration forms, waivers, Kids CAN-BIKE inquiries to provincial cycling
association
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Volunteers Required
Volunteer Positions
Number of Volunteers Required
Trained Kids CAN-BIKE Instructors
1 per 6 children
Volunteer Teaching Assistants (preferable) 1 per 6 children
YOUNG RIDERS CENTRE
Kids CAN-BIKE Instructor
Volunteers
1 per 6 children
3
ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT
Registration Coordinator
Registration Assistants
Information Table Volunteer
Bike Mechanic
Bike Helmet Loan Pool/Sales
Site Supervisor
Designated First Aid Volunteer
Food Volunteers
Greeters/Crowd Management
1
1 to 3
1
1 per 20 bikes
2 per 20 children
1
1
4
2
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Volunteer Job Descriptions
The trained Kids CAN-BIKE Instructor leads the group through the lessons,
as outlined in the Instructor Manual.
The Instructor should know the Emergency Action Plan.
The volunteer Teaching Assistant helps with the group management, provides
encouragement, and facilitates any group work.
If there is difficulty, then the Assistant can seek help, or in the case of a child
who is finding the exercises challenging, provide one to one attention.
The children should not be left alone without adult supervision.
The Young Riders Centre has a shorter and more open-ended format. The job
of the Instructor and the Teaching Assistants is to help parents and caregivers
and their children through the various activities.
ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT
Registration
The Registration Team is responsible for a number of tasks:
• welcome the participants
• ensure that the Class List has been properly completed
• explain basic expectations for the Festival:
:=) parents and caregivers should stay on site
:=) the program for children 8 to 13 years of age takes roughly 90 minutes
:=) the program for younger children takes a minimum of 30 minutes and
parents and caregivers are expected to participate and support their
child
:=) an approved bike helmet is required to participate :=) a bike in good
working order that fits is also required to participate
• direct children to the helmet loan pool/sales area, or the bike mechanic
if necessary
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
=> determine the age of the child and direct him or her to the appropriate
area
=> administer the bag check area (if provided) => the Registration
Coordinator should know the Emergency Action Plan
Information/Promotion
The Information Volunteer has a number of tasks:
•
•
•
•
staff the table
distribute and collect evaluation forms
promote the Kids CAN-BIKE Course and other CAN-BIKE courses
distribute bicycle safety flyers and other pamphlets of participating
groups
• act as a message centre • the Information Table Volunteer should
know the Emergency Action Plan
Mechanics
The Bike Mechanic should not try to teach. The bikes that come to him or her
have been identified as having a problem (e.g. flat tire, loose handlebars, faulty
brakes, a skipping chain). The mechanic should make a quick decision, based on
demand and the complexity of the problem, about whether the bike can be fixed
in a reasonable amount of time. Do what is possible!
If necessary, the Mechanic may have to reject a bike as unsafe. The site
supervisor should discuss the problem with the child and the parents. The Bike
Mechanic should continue to work on the next bike.
Helmet Loan/Sales
The volunteer should staff this area, establish an accounting/sign out routine,
and a collection mechanism for loaned helmets.
If sales are offered, then you will probably need more than one volunteer. Each
purchaser should have the helmet individually fitted. Proper adjustment of the
straps can be completed as part of the stations.
The volunteer should either be an experienced or newly trained bike helmet
fitter.
Site Supervision
The Site Supervisor has the responsibility to ensure that the Festival is set up
and cleaned properly.
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
This volunteer is the link between the operators of the site (store owner,
community centre staff, etc.) and the Festival Team.
The Site Supervisor should ensure access to washrooms, phones, water and
food.
He or she will conduct a safety review with a senior Instructor of the site before
the Festival begins, and monitor safety concerns as the Festival proceeds.
The Site Supervisor will work with the bike mechanic to advise children and
parents that a bike is unsafe. There are several options the Supervisor can take:
* offer a loaner bike (if available)
* suggest that the child participate in the equipment stations and walk
through the riding stations
* see if the child can share a bike the same size with another child in the
group
* turn the child away (last resort) with information about the next Festival
The Supervisor should know the Emergency Action Plan.
First Aid
In case of a first aid situation, someone with first aid training needs to be on site
at all times. This person can be one of the other volunteers.
The Designated First Aid Volunteer should know the Emergency Action Plan
and be responsible for the first aid kit.
Food
The Food Volunteers will be responsible for all aspects of food preparation and
food clean up, as well as garbage disposal or recycling.
Greetings/Crowd Management
The Greeters are floating volunteers who can help direct people to where they
need to go. The Greeters can also be the designated media or celebrity guides.
Another role is to address questions from people outside the event about
questions such as parking or other issues.
They can also act as back up volunteers if there is a backlog in an area. For
example, they may work at the registration table at the beginning of the day, and
then help at the Young Riders Centre later on.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Class Record Sheet
3»
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
r
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
ABC Quick Check
The ABC Quick Check is an easy way for you to remember what parts of the
bike you need to check in a basic safety inspection. Practice the ABC Quick
Check so that you can do it in about 45 seconds.
A is for Air (in your tires)
• check everything to do with tires
• are they inflated?
• are they true? (the wheel should be straight)
• is there any looseness in the axle bearings?
• is there badly worn tread?
B is for Brakes
• are the levers far enough from the handlebars? • are the brake pads in
the proper position, not too worn? • do the brakes fully tighten against
the rim? • are the cables worn? also
• check the headset for looseness (apply the brakes, rock the bike back
and forth) • check the handlebars for looseness (hold front wheel
between knees and try to twist the handlebars side to side, up and down)
C is for Chain
• check everything to do with the drive chain
• is the chain on and lubricated?
• do the pedals spin freely?
• are the gear derailleurs in the correct position?
• Is there any looseness in the bottom bracket?
Quick is for Quick Release
• are the levers on tight?
• are the nuts on the axles tight?
• are the levers flush against the forks?
Check is for a Final Check Over
• Drop check to listen for loose parts (lift the bike a few inches off the
ground, drop it and listen for loose parts) • try
your brakes as you ride off
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Steps to Avoid Bike Theft
Introduction
Losing a bike through teft can be a painful experience for a child, and an expensive experience
for a parent There is no full-proof method to preventing bike theft, but there are some basic
things you should know that can help. There are four basic ways to steal a bike: ® Steal an
unlocked bike; © Break the lock; © Break what the bike is locked to; © Steal parts of the bike
that are unlocked
Always Lock Your Bike
Half of all bikes stolen are taken from home. Lock your bike to something solid always, even
in your backyard or garage. Help your children get into a locking routine, even if they are just
visiting a friend, or running into the store for a second.
Buy the best lock you can afford. Usually U-locks are the best kind. Thieves often carry bolt
carriers that can cut cables and chains. U-lock designs are always changing. One thing you
can do to make U-locks with the key hole at the end of the straight bar harder to break is to
add a plumber's T to the lock, preventing a thief from placing a hollow pipe over the end of
the straight bar and cracking it by pushing down on the pipe. Have two kinds of locks. That
way, a thief would have to carry two kinds of tools to steal your bike.
Lock Your Bike to Something Solid
Do not lock your bike to * itself, * wooden porches, * chain link fences, * poles that are loose
or that the bike can be lifted over, * racks that are not bolted down, * wheelchair ramps (be
courteous).
Secure Your Bike Frame, Secure Your Bike Parts
Lock your frame, not just your wheel. Avoid using "wheel bender" racks which only support
the wheel. If possible, use your lock to secure both your frame and your front wheel. As well,
unless you need quick release levers on your wheels, seat post, or other parts of your bike,
replace them with regular bolts. If you do want your quick release levers, either take the wheel
and/or seat with you, or lock them with a second lock, such as a cable.
Conclusion
There are a lot of myths about bike theft. Do what you can to prevent it. If your bike is stolen,
remember, you are not alone. Bike theft hurts, but the best thing you can do is get another
bike and keep riding. Here are a few more tips: • If your community has a bike registry
program (usually through the police), then make sure your family's bikes are registered. •
Always report a stolen bike to the police. Insurance companies are recognizing bike theft is a
problem and are making it less cost-effective to make a claim. The value of bikes stolen in
Canada exceeds the value stolen through armed robbery. When the police hear about
numerous bike thefts in a neighbourhood, they know that there is an organized bike thief in
the area, and they can do something about it • Only buy a second-hand bike from someone
you trust. If you are not sure whether a bike has been stolen, ask questions or phone the
police.
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Find the Twelve Hazards
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
46
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
8. Please rate the following program materials:
a) Participant Passport
Very good
Good
Average
Below average
Poor
Average
Below average
Poor
Good
Average
Below average
Poor
Good
Average
Below average
Poor
b) Bicycle Safety for Your Child Pamphlet
Very good
Good
c) Festival Banner
Very good
d) Festival Poster
Very good
9.
We are considering developing a summary checklist describing the
major teaching points for each skill. Would you find this useful?
47
i
Thank you for completing the evaluation form. Please return the completed
form by matt to the Canadian Cycling Associationr 1600 James Naismith
Drivet Gloucester (Ontario) KlB 5N4t or by facsimile transmission at the
following number (613) 748-5692.
Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Risk Management
The Key to minimizing risk is preparation. The Kids CAN-BIKE Program is
designed with this principle in mind. What follows is a list of important elements
to consider:
(1) Your first aid training is up to date.
(2) The parent understands the need to stay on site.
(3) The child has a certified, properly fitting bicycle helmet.
(4) The child has a safe bike that fits and is in good working order.
(5) The parking lot or playground for practicing handling skills is safe:
• Traffic free.
• Surface paved and free of glass, sand, gravel and debris.
• Lines painted on the surface.
• Level ground. (No exercise should be practiced on a downhill slope.)
• Lots of space.
• Good weather. (Be careful when using painted lines when wet. Also,
be mindful of fatigue and dehydration that can be caused by extended
periods in the sun.)
• Use safe equipment (e.g. use half tennis balls instead of traffic cones so
that they will not cause a participant to crash if hit).
• Follow the sequence of the Festival. It is designed so that the
skills learned build on each other.
• The parent and caregiver of a participating child stays on site.
Emergency Action Plan
An Emergency Action Plan consists of information:
• nearest telephones and emergency phone numbers
• nearest hospital with emergency facilities
• designated qualified first aid person
• location of first aid kit
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Kids CAN-BIKE Community Host Manual
Liability Release Form
The Kids CAN-BIKE Festival is an event which takes place in a traffic-free area and is taught
in small groups by trained Instructors. The Festival is designed for children ages 8 to 13.
Younger children may participate in the Young Riders Centre where available. The children
are learning skills they may not have practiced before. Every reasonable precaution has been
taken to ensure the safety of the event and the children who participate in it.
In consideration of the acceptance of my child's application and by signing this release for my
child, I waive any and all claims for myself and my heirs against all sponsors, their officers
and members and any other parties connected in any way with the Canadian Cycling
Association, its provincial affiliates, and/or its Education Steering Committee for any injury,
misadventure, harm, loss, inconvenience, or damage suffered as a result directly or indirectly
from participation in the Kids CAN-BIKE Festival or in any activities associated with it.
I further state that my child is in proper physical condition to participate in this Festival. I
understand that cycling is an activity entailing a degree of danger, and that the sites chosen to
practice cycling skills are not necessarily the safest sites available. I agree to abide by the
rules of the Festival. I further warrant that I will endeavour to maintain my child's bicycle in
a safe operating condition.
SIGNATURE OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN__________________________________
DATE ___________________________________________________________________
NAME OF PARTICIPANT______________________________________ (please print)
ADDRESS
________________________________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE
Home:
Work:
FAX:
In case of an emergency, please contact:
NAME________________________________________(please print)
TELEPHONE
Home:
Work:
FAX:
RELATIONSHIP TO PARTICIPANT