Supervision

• In-the-area supervision is recommended following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• A designated leader should stay at the front of the group to set pace and a sweep should stay at the back of the group. If there is a change in road direction, the leader should wait to regroup.
• Leaders/Supervisors should have background skills and knowledge in cycling skill development and bike repair.
• Suggested ratio of supervisors to students is:
  • 1:8 ratio (Pre-Kindergarten/ECS to Grade 3)
  • 1:15 ratio (Grades 4-12)

Instructional Considerations

• Correct positioning on bicycle should be taught.
• Rules outlined in current provincial legislation must be reviewed and followed.
• An initial riding pretest, with safety emphasized, should be passed before leaving school property.
• A record of students and the route should be left in the school with an appropriate person.
• Students should walk bicycles across busy intersections.
• Teachers should use a buddy system when appropriate.
• Students must not wear audio devices with earphones.
• Racing should not be done as an in-class activity.
• Teacher should provide instruction on cycling courtesy, e.g., cycle in the same direction as others, cycle safe distance from the bicycle in front to allow for sudden stops, cycle on the right, pass on the left, announce your intention to pass by saying “passing on your left,” when to use their bell to warn others.
• Students should be informed of how and when to shift gears and cope with hills.
• Cycling for Pre-Kindergarten/ECS Programs and Grades K-2 should be on-site only.

Equipment/Facilities

• Students should do a safety inspection of bicycle before each use.
• Correctly-fitting approved bicycle helmets must be worn, i.e., CSA, Snell, or CPSC. It is the law in Alberta that all bicyclists under the age of 18 wear an approved bicycle helmet.
• Teacher should carry a bicycle tool repair kit and a small first aid kit and possibly bear spray depending on where trails are located.
• All bicycles must be equipped with a bell.
• Pre-Kindergarten/ECS Program students should only ride on-site, trail systems or other outdoor paved areas.
• Pre-Kindergarten/ECS Program students may ride inside gymnasiums if numbers/space permit.
• Trails should be selected according to technical elements present and skill level of the students.
• Prior to initial use of route, teacher should do a ride-through to address safety and suitability concerns.
• Ensure permission of landowner is obtained for off-road routes.
• Students should be provided with clear directions and a map of the route.
• Open-toed shoes or sandals should not be worn.