B.E.S.T.

BICYCLE EDUCATION & SAFETY TRAINING

Instituted in 1995, the B.E.S.T. program targets fourth grade students and teaches proper bicycle riding techniques and safety skills. A course of instruction consisting of 7 sessions, five of which are hands-on bicycle training, is conducted yearly at the elementary school. The class is taught by Bicycle Patrol Officers from the Ocean Shores Police Department. In addition to the structured class, all other grades receive classroom presentations on bicycle safety

Bicycle Rodeos are also conducted, allowing children and young adults the opportunity to practice riding skills in a controlled environment.

SAFETY FACTS

Bicycle Helmets Save Lives

Each year approximately 500 bicyclists under 15 years of age die from head trauma, another 200,000 receive concussions or other head injuries induced by bicycle falls and collisions
Of all cyclists who are killed, approximately 75 percent die of brain injuries. Up to 85 percent of these fatalities could have been avoided through use of a helmet.

Each severe brain injury costs society from $4 to $7 million dollars for the life-long care of that child.

The Ocean Shores Police Department gives out bicycle helmets to fourth grade students who need them during the B.E.S.T. Program. The OSPD also has available helmets free of charge for those persons unable to purchase one for themselves. Bicycle helmets that meet necessary safety standards and bear the SNELL or ANZI stickers can be purchased at local department stores for as little as $10-15. A small price to pay for a child's safety.

Below are listed several bicycle laws that may be unfamiliar to you:

All bicycles must be licensed. (A bicycle is defined as "every device propelled solely by human power upon which a person or persons may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is sixteen inches or more in diameter, or three wheels, any one of which is more than twenty inches in diameter.") Licenses are available free at the police department.
Bicyclists must obey all traffic control devices.
Bicyclists must ride on the right edge of the roadway and with the traffic flow.
Bicycles require reflectors to the rear and a white light to the front at night.
Bicycles are not allowed to be ridden on the sidewalk in business districts.
Bicyclist carrying too many passengers.( One seat, one rider)

These are just some of the more commonly violated laws related to bicycles.

If you should have any questions regarding bicycle laws, safety issues or would like to schedule a bicycle safety presentation please contact Deputy Chief Russ Fitts at the Police Department.