Bicycle Safety

Can the use of helmets by cyclists reduce head injuries in an accident? Should parents reinforce rules of the road and bicycling safety? Do cyclists and motorists need to follow the rules of the road in order to coexist? Should traffic violations be enforced?

The unequivocal answer to all of these question sis yes. The real question is; "what are you doing to make cycling a safer activity?"

The first answer lies with parents and their children. Once children begin to learn how to ride a bike, it is essential that parents insist on their using proper safety equipment and on teaching them the rules of the road. In addition, parents need to be role models - to do what they say. If children see adults around them acting safely and responsibly, if riding becomes a safe habit, this habit will continue as these children grow into adulthood

Next, parents can take heart that groups in their commuity, such as the Hamilton Safe Communities Coalition, will support their efforts. Bikes, Blades and Boards and Cyclemania teach bicycle safety, rules or the road, and the importance of children six to 10 years of age wearing properly fitting helmets. In the last year alone, more than 3,000 Hamilton children benefited from these two programs.

Finally, everyone who uses our roadways, not matter what age, needs to follow the traffic laws, to drive safely, and to respect the rights of fellow cyclists and motorists.

A team effort by all members of the community is needed in order to reduce cycling injuries and deaths. Make sure you do your part.

Drive or cycle responsibly. Support local groups, such as the Hamilton Safe Communities Coalition, either by volunteering or by sponsoring safety programs. Teach your children the importance of cycling safety. Wear a helmet when you cycle. Together we can make a difference and keep the ones we love safe.

Some of our safety programs include: Bikes, Blades and Boards a cycling, in-line skating and skateboarding safety program for the children in our community. This program includes in-class education, skills training and injury probability awareness.

Cyclemania-is a program aimed at 6-10 year olds. The program consists of educational training and hands on training. Hands on training consists of a 45 minute bicycle rodeo which emphases and teaches basic rules and tips for safe bicycling, riding predictably and the three basic hand signals and the importance of properly fitting and good conditioned safety equipment.

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Peter Mori, Knight of St. John Ambulance Lifesaving Award

HSCC, Hamilton Mayor Larry DiIanni, Deputy Police Chief Tom Marlor and Fire Chief Jim Kay honoured fellow Hamilton Hero's with the Peter Mori, Knight of St. John Ambulance Lifesaving Award on Monday, September 25, 2006 at City Hall in the Councillors Chambers at 7:00 p.m.. The Hamilton Safe Communities Coalition Awards Committee works diligently all year to find and seek Hamilton community Hero's to honour each year. If you know of someone who is deserving of this award please contact either Bill Urie at 905 312 9962 (burie@esao.on.ca) or Kim Sloboda at 905 523 1688 (hscc@execulink.com).

The criterion for this award is as follows:

Criteria:

• Given to those individuals who perform outstanding safety program achievements or those who perform lifesaving deeds. Consideration will be given to Meritorious Acts that minimize or prevent injury to others.
• This Award can be awarded 'Posthumously'
• In the case of professionals (firefighters, police, etc.) the award must not be for regular duties except in extenuating circumstances. The deed must be above and beyond the call of duty, or off duty personnel.
• Information will be obtained from the newspaper articles and/or from other sources.
• Must be validated by the Police, Fire Department, other authorities or any reliable Source.
• Personal contact by a Committee Member will be conducted. A full review of the details will be obtained from the individual performing the lifesaving or heroic deed. See Awards Application Information Sheet.
• Applications will be reviewed and approved by the Awards Committee. All Hamilton Citizens are eligible for this award.
• Arrangements for the presentation of the ' Citizens Awards' will be initiated by the Awards Committee with assistance from the HSCC.