5 Key Pointers for Safe Biking with Your Kids
Wearing a properly fitted bike helmet is a must for any rider on any bike. It should cover the forehead and be level on the head. To ensure that the strap is securely fastened, allow two fingers to fit between the strap and the chin.
Watch your head.
When buying a bike for your child, bring them with you to try it out so it’s properly fitted to their size. Riding an oversized bike is dangerous for a child.
Before riding, check your bike. Test brakes and tire pressure. Adjust seat and handlebar height at least once a year.
Think bike size and safety.
Ride on the right, in the same direction as other motorists. Obey all traffic signs, signals and lane markings. Children under age 10 are safer riding on the sidewalk.
Look left, then right, then left again. Stop and look both ways before entering a street or crossing an intersection. Always enter at a corner, not between parked cars.
Get off and walk at busy intersections. It’s safest to walk your bike across the street, following traffic signals.
Follow “Rules of the Road.”
Bike in the light. Don’t ride at dusk or in the dark. If it’s too late, call home for a ride.
Even in the daytime, wear bright, neon or fluorescent colors.
Attach reflectors, reflective tape or flashing lights to the front and back of your bike.
Stay together. Don’t ride alone. Go with at least one friend so you can get help for each other in case of emergency.
Get noticed.
When not riding, lock your bike to an immovable object. Steel U-locks are the most secure.
Prevent theft.
Sources include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, the National Bike Registry and healthychildren.org.
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Finally, be a good role model for your
children by always wearing your helmet and following the rules of the road. And have
a fun and safe time seeing the sights!
Watch your head.
Like wearing a seatbelt, make putting on your helmet the first thing you do when you get on the bike. Injuries can happen anywhere — even the driveway.
Discard damaged helmets and only wear helmets labeled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Think size & safety.
Follow the rules.
Get noticed.
Prevent theft.