Bike riding is a fun way to spend time together as a family and to get exercise. It is an alternate way of transportation, saving money on gas and decreasing the effect on the environment. Bike riding gives kids a sense of independence. Before children head out to ride their bikes, educate them on bike safety rules.
Wear a Bike Helmet
According to Safe Kids, one study found that within only five years of a mandatory bicycle helmet law, bicycle-related deaths in children 13 years and younger decreased by as much as 60 percent. Bicycle helmets need to fit properly and be worn on every bike ride.
Wear Bright Clothing
Make it as easy as possible to be seen by others by wearing fluorescent or bright clothing.
Bicycle Size
Be sure that the bicycle is the appropriate size. If a bike is too big, it becomes unsafe because the rider is unable to safely and quickly get off the bike. Bikes that are too big are difficult to control. If the rider is always stretching to reach the handlebars and pedals, it increases the difficulty in maintaining a straight path, and veering becomes a problem.
Reduce Chain Hazards
Before each ride, tuck in all shoelaces, and move strings or long, baggy clothing that will get caught away from the chain. An ankle strap is useful to keep pantlegs from getting caught in the chain.
Bike Maintenance
Before each ride, check to see that tires are properly inflated and the brakes are in good working order.
Do Not Listen to Music
Listening to music decreases the ability to be aware of what is going on while biking. Pay attention to road conditions, road debris, parked vehicles and other cyclists.
Do Not Ride at Night
Night riding is dangerous, because the driver's ability to see is diminished. If avoiding night riding is not an option, make sure the bike has working reflectors and rear and front lights, and wear reflective tape on clothing, around ankles and on helmets.
Follow Traffic Laws
Bicyclists are expected to obey all traffic laws. Learn the laws and obey all traffic signs; bike on the correct side of the road, yield to pedestrians, stop at all traffic lights, use correct hand signals when turning, and always look before turning.
No Handlebar Riding
If an individual is riding on the handlebars, the biker's ability to steer, to avoid road hazards, and to see are impaired. Handlebar riding is unsafe for both the child pedaling and the child riding on the handlebars.
Where to Ride
Generally speaking, riding on the street with the flow of traffic is safer than riding on the sidewalk for children older than 10. Children younger than 10 years old do not have the same level of maturity or the ability to make safe decisions on the street, so the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that children under 10 ride on the sidewalk. Extra precautions need to be taken to watch both for motorists pulling into and out of driveways and for alerting pedestrians while passing.
Member Comments
ackra April 10
Last year I lost a friend on his bike. Had he simply had turn signals on his bicycle he would be with us today. I just brought mine at www.safetybikesignals.com.
If you believe like I do and every bike safety expert that bicycle turn signals
should be mandatory on all bicycles then email me.
We together will make it happen.