Bicycling is a fun, practical and generally healthy enterprise, but safety precautions must be observed to minimize risks. In 2007, an estimated 43,000 cyclists were injured in traffic, according to Helmets. Over 100 children age 15 and under were killed, and 12,000 were injured. Males and urbanites are at greatest risk, as are young adolescents between the ages of 10 to 13, according to research published by the National Institute of Health (NIH).
This same NIH study indicates that inpatient costs alone for bicycle related injuries approached $200 million in 2003. Safe bicycling practices should be taught when children are young, and encouraged throughout childhood.
Helmets
One third of pediatric bicycle hospitalizations included a diagnosis of head injury according the NIH. Reduce your child's risk of head injury by insisting that she wear a helmet whenever she rides her bike. Buy a helmet that is identified to meet the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the helmet fits securely, and assure that your child knows to wear the helmet level so it covers the forehead.
Clothing
Children should be instructed to not ride their bicycle barefooted or with flip flops. Shoes should be checked to make sure they are tied. Pants should not have legs that are so loose as to risk being caught in the chain. Clothing should be bright and easily seen by motorists. Avoid night riding, but if your child must bike at night or twilight, she should wear reflective clothing, especially at the wrists, helmet, back and ankles.
Bicycle Maintenance
Assure that the bicycle is adjusted properly for your child. The seat should be set so the child's knees have a slight bend when their leg is at the bottom of its extension. Handle bars should be set even or slightly higher than the seat. Check the bicycle routinely to ensure that brakes work well, wheels are tightly fastened and handle bars are secure.
Road Rules
Educate your child on rules of the road. Have them review safety material, such as found at Kid's Health. Review the rules with them. For example, they must understand that they should go with the flow of traffic, observe traffic rules, come to a stop at intersections, and exercise extreme vigilance toward cars. Remind children to be aware of pedestrians and parked cars as well. Parked motorists may look for oncoming vehicles, but few think to check for bicycles before flinging their doors open to exit the car. Instruct your child on how to pass pedestrians and other bikes on the left while announcing "On your left" to the persons they pass. Also, train your child to be alert to road hazards such as potholes, curbs, glass, loose stones and water.
Train and Road Test Your Child
Tell your child that when they get older they will have to take a road test before they can drive a car. Likewise, they have to pass a road test with you before they are allowed to ride a bicycle on their own. Go on multiple training rides with them, during which you should tutor them on road rules and safety tips. Once you have confidence in their skills and judgment, give them license to bike within certain boundaries. Establish clear rules about where they are allowed to bicycle in the street and where they must stay on the sidewalk.
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