As a child, you might have spent summers flying down the streets on a bike that wasn't a perfect fit. Helmets and knee pads weren't even a consideration then, and skinned knees were a rite of passage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more than 20 percent of bicycle deaths involve kids from age 5 and 15. Teaching bike safety aims to prevent injury and death by encouraging kids to practice safe bicycle practices.
Bike Size
A bike's size is a crucial factor in a child's safety. A simple way to test the size is to have the child stand over the bike while straddling the bar. Both feet should be flat on the ground, with 1 to 3 inches of clearance. The NHTSA recommends placing the bicycle seat so the child has a slight bend in his knees when his legs are extended while pedaling, with the handlebars at the same height as the seat. Although it is tempting to pass down bikes from one child to the next, a proper bike fit should be a priority.
Helmet
The bicycle helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment. The NHTSA estimates that bike helmets reduce head and brain injuries by up to 88 percent. Falling from a bike, getting hit by a moving vehicle and running into a parked car are situations that could result in head injuries. Measuring a child's head helps select the appropriate helmet size. The helmet should fit her snugly, without moving from side to side. Place the helmet flat and low on the child's forehead, with the buckle under her chin.
Clothing
Clothing selection helps prevent bike crashes. Loose-fitting pant legs or skirts can get caught in the bike chain, causing an accident or injury. Tennis shoes offer the most protection for the feet while providing a good grip on the pedals. Bright clothing allows a child to be seen easily by motorists. Avoid dark clothing, which makes it more difficult to spot a child on a bike.
Rules
Children need an understanding of the bicycling rules of the road before riding. Maintaining control of a bike with both hands on the handlebars should be emphasized. Bicyclists should ride on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic, and obey all traffic signs. Bike lanes, when available, offer safe areas for children to ride. Children on bikes should cross streets at crosswalks, always looking both ways for traffic and double-checking--even if they have the right-of-way. Using hand signals alerts vehicle drivers to a child's intended path.
Teaching Bike Safety
Modeling bike safety yourself instills the importance in your children. Establish bike-riding boundaries and rules for your child. This might include limiting his riding area or always riding with an adult. A safety check each time he gets on his bike gets him in the habit of doing the checks himself. A demonstration of bike hand signals and proper riding is a valuable teaching tool. Ask your child to practice in your neighborhood, and away from busy roads.
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