Bicycle riding gives kids a feeling of independence, and it provides a great way for them to stay healthy and active. However, if done improperly, riding a bike may present dangers for your child. Before your child heads out on his bike, talk to him about some basic bike safety rules.
Dress for Safety
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that children accounted for 59 percent of bicycle-related injuries in 2001. Accidents happen, so always make your kids wear safety gear, including a properly fitted helmet and a neon or fluorescent vest. Outfit the bike or vest with reflective tape or flashing lights to make your child more visible to motorists.
Bike Maintenance
If your child rides a road bike, adjust the bike so that there is 1 to 2 inches of clearance between your child and the top bar when standing over the bike. Increase the clearance to 3 to 4 inches if your child rides a mountain bike. Adjust the seat so that it is level and high enough to allow a little bend at the knee when your child’s leg extends fully. Set the handlebars at the same level as the seat. Check tire pressure and brake function before every ride.
Pay Attention
Talk to your child about the importance of staying alert when riding a bike. Your child should keep an eye out for potholes, gravel, puddles, animals, pedestrians and other road hazards. Also, stress the importance of staying in control of the bicycle, and instruct your child to always keep at least one hand on the handlebars. Don’t let young children ride at night when visibility is limited. If older children ride at night, make sure their bikes have reflectors on the front and back.
Where to Ride
Riding on the street requires following the same rules as motorists, making it safer for most cyclists, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, children under 10 lack the maturity necessary to make safe decisions on the street, so young children should ride on the sidewalk. Instruct your child to watch for cars backing out or pulling into driveways and to stop at corners and check for traffic before crossing.
Traffic Rules
Older children riding in the street must adhere to the same rules as drivers. This means your child must ride in the direction of traffic and obey traffic lights, signals and lane markings. Instruct your child to avoid riding in and out between cars, watch for parked cars and look before turning. Also, don’t allow your child to wear headphones when riding a bike as sometimes trouble is heard before it’s seen.
Member Comments