If you'd like your kids to bike to school or over to a friend's house, it's critical that you provide them with basic safety information and equipment. This not only prevents accidents for your kids, but it also protects other bikers and drivers on the road.
For the Bike
Step 1
Wear a helmet that fits. Most states require children under 18 to wear a helmet while riding a bike. Check to make sure the helmet fits properly and protects the front of the head. Have your child put it on, and make sure it can still fasten under the chin and come down low enough on the brow to protect the child's head.
Step 2
Check the bike. Make sure the seat is still appropriately fitted for your growing child. The top bar of the bike should be an inch or two below the child's crotch when she stand over it. Make sure the seat is set so that it is level and allows your child to bend only slightly while pedaling.
Step 3
Maintain control. Make sure your child can stop without twisting the handlebars of the bike, sending her into traffic. Also make sure she can manage her bike on any hills without going into traffic.
Step 4
Watch the road. See if your kids know to watch for hazards such as potholes, man covers, puddles, leaves and the like.
On the Road
Step 1
Go with the flow of traffic. Teach kids to travel with the cars on the road. They're likely used to walking against the traffic flow, so check to see which side of the road they travel on with a bike.
Step 2
Stop to cross the road and stop at stop signs. Most young kids may be so focused on getting to a destination that they ignore many basic travel laws, such as obeying stop signs and checking each way before crossing the road.
Step 3
Be aware of your bike. Between a child on a bike and an SUV, the SUV wins every time. Make sure your child knows to yield right of way to any vehicle to ensure her safety.
Step 4
Be aware of the road. Check in with your kids to be sure they know to check each direction before turning and watch parked cars closely for movement or opening doors.
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