According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 21 percent of people injured in bicycle accidents are under 15 years old. Riding a bike is a good way for kids to get exercise and spend time out in the sun rather than glued to the television or video games, and hardly anyone would suggest not allowing kids to ride at all. But it is important to teach young kids about bike safety so they can have as much fun as possible without getting hurt.
Step 1
Start early, before your child gets on her first bike. Discuss the basic safety rules: always wear a helmet and protective knee and elbow pads; never ride in the street without an adult; always keep both hands on the handlebars.
Step 2
Talk to your child about the importance of riding with traffic if he is old enough to ride his bike through the neighborhood alone. Explain to him that that means you ride on the right side of the road so that he's going in the same direction as the cars that are driving. Tell him he must always stop at stop signs and look for traffic, including other bikes, coming from the other direction.
Step 3
Tell your child that bike safety rules exist for her safety. Keep the discussions short and simple; young children may have trouble sitting still and listening to a long lesson. Tell your child that if she doesn't follow the rules, she could get hurt badly. If you create consequences for not following the rules--for example, losing the use of her bike for a week if she rides without a helmet--tell your child what they are and that you will stick to them.
Step 4
Tell your child that the rules apply all the time and that he has to follow them even if his friends are doing something different.
Step 5
Go over the rules often with your child so she doesn't forget them.
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