Bike riding is a fun and healthy childhood activity, but the Kids Health website warns that as of August 2010, 300,000 youngsters end up in emergency rooms annually due to bicycle-related injuries. Children don't have to join these statistics if they know about proper cycle safety. This includes maintaining the bike in good condition and riding it cautiously and defensively.
Rules
Kids must learn the rules of the road for cycle riders. This includes riding with traffic, obeying stop signs and using the hand signals for stops and turns. Cycle riders should yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises watching out for cars in unexpected spots like driveways and staying alert in parking lots for vehicles that suddenly move or swinging car doors. It recommends children under 10 ride on sidewalks instead of roads because they are too young to remember all the rules and make quick decisions on the street.
Attire
Safe cycling requires proper attire. Loose pants are dangerous because they can get caught in the bike chain, and flip-flops or sandals do not provide a good foot grip on the pedals. Sneakers are ideal, but the laces must be tied so they don't tangle in the chain. Kids Health recommends brightly-colored clothing to make youngsters more visible. Youngsters should not carry backpacks or anything else with dragging straps that might get snagged on the chain or wheels.
Maintenance
Cycles must be maintained properly so they do not become unsafe. Kids Health explains the wheels, seat and handlebars should be checked regularly for a tight fit. The bike chain needs regular oiling, and tires should be in good shape and inflated to the proper pressure. The brakes must be tested regularly to ensure they work without sticking.
Equipment
Kids Health recommends a helmet as important safety equipment because most fatalities from biking result from head injuries. Helmets should have a sticker indicating that they meet Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Kids should wear their helmets level on their heads and always fasten the straps. Let them choose a color they like and decorate it with stickers to make them more likely to wear it.
The bicycle itself should be equipped with reflectors and a bell or horn to alert pedestrians of the child's approach.
Warning
Kids can get injured if they indulge in distractions while cycling. They should never wear headphones to listen to music, talk on a cell phone or send text messages during a bike ride. Teach them to stop if they need to answer a call or send a message to someone. It is too easy for a distracted youngster to ride in front of a car, hit a curb or inadvertently have some other type of accident. The NHTSA warns that youngsters should always watch for potholes, puddles, broken glass and other hazards.
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