BICYCLE SAFETY
Cycling is a great way to exercise for people of all ages. Children love riding bikes. Parents can help keep kids safe by buying protective gear like helmets, elbow and knee pads, choosing the right size bike, teaching kids road safety rules and safe bike riding rules.
- Get a helmet and teach the child to use it properly with the chinstrap buckled.
- Check the bike regularly to maintain lights, brakes and saddle height.
- Teach kids to wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Avoid clothing that may get entangled with the bicycle's chain.
- Children should ride in single file to avoid overcrowding the lane. Avoid riding at night or on rainy days.
- Make sure your bike and equipment is safe. Take a few minutes to check the brake cables, tires, handle bars and seat. Make sure your lights and reflectors are in good shape and are securely fastened.
- Wear a helmet. Helmets can prevent head injuries, the primary cause of death and disabling injuries resulting from cycling accidents. Helmets should fit correctly and meet safety standards.
- Be seen. Wear bright-colored clothes. At night, add reflective items to light clothes. Be sure to have head and tail lights that work and reflectors on your pedals, frame, and wheels.
- Be aware. To ride safely you must know what is going on around you.
- Follow the rules of the road. Ride on the right with the traffic, in single file. Obey stop signs and traffic lights.