8 GREAT WAYS TO KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE:
TIPS FOR BIKE SAFETY

Written by: Amanda Elias, M.A.

Summer is in full swing and most likely your children are spending the majority of their time playing outside. Bike riding is one activity that most children love, but before you say it is ok for them to ride, make sure you’ve checked this list to ensure your child is safe.

1) WEAR A HELMET: This should not be an option, no matter what age your child is. Wearing a helmet can prevent permanent brain damage or other injuries to the head in case of an accident. Try to pick a helmet that is bright-colored for cars to notice easily. Make sure the straps are ALWAYS secured and that the helmet is the right size for your child.

2) ADJUST THE BICYCLE: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the seat should be level front to back and be set to a height where the child’s knees are slightly bent to reach the pedals. The handlebar height should be the same level as the seat. Kids should avoid riding other kids’ bikes unless a parent has checked to see that the size and settings are appropriate.

3) CHECK THE EQUIPMENT: Before riding, make sure your child’s bike tires are inflated properly and the brakes are working. This is something you might show them how to test for to help them foster responsibility for their own possession.

4) WEAR REFLECTIVE CLOTHING: Studies have not shown that white increases a person’s visibility on a bike. Rather, bright and neon colors are proven to attract drivers attention to bike riders and prevent accidents from taking place.

5) RIDING AT NIGHT: Although this should be avoided if possible, there are ways to improve a bike’s safety if your child is going to be riding it at night. Make sure there are reflectors, reflective tape, or flashing lights on your child’s bike. It is also recommended by the NHTSA that your child wear some sort of reflective tape or marking.

6) KNOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD: Teach your children about the street signs and how to look left, right, left before crossing an intersection. Riding should only take place on the right side of the road, preferably on a sidewalk where they are available. Remind your children that pedestrians have the right of way, so if they meet on the sidewalk, they should either move to the right side or stop to let them go.

7) GROUPS ARE SAFER: It is safer to have your child ride with a group of friends or family members than by him or herself. However, riding in a single file is much safer than riding as a group. When riding next to each other, one rider can make a wrong move and end up shoving the person next to them into traffic or danger. Teach your children to be “on the lookout” when they are riding in front and to communicate with the people behind them if there is any danger or obstacles ahead.

8) NEVER LISTEN TO HEADPHONES WHILE RIDING: Headphones can be one of the most dangerous things a child (or anyone for that matter) can wear while riding. Your child’s ears are their clue to approaching cars, animals, and other people so don’t let them cut off this precaution with loud sounds. It could be detrimental to your child’s safety!