BICYCLE SAFETY GUIDELINES

Bicycling is fun and great exercise.  All members of the family can participate.  Little guys start to learn early by riding in their own little seat or trailer behind a parent’s bike, or later on a tricycle.  As they grow, they’ll advance to their first bike.  This is the opportune time to begin teaching them the safe way to do it.  Parents must not only provide supervision, but set the right example as well.

 Select a bike that’s the right size and type for the intended rider, including reflectors on fenders and pedal backs.  Once you’ve purchased the bike, be sure that you or the bike seller properly adjust the bike to the child.  Now the boring, but important part, reading the owner’s manual.  It will help to catch any quirks the bike or its manufacturer may have.  Before you and your child start out, check the brakes on the bike, whether new or a favorite.  All parts should be working correctly.  Handlebars should be stable and turn comfortably.  Wheels should be straight with particular attention paid to quick-release wheels to ensure they are securely closed and that any available safety retainer is used. 

 Make sure everyone wears a helmet.  Be sure to use the extra padding that comes with a helmet if it is a little big for your child.  Reflective clothing involving neon or fluorescent colors should be worn to increase your visibility.  Both the Consumer Products Safety Commission  (CPSC) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) strongly recommend that children should not ride at night!  If you must bike at night, all reflectors should be present, the bike should have bright lights in front and rear, and you should wear retro-reflective clothing which reflects light directly back to its source rather than reflecting it away at an angle.

 Cyclists should go in the direction of the traffic flow, following all rules of the road.  Many cyclists increase their accident potential by ignoring stop signs and other basic driving rules.  Remember, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and is required to follow the applicable sections of the motor vehicle code in your state.  If your child is riding on a sidewalk, they should be taught to dismount and walk the bike across the crosswalk to avoid being struck by a turning car. 

 Keep a sharp eye out for road debris, drainage grates, expansion joints, broken pavement or any other obstruction in your path.  Where bike trails or paths exist, use them.  Always watch the traffic around you, paying particular attention to driveways, intersections and vehicle doors opening in your path.

 To review quickly, select the right bike for your child, make sure it is equipped with safety gear, and take the time to correctly adjust brakes.  Insist that your child wear a helmet and proper reflective clothing.  Kids should always ride in the direction of the traffic flow, watching for intersections and road hazards.  Teaching children a few simple guidelines and setting the right example can greatly increase bicycle safety.

 If you’d like more information on child safety, we invite you to join us at www.homesafetytipsforkids.com.   

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