Most parents childproof their homes, install car seats in their vehicles, and teach children to look both ways before crossing the street. But some don’t give a lot of thought to making sure their kids are protected when biking. These easy tips will help parents keep their kids safe on bikes.
Helmets Are Essential
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 130 kids die every year as the result of bike accidents. Eighty percent of these deaths are due to head injuries. Another 270,000 children are injured so seriously on their bikes that they require a trip to the emergency room, with nearly half of these kids suffering a traumatic brain injury.
If all kids wore properly-fitted bike helmets, bike-related brain injuries would be reduced by almost 90 percent. However, only 15-25 percent of kids under 14 wear bike helmets, even though many states and districts require kids to wear helmets until they’re at least 16.
It’s imperative for your child’s safety to wear a helmet every time he bikes. But just wearing a helmet is not enough – the helmet must fit properly. The risk of head injury is doubled if a child is wearing an improperly-fitted helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has created a publication to help called “Easy Steps to Properly Fit a Bicycle Helmet.”
Some other tips on helmet use are:
- Replace helmets if your child is in a crash or if the helmet is damaged.
- Kids should only wear their helmets for biking.
- Let your child pick out his own helmet so he’s more likely to wear it.
- If you bike with your kids, show them helmets are cool by wearing one too.
Proper Bicycle Fit and Maintenance
Kids can be hurt if their bike is too big or small, or if it’s not well-maintained. Have your child stand over his bicycle. There should be a 1-2 inch gap between the top bar and your child. The bike’s seat should be level, and be at a height that your child’s knees are slightly bent when the pedal is at its lowest point. Finally, the handlebars should be level with the seat.
On a regular basis, check your kid’s bike to be sure the tires are properly inflated, the brakes functioning, and the chain tight and oiled. His bike should also have reflectors so he’s visible to drivers.
Appropriate Bike Clothing
The safest bet is for your child not to ride in bad weather, at dusk, or in the dark. If your child must ride in these conditions, instruct him to wear fluorescent colors, reflective tape, and flashing lights.
Your child should also always wear sneakers when biking and avoid loose-fitting pants, which can get caught in the bike chain, as can the straps of bags and backpacks.
Where and How to Bike Safely
Kids need to watch out for road hazards such as potholes, gravel, and, most importantly, cars. Kids under 10 are safest riding on the sidewalk, if it’s allowed in your area. Older kids need to know the rules of the road for biking:
- Ride with the flow of traffic.
- Follow the same traffic laws as cars.
- Use hand signals when moving in and out of traffic, and when turning.
- Don’t wear headphones or talk on a cell phone when biking.
- Yield to cars and pedestrians.
Bikes are a great way for kids to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors, but they need some guidance from parents on how to be safe when riding. Following these tips can help your child avoid injuries.
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