Bicycle Safety
While riding a bicycle can be fun and even a good form of exercise, it is important to be cautious and take safety measures. Many kids are injured each year, from bicycle accidents, and some cases can be very serious. A head injury can result in brain injury, so it is important to always wear your bicycle helmet at all times/every time.
Helmet Safety
- Make sure the helmet being used as a sticker/note that says it meets the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Make sure the helmet fits properly – not too small or too big. Get fitted by a professional.
- Make sure to wear the helmet the right way:
- the helmet is worn level and covers the forehead; not angled back that the forehead is showing or forward that it blocks vision.
- the straps should always be fastened and adjusted, so they’re snug enough that the helmet can’t be easily pulled or moved around the head.
- Make sure the helmet isn’t damaged. Inspect frequently and change as needed.
Safety Tips
- Choose the right bicycle size to help keep you safe:
- When you are on your bicycle, stand straddling the top bar of your bike so that both feet are flat on the ground. There should be 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 centimeters) of space between you and the top bar.
- Make sure your seat, handlebars, and wheels fit tightly.
- Check and oil your chain regularly.
- Check your brakes to be sure they work well and aren’t sticking.
- Check your tires to make sure they have enough air and the right amount of tire pressure.
- Wear bright clothes and put reflectors on your bike, so other people on the road see you.
- Daytime riding is the safest, so avoid riding your bike at dusk and later.
- Make sure that nothing can get caught in your bike chain, such as loose pant legs, straps, or shoelaces.
- Wear the right shoes. Sandals, flip-flops, heels, and cleats won’t help grip the pedals. Never go riding barefoot!
- Riding gloves can also help grip the handlebars better.
- Avoid wearing headphones or being distracted from noises/things going on around you.
- Keep an eye on the road ahead and be prepared for any road obstacles.
For more information, check out – http://kidshealth.org/en/kids/bike-safety.html