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