Bike Safety (page 2)

Safe Clothing

What kids wear when riding a bike is also very important for safety:

• Fluorescent or bright-colored clothes will help kids be visible on the road, and they’re more visible than white clothes. (Avoid dark clothes, especially during early dusk and twilight hours.)
• Wear something that helps to reflect light like reflective tape.
• Lightweight clothes will help them avoid becoming overheated.
• Pant legs shouldn't be too loose-fitting or flared. These can get caught up in the chain while riding.
• If your child wears a backpack while riding, make sure the straps are tied up and can't get tangled in the spokes of the wheels. Keep the backpack as light as possible.
• Choose shoes that grip the bike's pedals. Cleats, shoes with heels, or flip-flops can all create problems while riding. Kids should never ride barefoot!

Rules of the Road for Bike Riding

Here are some must-know safety tips to teach kids:

• Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic lights just as cars do. Yield to pedestrians, stop at red lights, and be especially careful at intersections.
• Always ride in the same direction as cars do. Never ride against traffic.
• Older kids should try to use bike lanes or designated bike routes whenever you can — not the sidewalk! Kids less than 10 years should ride on the sidewalk.
• Never ride at dusk or in the dark.
• Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving a driveway, an alley, or a curb.
• Watch traffic closely for turning cars or cars leaving driveways.
• Don't ride too close to parked cars — doors can open suddenly.
• Always walk a bike across busy intersections using the crosswalk and following traffic signals.
• When riding in a group, always ride single file on the street.
• When passing other bikers or people on the street, always pass to their left and call out "On your left!" so they'll watch for you.
• Never share the seat with a friend or ride on the handlebars — only one person should be on a bike at a time. It's easy to lose balance or suddenly swerve into traffic when riding with a passenger.
• Never wear headphones while biking — it's essential to hear everyone else on the road at all times.
• Never stand up while riding a bike.
• Never hitch a ride on a moving vehicle.
• Never change directions or lanes without first looking behind you, and always use the correct hand signals. Use your left arm for all hand signals:
  
  
  • Left turn: After checking behind you, hold your arm straight out to the left and ride forward slowly.
  • Stop: After checking behind you, bend your elbow, pointing your arm downward in an upside down "L" shape and come to a stop.
  • Right turn: After checking behind you, bend your elbow, holding your arm up in an "L" shape, and ride forward slowly. Or, hold your right arm straight out from your side.

Bike Maintenance

Check your child's bike at least once each season to keep it safe and well-maintained.

Be sure to check:

• tires — inflate to the pressure that's recommended on the sidewall of the tire
• chain — oil it regularly and remove dirt
• handlebars — adjust for height as your child grows and tighten all bolts
• brakes — check for frayed cables and replace worn-out brake pads
• seat — keep the seat level and adjust for height as needed

Making Safety a Family Affair

One of the best ways to help kids learn safe bike riding is to set a good example by following the rules of the road yourself. Most important, always wear your helmet.

Go for bike rides with your kids so you can show them what safe riding looks like. It's also a great way to stay active as a family and get valuable together time that you'll all enjoy!

Reviewed by: Kate M. Cronan, MD
Date reviewed: September 2010