Bike Safety Tips For Kids

I just read a great article from people for bikes discussing the reduction in youth bike fatalities over the last 30 years and how it can probably be attributed to a rise in off road bike trails.

Bike safety tips for kids.

Select one that is the right size for the child not one he or she will grow into. Elementary school version english fhwa produced three bicycle safety education videos and three pedestrian safety education videos for different age groups. Bike safety tips for kids under 7 keep your young bicyclists safe by riding with them. One of the most important bicycle safety tips for children as well as adults is to make sure you are visible to motorists pedestrians and other cyclists.

The safest place for bicycle riding is on the street where bicycles are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorists and ride in the same direction. Avoid areas that require using a bike lane or riding on the street. The safest way to use your bike is to get places not to play. Try to wear bright colors whenever you are on your bike.

The league s ride smart program also is a great resource for educational videos classes tips and other information about bike safety. Why should kids wear a bike helmet. Here are our top safety tips for biking with children. Neon or fluorescent colors are recommended but not white.

Ride on bike paths and protected bike lanes where possible. When children are sitting on the seat of the bicycle their feet should be able to touch the ground. Make sure they stay within your sight and bike in safe areas like your neighborhood parks or paved pathways. The 32 page national bike month guide has everything you need to plan a bike month event in your community.

Properly fitted helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45 percent yet less than half of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet. As you might expect when a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike it s the cyclist who is most likely to be injured. Ensure proper bike fit by bringing the child along when shopping for a bike. Children less than 10 years old however are not mature enough to make the decisions necessary to safely ride in the street.