Bike Safety

Why Is Bike Safety So Important?

Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents happen. Every year, lots of kids need to see their doctor or go to the emergency room because of bike injuries.

Why Should Kids Wear a Bike Helmet?

Wearing a helmet that fits well every time you're on a bike helps protect your face, head, and brain if you fall. That's why it's so important to wear your bike helmet whenever you are on a bike.

• Make sure your bike helmet fits you well.

• Always wear your helmet the right way so it will protect you: Make sure it covers your forehead and don't let it tip back. Always fasten the straps.

• Don't wear a hat under your helmet.

• Take care of your helmet and don't throw it around. If it's damaged, it won't protect you as well when you need it.

• Get a new helmet if you fall while you're on your bike and hit your head.

• Put reflective stickers on your helmet so drivers can see you better.

What's the Right Bike for Me?

• 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.

Where Is it Safe to Ride My Bike?

• where you're allowed to ride your bike

• how far you're allowed to go

• whether you should ride on the sidewalk or in the street. Kids younger than 10 years should ride on the sidewalk and avoid the street.

• common things that can get in the way like rocks, children or pets, and big puddles

What Road Rules Should I Know?

• Always ride with your hands on the handlebars.

• Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving your driveway, an alley, or a curb.

• Cross at intersections. When you pull out between parked cars, drivers can't see you coming.

• Walk your bike across busy intersections using the crosswalk and following traffic signals.

• Ride on the right-hand side of the street, so you travel in the same direction as cars do. Never ride against traffic.

• Use bike lanes wherever you can.

• Don't ride too close to parked cars. Doors can open suddenly.

• Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic (red) lights just as cars do.

• Ride single-file on the street with friends.

• When passing other bikers or people on the street, always pass to their left side, and call out "On your left!" so they know that you are coming

Information from kidshealth.org