Bicycle helmet use should be mandatory for everyone in your family, no matter where you are or how short the ride. In most states it's the law.  Here's why: Many bike crashes involve a head injury, so a crash could mean permanent brain damage or death for someone who isn't wearing a helmet. In fact, each year in the U.S., about half a million kids are seriously injured in bicycle-related crashes or events, and most of those injuries could have been avoided if a helmet was worn. To protect against brain injury, make sure your kids wear a correctly fitting helmet on every ride.

Things to keep in mind when buying and wearing a helmet:

• Pick bright colors or fluorescent colors that are visible to drivers and other cyclists.
• Look for a helmet that is well-ventilated.
• Make sure that the helmet has a CPSC or Snell sticker inside. These indicate that the helmet meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Snell Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit group that tests helmet safety.
• Make sure your child's helmet fits correctly and can be adjusted.
• Be sure to replace any helmet made before 1999.
• If your child hits any surface hard while wearing a helmet, replace it. Helmets lose their capacity to absorb shock after serious hits.
• When kids wear a helmet, make sure that the straps are fastened. Also make sure they don't wear any other hat underneath it. Kids should not wear any helmet when they're on a playground or climbing a tree. There is a risk of strangulation from the chin strap during these types of activities.

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!

Must-know safety tips to for kids (and adults, too):

Dos:

• 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: Try to use bike lanes or designated bike routes whenever you can, not the sidewalk! Kids under 10 years: Ride on the sidewalk.
• 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.
• Always walk a bike across busy intersections using the crosswalk and following traffic signals.
• Always ride single file on the street when riding in a group.
• Always pass to their left and call out "On your left!" so they'll watch for you when passing other bikers or people on the street.
• Always use the correct hand signals, using your left arm:
  • 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.

Don'ts:

• Don't ride too close to parked cars; doors can open suddenly.
• Never ride at dusk or in the dark.
• 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. 

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

Learn More About Bike Safety for Kids on KidsHealth.org »