Bike Safety

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 United States, 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 »