Wear safety gear. Fatal injuries sustained in bicycle accidents are due to the rider not wearing a helmet for protection. Helmets come in all sizes and colors so they can be stylish for the discerning young rider. Helmets should fit the child without being too snug. A loose fitting helmet could turn during wear and block the child's vision leading to an accident. Children should wear elbow and knee pads as well. This is especially important for a new rider who is not completely comfortable with their balance on a bike. Sandals and other open toed shoes should not be worn during bike rides. Any shoe that has a slippery sole that cannot grip the pedal should be avoided. For children's bikes, the brakes are controlled by pushing the pedals backwards. Improper shoes may prohibit braking which creates a dangerous situation for your child. Safety gear should be worn each time the child rides their bike.



Make sure that the bicycle is adjusted well for the child. The child should be able to reach the handlebars without leaning forward. Leaning forward puts undue strain on the lower back. The bicycle seat should be tightened to where it doesn't swivel and should be at a height where the child can place their feet flat on the ground when they are sitting still. The chain should be secured and not in danger of coming loose and falling off. Bicycle tires should be inflated to the proper pressure for safe riding on all terrain.

Your child should wear white or a light color if they will be out late riding their bike. Bicycle riders are knocked off of their bikes by motorists when the motorist can't see them in the dim light of the evening. To increase their visibility, wearing light colored clothing is recommended. Bikes should be outfitted with reflectors on the front and the back. Safety vests with reflective strips can be purchased for wear during the evening.

When bike riding with traffic or in a neighborhood, it is important to know the rules concerning how one should ride. Never cross an intersection or busy street without looking both ways. A car that comes suddenly around a corner may not see your child's bike in the road until it is too late. If your road has a designated bicycle lane, use it. It is there to keep you out of harm's way from the passing cars. Bicycle riders should stay in a single file line when riding on the side of the street. Make sure that your child does not ride too close to parked cars. A motorist may open a door suddenly or back up and knock your child off of their bike.

Do not ride against the flow of traffic. Know proper hand signals. Where there are no traffic lights, your hand signals will let motorists know that you are about to make a turn. The signal for a left turn is to extend the left arm straight out to the side with the palm facing forward. A right turn signal uses the left arm again only it is bent upwards at the elbow with the palm facing forward. A right turn can be signaled with the right hand extended and the palm down. The sign for stop is made with the left arm bent at the elbow in a downward position with the palm facing the rear.

Bike riding provides family time as well as exercise for your child. To keep the fun going, make sure that they take all safety precautions when riding. Teach them to ride with others in mind.