Bike Safety for Children

Bike Safety for Children
Bike safety starts with properly fitted and working equipment. Using a few simple guidelines regarding how to position a bike helmet, how to check a bicycle for dangers and at what age a child can cycle alone or in the street, you can make sure your child is a safe and responsible cyclist.

Benefits

A properly fitted helmet can protect your child's brain and save his life should an accident occur.

Warning

You must size your child's bike helmet for a proper fit. Position it so it sits level on your child's head and low on her forehead. Tighten the buckles, side straps and chin strap to secure the bike helmet.

Misconceptions

You must check your child's bike before each ride. Check that all tires are inflated properly and that the brakes work.

Expert Insight

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "Children should always have at least one hand on the handlebars and carry books and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack to avoid an accident."

Prevention/Solution

Children younger than 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult and ride only on the sidewalk.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Write for Trails.com
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