How to Teach Kids Bicycle Safety

clive.flint on Flickr

Almost every child treasures their first bike. However, for all the freedom and excitement a bicycle can provide, it also presents many dangers for parents and riders to be aware of. A bicycle is a privilege for children and must be taught as one. You should educate your child on proper bike safety and responsibility at an early age to reduce the risk of a serious accident.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Purchase a bike helmet for your child, and instruct him to wear it at all times. Show him the proper way to wear it, and make sure it fits snugly and the chinstrap is adjusted properly.

Step 2

Show the proper way to brake, using the rear brakes before the front ones. If your child slams the front brakes hard, she could flip over the handlebars.

Step 3

Teach your child the proper hand signals for turning, all done with the left arm: straight out for turning left; elbow out and hand up for right; elbow out and hand down for stop.

Step 4

Advise your child to stay on the sidewalk and keep out of traffic whenever possible. Teach small children to get off their bikes and walk them across a street, looking both ways before crossing.

Step 5

Instruct your child not to ride at night, or to wear reflective clothing and use a bicycle light to alert drivers.

Resources

Trails.com Helmets

Article Written By Jonathan Croswell

Jonathan Croswell has spent more than five years writing and editing for a number of newspapers and online publications, including the "Omaha World-Herald" and "New York Newsday." Croswell received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Nebraska and is currently pursuing a Master's of Health and Exercise Science at Portland State University.

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