Teaching children to ride bikes is one of life's most memorable experiences.
And having to obey rules and regulations when riding bikes is among a child's
first exposures to obeying the law. But each year, more than half a million
bicyclists visit the doctor or the emergency room after crashing on their bikes.
It's important to teach children bicycle safety. Teach them to:
Wear a helmet. Studies have shown that wearing a bicycle helmet can reduce head injuries by up to 85%. Select a helmet that fits snugly and comfortably. Always wear a helmet yourself to set a good example. In many places, helmets are legally required, particularly for children.
Wear clothes that make them more visible. Clothing should be light in color and close-fitting to avoid being caught in the bicycle's moving parts. Books and other loose items should be secured to a properly installed carrier or carried in a backpack, never in the hands.
Obey the rules of the road. These include traffic signs, signals, and road markings.
Look both ways. Seven out of ten car-bicycle crashes occur at driveways or other intersections. A child should walk his/her bicycle across busy streets and at corners or crosswalks.
Ride only in safe places such as parks, school grounds, bike trails, and sidewalks. Ride only in places with very little traffic and with adult supervision.
Be cautious if allowed to bike at night. If a child is older and is permitted to ride at night, ensure that he/she wears reflective clothing or materials (especially on ankles, wrists, back, and helmet), he/she rides in areas that are familiar and on streets that are brightly lighted, and his/her bike has a headlight and front and rear reflectors.
Protect bikes against theft. A bicycle can be stolen from just about any place, but simple precautions can deter would-be thieves. Remember, most bikes that are stolen were not locked!
Always lock a bicycle securely, whether gone for a few minutes or a few hours. Use a U-lock, securing both wheels and the frame to a stationary object (such as a post, fence, tree, or bike rack) that makes it impossible to lift the bike off. For extra security, add a chain or cable with a good padlock.
Record the serial number of the bicycle and keep it in a safe place together with the sales receipt and a photograph of the bike.
Mark the bicycle with an engraver to deter thieves and to help the police in identifying and returning a stolen bike to the owner. Use a unique number such as a parent's driver's license number.