Bike Safety

Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way to be independent, but accidents happen. Every year, about 300,000 kids go to the emergency department due to bike injuries, and about 26,000 children are seen in emergency departments for traumatic brain injury related to bicycle-riding.

We can do two key things to keep kids safe. First, ensure they wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride. Second, help them learn the rules of the road before hopping on their bike.

Proper Helmet Fit

Helmets can only do their job and protect you if they are worn correctly.

It should be level and cover your forehead. The front of the helmet should be no higher than one to two finger widths above your eyebrows.
The straps should always be fastened and form a “V” around your ear.
The clip/slider for adjusting should be right under your ear, not down near your chin.
Buckle the chin strap securely so that no more than one or two fingers fit between the strap and your chin.
Make sure all straps are adjusted so they're snug enough that you can't pull or twist the helmet around on your head.

Rules of the Road

Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
Follow all the traffic signals and signs, just like cars do.
Use hand signals to let others know which direction you are going.
Cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks, if available.
Use bike lanes or designated bike routes.
Ride single file, not side-by-side.

A properly fitted helmet is the best way to prevent a head injury from a bike crash.

When to Replace Your Helmet

The helmet is too small to fit properly.
Helmets expire 5 years after they were made. The sticker inside your helmet lists the date it was made.
If you fall down and put your helmet to the test, be sure to get a new one. They don't work as well after a crash.

Other Safety Tips

Do not wear loose clothing that can get stuck in the chains or pedals.
Wear reflective material and light colored clothing when it’s dark outside.
Put away headphones and electronic devices when riding to prevent distraction.

Bike Carriers

Biking with your child is a great way to get around and is fun for the whole family. Bike carriers and trailers help parents cycle

safely with their child.

A bike carrier is a special seat that mounts on the frame of your bike.

What to look for in a bike carrier:

Foot wells or spoke guards to protect feet and ankles from the spokes
Safety belt or harness
Reflectors One that mounts behind the bike seat

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child must be at least 1 year of age before riding in a bike carrier

Follow bike carriers manufacturer’s age recommendations and instructions.
Parent and child should always wear a properly fitted and fastened certified bike helmet.
Learn to be a confident cyclist.
Take a bike safety course and get plenty of practice.
Never leave your child unattended in bike carrier.
Child should wear close fitting clothing and not have blankets, drawstrings or toys which could get caught in the spokes or gears.
Drive on smooth bike paths and low traffic streets.

A bike trailer is pulled behind your bike.

What to look for in a bike trailer:

Rollover type hitch so trailer won’t tip if bike tips
Adapts for children of different sizes
Roll bars so sides won’t collapse if trailer tips
Enough headroom to accommodate a helmet
Five point harness
Sunshade and mesh screen front flap to protect from sun, bugs, pebbles and debris
Bright reflective material Flag

Bike trailers are recommended for children between 1 – 6 years of age. While they tend to cost more than bike carriers, many models can also be used as strollers and some can carry two children.

You and your child should wear a certified bike helmet that fits properly and is fastened correctly.
Learn to be a confident cyclist.
Take a bike safety course and get plenty of practice.
Practice towing the bike trailer before taking your child out for a ride.
Drive on bike paths and low traffic areas. Make wide turns to accommodate the trailer.
Mount a bright orange flag on back of the trailer so motorists will see that you are towing trailer.
Use the harness or safety strap to fasten your child into the trailer.
Use the cover or screen to protect your child from road dirt and debris.
Don’t let the child eat in the trailer while you are cycling. This is so your child doesn’t choke.

Bike Safety

Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way to be independent, but accidents happen. Every year, about 300,000 kids go to the emergency department due to bike injuries, and about 26,000 children are seen in emergency departments for traumatic brain injury related to bicycle-riding.

A properly fitted helmet is the best way to prevent a head injury from a bike crash.

Bike Carriers

Biking with your child is a great way to get around and is fun for the whole family. Bike carriers and trailers help parents cycle

safely with their child.

What to look for in a bike carrier:

Foot wells or spoke guards to protect feet and ankles from the spokes

Safety belt or harness

Reflectors One that mounts behind the bike seat

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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child must be at least 1 year of age before riding in a bike carrier

Follow bike carriers manufacturer’s age recommendations and instructions.

Parent and child should always wear a properly fitted and fastened certified bike helmet.

Learn to be a confident cyclist.

Take a bike safety course and get plenty of practice.

Never leave your child unattended in bike carrier.

Child should wear close fitting clothing and not have blankets, drawstrings or toys which could get caught in the spokes or gears.

Drive on smooth bike paths and low traffic streets.

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What to look for in a bike trailer:

Rollover type hitch so trailer won’t tip if bike tips

Adapts for children of different sizes

Roll bars so sides won’t collapse if trailer tips

Enough headroom to accommodate a helmet

Five point harness

Sunshade and mesh screen front flap to protect from sun, bugs, pebbles and debris

Bright reflective material Flag

​

Bike trailers are recommended for children between 1 – 6 years of age. While they tend to cost more than bike carriers, many models can also be used as strollers and some can carry two children.

You and your child should wear a certified bike helmet that fits properly and is fastened correctly.

Learn to be a confident cyclist.

Take a bike safety course and get plenty of practice.

Practice towing the bike trailer before taking your child out for a ride.

Drive on bike paths and low traffic areas. Make wide turns to accommodate the trailer.

Mount a bright orange flag on back of the trailer so motorists will see that you are towing trailer.

Use the harness or safety strap to fasten your child into the trailer.

Use the cover or screen to protect your child from road dirt and debris.

Don’t let the child eat in the trailer while you are cycling. This is so your child doesn’t choke.

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