ArticlesCategory: Safety Top Bike Safety Tips

Bike helmets:  Necessity, Not an Accessory

Learning how to ride a bike is a rite of passage  in childhood, and it's an activity that families can certainly do together.  However, there are some important things for you to consider before jumping on that bike.

Make it a rule, every time you or your child rides a bike, wear a bicycle helmet.  It's the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from a bicycle crash.  In order to maximize protection, ensure the helmet fits properly.  A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward, backward or side to side.  The helmet straps must always be buckled but not too tightly.

Top Bike Safety Tips

  • Make it a rule:  every time you and your child ride a bike, wear a bicycle helmet that meets the safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
  • If your child is reluctant to wear a helmet, try letting him or her choose their own

Helmet fit is important

  • Make sure the helmet fits your child knows how to put in on correctly.  A helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward, backward or side to side.  The helmet straps must always be buckled but not too tightly.

Try the Eyes, Ears and Mouth Test:

  • EYES check:  Position the helmet on your head.  Look up and you should see the bottom rim of the helmet.  The rim should be one to two-finger widths above the eyebrows.
  • EARS check:  Make sure the straps of the helmet form a "V" under your ears when buckled.  The strap should snug but comfortable.
  • MOUTH check:  Open your mouth as wide as you can.  Do you feel the helmet hug your head?

Proper equipment fit and maintenance  are also important for safety.

  • Ensure proper bike fit by bringing the child along when shopping for a bike.  Buy a bicycle that is the right size for the child, not one he will grow into.  When sitting on the seat, the child's feet should be able to touch the ground.
  • Make sure the reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shit smoothly and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated.


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