Bicycle Safety

Every year, about 300,000 kids go to the emergency department because of bike injuries, and at least 10,000 kids have injuries that require a few days in the hospital. Kids younger than 10 years should ride on the sidewalk and avoid the street. No matter where you ride, you need to keep an eye out for cars and trucks. Even if you're just riding on sidewalk, a car may pull out of its driveway into the path of your bike. If you're crossing a busy road, it's best to walk your bike across the street. A bike path free of cars is a great choice if there's one in your area. Just remember to share the path with the other riders, walkers, and strollers who also might be using it! And if you're going on a long ride, bring some water along with you. Wear a bike helmet EVERY TIME YOU RIDE, even if you are going for a short ride. Bike helmets should have a sticker that says it meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Your bike helmet should fit you properly, and it should be worn level and cover your forehead. Don't tip it back so your forehead is showing, and never wear a hat under your bike helmet. The straps should always be fastened. If the straps are flying, it's likely to fall off your head when you need it most. Make sure the straps are adjusted so they're snug enough that you can't pull or twist the helmet around on your head. Take care of your bike helmet and don't throw it around. That could damage the helmet and it won't protect you as well when you really need it. If you do fall down and put your helmet to the test, be sure to get a new one. They don't work as well after a major crash. Many bike helmets today are lightweight and come in cool colors. If you don't love yours as it is, personalize it with some of your favorite stickers. Reflective stickers are a great choice because they look cool and make you more visible to people driving cars. Bicycle Safety checklist: Ride a bike that is the right size for you. When on your bicycle, stand straddling the top bar of your bike, so that both feet are flat on the ground. There should be 1 to 3 inches of space between you and the top bar. Here's a safety checklist your mom or dad can help you do:

• Make sure your seat, handlebars, and wheels fit tightly.
• Check and oil your chain regularly.
• Check your brakes to be sure they work well and aren't sticking.
• Check your tires to make sure they have enough air and the right amount of tire pressure.

Be Seen, Be Safe! Wearing bright clothes and putting reflectors on your bike also can help you stay safe. It helps other people on the road see you. And if they see you, that means they're less likely to run into you. Daytime riding is the safest so try to avoid riding your bike at dusk and later. You'll also want to make sure that nothing will get caught in your bike chain, such as loose pant legs, backpack straps, or shoelaces. Wear the right shoes — sneakers — when you bike. Sandals, flip-flops, shoes with heels, and cleats won't help you grip the pedals. And never go riding barefoot! Riding gloves may help you grip the handlebars — and make you look like a professional! But avoid wearing headphones because the music can distract you from noises around you, such as a car blowing its horn so you can get out of the way. Road Obstacles: Keep an eye on the road ahead so you can be prepared for big hills and road obstacles. Some common ones that can cause falls include:

• wet leaves
• big puddles
• changes in the road or sidewalk surface
• storm grates
• gravel or rocks
• curbs
• little kids in your way!

Road Rules: If you're allowed to ride on the street, follow these road rules:

• Always ride with your hands on the handlebars.
• Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving your driveway, an alley, or a curb.
• Cross at intersections. When you pull out between parked cars, drivers can't see you coming.
• Walk your bike across busy intersections using the crosswalk and following traffic signals.
• Ride on the right-hand side of the street, so you travel in the same direction as cars do. Never ride against traffic.
• Use bike lanes or designated bike routes wherever you can.
• Don't ride too close to parked cars. Doors can open suddenly.
• Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic (red) lights just as cars do.
• Ride single-file on the street with friends.
• When passing other bikers or people on the street, always pass to their left side, and call out "On your left!" so they know that you are coming.