Bicycle Safety Tips for Kids

There are some definite benefits to bicycles – they are great exercise and for children, they keep them off the devices and outside getting fresh air. For parents, riding their bicycle was a big part of being a child in the 70s, 80s and 90s, but nowadays, more kids are inside playing video games and watching TV than ever before. So, many parents are elated when they get their kids to ride around on their bicycle.

Bicycles are great, but we cannot ignore the statistics. They can also be very dangerous, especially when a child darts out in the road without paying attention, or when they’re struck by a distracted or drunk driver.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Bicyclists accounted for 2.2 percent of all traffic deaths in 2016.” In total, 840 lives were lost due to bicycle accidents in 2016, the NHTSA reports. As a parent, you don’t want your child to become a statistic, so educating them on bike safety is the solution.

Teaching Children Bicycle Safety

Parents these days applaud their children’s desire to ride a bicycle instead of laying around the house all day. Bicycles offer exercise and they help children explore and do fun things with their friends. Since children don’t think about safety as much as adults, it’s important that parents educate them on how to ride safely, especially when sharing the road with cars, trucks and SUVs.

Bicycle safety tips for kids:

• Ride a bike that’s the right size for your body. If the bike is too big or too small, it will be harder for you to control.
• Always wear a helmet and wear it properly – don’t forget to secure it under your chin with the latch – no faking it!
• Tuck in your shoelaces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in the chain.
• Avoid riding your bicycle in the dark.
• If you’re carrying something, put it in a backpack or secure it to you bike.
• Watch out for distracted drivers, especially people who are texting while driving. They can hit you!
• Beware of elderly drivers who cannot see you in the road.
• When going somewhere, like a park, the theatre, a skate park, a friend’s house, or a fast-food restaurant, plan to take the safest route. The route with the least number of cars and trucks on the road.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Follow the rules of the road. If you don’t know them, ask your parents.
• Be alert and ride defensively at all times.
• No listening to music with headphones or earbuds and no texting while riding. You do not want to be distracted. Taking your eyes or ears off the road can result in a serious accident.

For more information on bicycle accidents, click here. To file a bike accident claim on Long Island, contact our firm at (631) 529-6701 today.