CHILDREN AND STUDENTS ON BIKES

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Limit children riding bicycles to minor streets or on well-defined bicycle facilities with good separation from motorized traffic. Here are a few tips for kids on bikes. Sidewalks are for pedestrians so if you are riding on them remember to, GIVE WALKERS A BREAK. When you are riding near people walking, don’t surprise them. Slow down and say, “Excuse me!” or use a bell or horn.

• Always look, LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT before an alley, driveway, corner, or intersection. If it is not easy to see, slow down or stop first.
• Always ride in the same direction as the cars are going. Never ride against traffic.
• Ride in a straight line. If you do, drivers will know where you are going.
  
  If a friend bikes across the street before you, do not think that it is safe for you to go too. Slow down or stop, and look LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT.

When you ride a bike, be aware of what goes on around you. LOOK BACK before riding around a pot hole or sewer grate, passing a parked car, turning or moving to a different side of the street.

Practice how to scan while riding along a straight line in an empty parking lot. Learn how to do it without wobbling your bike!

YOUNG CHILDREN (toddlers and preschoolers)

Head Out Safely

Wearing a bike helmet is the most important way for your child to stay safe on a play vehicle, tricycle, or bike. A helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent when worn correctly. Toddler helmets are lightweight, because a toddler's neck is not strong enough for a regular helmet. Also, these helmets come down low around the back of the head for more coverage. Choose a helmet that meets current safety standards. Look for a CPSC1, ASTM2, ANSI3, or Snell4 sticker inside the helmet. Insist that your child wear a helmet whenever she rides. If your child's preschool uses tricycles, work with the school to make helmets available. Urge the school to have a policy requiring helmet use.

The Right Fit

• Make sure the helmet covers the upper part of the forehead and sits level on the head.
• Use the foam pads inside to fit the helmet snugly so it doesn't slip around.
• Adjust the chin strap tightly enough so the helmet pulls down when the child opens his mouth.

Get Them Into The Habit
Start children wearing helmets with their first tricycles or play vehicles. When children begin helmet use early, they are more likely to keep the habit in later years.