Bike Safety

Bike riding can be a lot of fun! The feeling of the wind in your hair as you fly through the neighborhood on your Schwinn – there’s nothing like it! As exciting as bike riding can be, it can also be dangerous if we forget to practice bike safety. We’ve compiled a list of safety tips to help keep your children riding all summer long:

•Wear a helmet that fits properly. The helmet should fit comfortably and be touching your head all the way around. Don’t forget to wear a helmet even on short rides!
•Adjust your bicycle to fit your height. The seat should be level and your knees should have a slight bend when the leg is fully extended on the peddle.
•Always stay visible to others! To do this, wear reflective tape and neon/fluorescent colors
•Use two hands to operate your bicycle. Put books and any other personal items in a bag or backpack to keep your hands free
•Whether you’re riding in the street or on the sidewalk – keep an eye out for road hazards such as potholes, cracks, glass, etc. These things might cause you to lose control and fall off your bike
•Avoid riding at night. Not only is it more difficult for you to see but also for others to see you!

For more tips on how to stay safe while riding your bike, head to: http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/KidsandBikeSafetyWeb/