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Biking and Your Child's Safety
Staying Safe on Their Bikes
By Julia Rosien
Sue Harrington, mother of two, offers a few suggestions to parents. "Buy a helmet your child likes. Be a good role model -- wear one yourself, and have a rule in the family: no helmet, no bike." In Harrington's family, the kids choose the helmet over the embarrassment of having Mom or Dad call them back to the house.
Every bike should also have a bell, reflective tape and lights. A bell notifies pedestrians as well as other bikers that someone is behind them. Increasingly, cyclists as well as pedestrians use outdoor nature trails. People walking often don't anticipate bikes behind them as they would on a city street. Using a bell and lights can help to prevent accidents.
"It can hurt a lot when you get gravel in your knuckles and sunglasses are just common sense nowadays," said Chiles. Unless your child is BMXing or stunt riding, sunglasses and proper riding gloves are the only other gear needed. Elbow pads and shin guards can hinder coordination and even cause accidents.
Safety Checklist
- Buying a bike for your youngster? Visit a bike shop first and get the proper size for your child. Even if you end up buying at a department store, you will have had professional help from the specialty shop in determining the right size.
- When fitting a helmet, make use of the pads provided by the manufacturer.
- Do the tap test on your child's helmet. Walk around your child while he is wearing the helmet, tapping on both sides and front and back. If the helmet moves, it is not sized properly.
- Supply sunglasses and gloves and remind your child to wears them when riding.
- Buy a bell, reflective tape and lights.
- Make sure your child understands the rules of the road and common courtesy.
- Finally, look for classes that reinforce proper bike operation and offer lessons on how to look after a bike.
