National Bike Month: Keeping Kids Safe

May is National Bike Month, which included National Bike to Work Week (May 11-15). Since 1956, National Bike Month has encouraged riders all over the country to explore the opportunity of bike riding and its many benefits. Now that my kids are getting older, they are both more interested in going out and riding their bikes. I’m not opposed to bike rides, but I tend to be worried about the dangers of cars. There are so many distractions for drivers today: cell phones, GPS screens on the dashboard, loud music.

I remember riding my bike up and down the street as fast as I could go, no helmet, and not a care in the world. And I want them to experience the same freedom I felt on my bicycle, but they must wear a helmet, and they need to be cautious of cars.

I try to teach them the basics like slowing down at driveways to be sure cars aren’t pulling out. To look for tail lights or listen for the sound of a car’s engine – although some cars are nearly silent today so that gets a little tricky, too.

Beyond the sidewalk, there are many other safety precautions to take as well as traffic signals, laws, and rules of the road.

Photo courtesy of Flikr

Here are a few of the big tips to keep kids safe on their bicycles:

1. Wear bright colors while riding. White doesn’t necessarily mean you’re more visible. Pick fluorescent colors or wear a reflective vest.
2. Ride with the traffic – Stay on the same side of the road and go with the flow of traffic, not against it.
3. Traffic laws apply to bikes too! Stop at all stoplights and stop signs, yield to pedestrians, and use hand signals when necessary.
   1. Left Turn – point your left arm straight out to the left
   2. Right Turn – point your left arm up or point your right arm straight out to the right.
   3. Stop or Slow – Point your left hand down towards the ground.
4. When a bike lane is available, use it.
5. Children should never ride on busy streets without an adult with them.

For more information on bike safety and helmet fit for kids visit the following websites:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/bskitboth/3152bskit/pages/section1/section1toc.html

https://www.nhtsa.gov/Driving+Safety/Bicycles/Be+a+Roll+Model

https://www.safekids.org/tip/bike-safety-tips

https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/bicycle-safety/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/KidsandBikeSafetyWeb/

National Bike Month Information: https://bikeleague.org/bikemonth

California Bike Laws: https://calbike.org/bicycling-in-california/sharing-the-road/

Does your family enjoy bicycling together?