| Riding bikes is a good way to pass a Saturday | | | | be out late riding their bike. Bicycle riders are knocked |
| afternoon in the park or along trails in your | | | | off of their bikes by motorists when the motorist can't |
| neighborhood. It is fun for the entire family. Keep your | | | | see them in the dim light of the evening. To increase |
| children protected while they ride their bikes with you | | | | their visibility, wearing light colored clothing is |
| or with their friends. | | | | recommended. Bikes should be outfitted with reflectors |
| Wear safety gear. Fatal injuries sustained in bicycle | | | | on the front and the back. Safety vests with reflective |
| accidents are due to the rider not wearing a helmet | | | | strips can be purchased for wear during the evening. |
| for protection. Helmets come in all sizes and colors so | | | | When bike riding with traffic or in a neighborhood, it is |
| they can be stylish for the discerning young rider. | | | | important to know the rules concerning how one |
| Helmets should fit the child without being too snug. A | | | | should ride. Never cross an intersection or busy street |
| loose fitting helmet could turn during wear and block | | | | without looking both ways. A car that comes suddenly |
| the child's vision leading to an accident. Children should | | | | around a corner may not see your child's bike in the |
| wear elbow and knee pads as well. This is especially | | | | road until it is too late. If your road has a designated |
| important for a new rider who is not completely | | | | bicycle lane, use it. It is there to keep you out of harm's |
| comfortable with their balance on a bike. Sandals and | | | | way from the passing cars. Bicycle riders should stay |
| other open toed shoes should not be worn during bike | | | | in a single file line when riding on the side of the street. |
| rides. Any shoe that has a slippery sole that cannot | | | | Make sure that your child does not ride too close to |
| grip the pedal should be avoided. For children's bikes, | | | | parked cars. A motorist may open a door suddenly or |
| the brakes are controlled by pushing the pedals | | | | back up and knock your child off of their bike. |
| backwards. Improper shoes may prohibit braking which | | | | Do not ride against the flow of traffic. Know proper |
| creates a dangerous situation for your child. Safety | | | | hand signals. Where there are no traffic lights, your |
| gear should be worn each time the child rides their | | | | hand signals will let motorists know that you are about |
| bike. | | | | to make a turn. The signal for a left turn is to extend |
| Make sure that the bicycle is adjusted well for the child. | | | | the left arm straight out to the side with the palm |
| The child should be able to reach the handlebars | | | | facing forward. A right turn signal uses the left arm |
| without leaning forward. Leaning forward puts undue | | | | again only it is bent upwards at the elbow with the |
| strain on the lower back. The bicycle seat should be | | | | palm facing forward. A right turn can be signaled with |
| tightened to where it doesn't swivel and should be at a | | | | the right hand extended and the palm down. The sign |
| height where the child can place their feet flat on the | | | | for stop is made with the left arm bent at the elbow in |
| ground when they are sitting still. The chain should be | | | | a downward position with the palm facing the rear. |
| secured and not in danger of coming loose and falling | | | | Bike riding provides family time as well as exercise for |
| off. Bicycle tires should be inflated to the proper | | | | your child. To keep the fun going, make sure that they |
| pressure for safe riding on all terrain. | | | | take all safety precautions when riding. Teach them to |
| Your child should wear white or a light color if they will | | | | ride with others in mind. |