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