As Published - BikeTexas Today - Bike Smarts & Education - April - May 2004

Know these safe-riding tips for children.

1) Children under age 10 should not ride in the street. Help your child find a safer place to ride, such as a neighborhood sidewalk, park or playground. Preschool-age children should always be supervised.

2) A bicycle is considered a vehicle. Bicyclists must follow traffic laws and rules such as riding on the right side of the road, obeying traffic signs, etc. Prepare your child for riding in the street by teaching him/her riding skills and rules of the road.

3) Get the right size of bicycle for your child. Your child should be able to sit on the seat of the bicycle and touch the ground with both feet.

4) Maintain the bicycle in good working condition.

5) Make sure your child always wears his/her helmet while riding. If you ride, set a good example and wear your helmet, too. Even a moderate blow to an unprotected head can cause a permanent brain injury.

6) Take precautions if your child is allowed to ride at dusk or after it becomes dark. Between 30% and 45% of fatal bicycle crashes occur after dark. Ensure that your child's bike has both a working white headlight and a red taillight or reflector, and that your child is wearing white or reflective clothing to increase visibility to other vehicles at night.

7) Enroll your child and yourself in a bicycle safety class or bicycle rodeo. Local bicycle shops often offer classes. Police departments and other community groups often sponsor bicycle rodeos. Even better, encourage your child's teacher to attend TBC's SuperCyclist training and create a school filled with safe and effective cyclists.