Bike Safety

TIPS TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE WHILE RIDING A BIKE

Be a role model: Protect your head! Wearing a properly fitted bike helmet can reduce the risk of a serious brain injury by up to 88 percent! Make sure that everyone wears an approved CPSC (Comsumer Product Safety Comission) that is properly fitted and worn every time when riding a bike!

Proper Helmet Fit: Place the helmet on the person's head, level to the ground, with no more than 2 fingers width between the eyebrows and the helmet rim. The straps should form a "V" shape around the ears, and one finger should fit between the chin and the chin strap. The helmet should not move when the person shakes their head up and down or from side to side. The padding that comes with the helmet can be added for a tighter fit. You should re-adjust and tighten your helmet before every ride to help ensure a proper fit.

Helmet Condition: Make sure the helmet is in good condition and has all of its original parts including straps and a buckle that securely snaps shut. Never buy or accept a used bike helmet, and always replace the helmet after it has been in a crash!

Obey Traffic Laws: Teach everyone that you ride with to obey all traffic laws, such as riding the same direction as traffic and using proper handle signals to alert others when stopping, slowing down, and turning. Ride in designated bike lanes or on bike trails whenever possible.

Bike Size: When selecting a proper size bike, make sure that the person is able to sit on the seat and reach the handlebars with both feet flat on the ground. The seat may need to be adjusted to the person's height.

Bike Maintenance: Check that your bike has all its parts and that everything is in good working order. Make sure the tires are inflated, the brakes are working properly, and the chains are secure and in good working order. 

Be Seen & Heard: Make sure that you wear brightly colored clothing with reflectors when riding. Add lights, reflectors, a horn, and a flag to your bicycle to help others see and hear you better while riding.

Adult Supervision: Always provide adult supervision while children are riding bikes. Identify safe places for your child to ride their bike during the day. Take a bike ride as a family and discover all the fun that you can have along the way spending time with each other! 

FREE DOWNLOADS

Click on the links to view and download FREE bike safety education resources:

Bike Safety Checklist in English/Spanish
Bike Helmet Fitting Tips
Safety Sami Bike Safety Coloring Sheet English
Safety Sami Bike Safety Coloring Sheet Spanish

Bike Safety Program: How to Plan a Bike Safety Course in Your Community

FOR MORE INFORMATION

cpsc.gov: Which Helmet for Which Activity?

healthychildren.org: Bike Helmets for Kids: Parent FAQs

healthychildren.org: Bicycle Safety for Children: Myths & Facts

nhtsa.gov: Bicycle Safety