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! Wear a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Comission) approved helmet for every ride.
Proper Helmet Fit: Place the helmet on the rider's head. It should be level to the ground. There should be no more than 2 fingers width between the eyebrows and the rim of the helmet. 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. It should have 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.
For example:
--Ride in the same direction as traffic.
--Use proper hand signals when stopping, slowing down, and turning.
--Ride in 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!
Do you have questions about bike safety?
Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM about your safety questions.
FREE DOWNLOADS
Bike Safety Checklist in English/Spanish
Safety Sami Bike Safety Coloring Sheet English
Safety Sami Bike Safety Coloring Sheet Spanish
Special Needs Safety-Bike English/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
