Safety: Bicycle safety tips

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Bicycle safety tips

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Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.
Ephesians 5:1

Learning to ride a bicycle is a rite of passage for our children. Make sure to follow these safety tips and teach your children about bike safety.

Do not push your child to ride a two-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, at about age 5 or 6. Consider the child's coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with foot brakes until your child is older and more experienced for hand brakes.
Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new one. For more information on finding the proper fit, go to the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site.
Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Oversized bikes are especially dangerous.
Your child needs to wear a helmet on every bike ride, no matter how short or how close to home. Many accidents happen in driveways, on sidewalks and on bike paths, not just on streets. Children learn best by observing you. Whenever you ride, put on your helmet.
When purchasing a helmet, look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard.
A helmet protects your child from serious injury, and should always be worn. Wearing a helmet at all times helps children develop the helmet habit.
A helmet should be worn so that it is level on the head, not tipped forwards or backwards. The strap should be securely fastened, and you should not be able to move the helmet in any direction. If needed, the helmet's sizing pads can help improve the fit.

Published: May 27, 2008
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Writer: Elizabeth Todd Bartholomew, MA, APR

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