When hitting the streets, remember bicycle safety

“One of the most important things to remember is never let your children ride their bikes to school, or anywhere else, without a helmet,” said Debbie Richardson, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service parenting assistant specialist.

“When choosing a helmet, make sure it complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission Federal Standards and then make sure it’s worn properly,” she said.

A bicycle is a child’s first vehicle, therefore he or she must learn to obey traffic signals, the law and other safety guidelines.

“Younger children should only be allowed to ride their bikes to school if there isn’t a street to cross,” she said. “A child should not ride a bike to school until they are mature enough to understand basic safety rules.”

Besides wearing a helmet and obeying traffic signals and laws, rules from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission include:

• Riding on the right-hand side of the road.
• Checking brakes before riding.
• Giving cars and pedestrians the right-of-way.
• Wearing light or bright-colored clothing for motorists to see.
• Being extra careful when turning left.
• Staying in complete control of the bike, keep hands on the handlebars.
• Never wearing headphones when riding, because they impair hearing. 

“Riding a bike to school will give your child a sense of independence and is a step toward becoming more responsible,” Richardson said. “Parents need to be sure to stress the importance of safety and set a good example for their children to follow when implementing these measures.”

Follow these guides for purchasing and wearing a helmet.

• The helmet should be smooth, fit comfortably and not move when the head is jerked from side to side.
• It should sit parallel to the ground, not tilted back, with about an inch between the eyebrows and the edge of the helmet.
• Straps should always be latched when riding a bike. Straps should fit snugly, but not too tightly. The clasp on each side of the head should be situated just below the ears and you should be able to put a finger under the closed strap against the neck.
• Use the pads provided by the manufacturer and the strap adjustments to get a good fit. Try several helmets on, as not all helmets fit all heads.
• Avoid child helmets with snag points, a squared-off shell, inadequate vents, excessive vents, an extreme aero shape, dark colors and thin straps.

While having the proper safety equipment and safety knowledge is key, choosing the right bicycle is important as well.

The U.S. Consumer Safety Commission recommends choosing a bicycle to fit the child’s size today, not one he or she will grow into later. The bicycle should suit the rider’s ability and kind of riding. Check hand and foot brakes: keep away from slippery plastic petals. Go for petals with rubber-treated or metal pedals with serrated rattrap edges or with firmly attached toe clips.

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Katie L. Reim
Communications Specialist
Agricultural Communications Services
140 Agriculture North
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-6792 (Phone)
405-744-5739 (Fax)
katie.reim@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.