Bicycling is a great opportunity to explore the outdoors, stay active and have fun as a family. With the warmer weather and the school year at an end, it’s a perfect time to check your family’s bicycles and make sure everyone has what they need for safe summer rides.

Checking Bike Size

Kids can quickly outgrow their bikes, so late spring is a good time to make sure that everyone’s bicycle is still the right size. Your child should be able to place the balls of their feet on the ground when sitting on the seat. For adults, a bicycle shop can help you determine the best size bike for your needs.

Inspecting Each Bike

Don’t hit the road or the trails with a bicycle that’s in poor condition with faulty brakes or underinflated tires. The National Safety Council (NSC) recommends inspecting everyone’s bike before heading out. Check that:

• The seat is locked in place at the proper height

• All parts are secure and working properly

• Tires are properly inflated

• The bike has reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes

Selecting a Helmet

Everyone in the family should wear a bike helmet to help prevent serious injury.

Bring the kids along when selecting helmets so that everyone can choose a helmet that fits properly in a color they like.

The helmet should be approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Approved helmets meet strict safety standards.

Wearing a Helmet Correctly

Many helmets come with sponge pads to adjust the fit. A correctly fitted helmet should meet these requirements:

• The helmet should fit snug, not moving on the head.

• The front edge of the helmet should be two finger widths above the eyebrows.

• The front and back straps of the helmet should form a V just below the ear.

• The front straps should be vertical, and the rear straps should be flat.

• The chinstrap should be snug when your child opens their mouth. When the straps are fastened, two fingers should fit between the strap and the chin.

For more information on helmets, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Following the Rules of the Road

Avoid riding when it's dark or during bad weather. Everyone in the family should know to:

• Stop before riding into traffic from a driveway, sidewalk, parking lot or other street.

• Look left, right and left again to check for cars. Enter only if the road is clear.

• Ride on the far right of the road, with traffic.

• Ride so cars can see you. Wear brightly colored or reflective clothes, especially at night.

• Obey all traffic signals and stop signs.

• Look back and yield to traffic coming from behind before turning left.

• Ride bikes in single file.

• Look for uneven pavement or other surface problems.

• Don't wear headphones. You won't be able to hear cars, horns, sirens, voices or other warnings of danger.

By equipping your family with the right gear, teaching essential road rules and staying alert while riding, you can foster habits that make bike riding fun and safer for everyone in the family.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Safety Council
The StayWell Company, LLC