Kid Tips - Bicycle Safety

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Riding a bicycle is one of the most enjoyable activities of childhood. Many of our most cherished childhood memories center on the bicycle. However, bicycles are also the source of many significant childhood injuries each year. With that in mind, we offer these safety tips for kids on bikes.

 

Check your "Bike-Q"

Unfortunately, many people do not recognize the hazards associated with bicycle riding. To check your "Bike-Q", take this short quiz. When you think you know the answer to each question, click on the phrase "check my answer".

1. Bicycle-related injuries are usually the fault of another person, such as the driver of a car.
True or False? - Check my answer

2. The most serious injuries related to bicycle riding involve the head or face.
True or False? - Check my answer

3. Each year, nearly half a million children are injured while riding bicycles seriously enough to require emergency medical treatment.
True or False? - Check my answer

4. Of those injuries, how many cause permanent brain damage and/or disabilities?
100, 500, or 2000? - Check my answer

5. What is the total annual cost of treating children injured on bicycles?
$10 million, $50 million, or $200 million? - Check my answer

6. Bicycle helmets are expensive. If everybody bought one, we would spend more money than we spend already.
True or False? - Check my answer

7. Children are safe if they ride in their own neighborhood.
True or False? - Check my answer

Bicycle Helmets

The single most important safety tip for your children is "Wear your bike helmet."

Each year, nearly half a million children are treated in emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries. About 250 of these children die from their injuries. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by almost 90 percent. Yet, only 5 percent of children nationwide currently wear helmets while bicycling.

Why don't more parents make their children use bike helmets?

Parents care deeply about their children's well being. However, many parents may not be aware of the extensive benefits of wearing bike helmets for their children. There needs to be a greater awareness and education within the communities in the state.

What can I do to encourage more use of bicycle helmets among children?

The Kansas Safe Kids Coalition, an organization devoted to the prevention of childhood injuries in the state of Kansas, is more than happy to help. It has helped many communities throughout the state distribute helmets and educational materials within their communities. It provides educational materials and low-cost helmets to groups attempting to improve the lives of children throughout the state of Kansas.

If your organization is interested in participating in one of these educational programs, we encourage you to contact:

The Kansas Safe Kids Coalition
900 SW Jackson, Suite 1051 S.
Topeka, KS 66612-1290
Telephone: 1-785-296-1223

Similar organizations exist in many other states as well. Check your local telephone directory for contact information for your state.
Rules for Riding:

The importance of knowing the rules for safe riding cannot be stressed too much.

• Buy a bicycle that is the correct size for your child. A child who has been given a bicycle that he/she will "grow into" is much more likely to be injured in an accident than a child with a properly sized bicycle is.
• Properly adjust the bicycle. When seated on the bicycle, the child should be able to stand on the balls of both feet. The handlebar should be easy to grasp without leaning forward.
• Check all nuts, bolts, brakes, and cables periodically, and tighten appropriately.
• Check the tires periodically and inflate them if necessary.
• Have the bicycle checked by a bicycle repair technician annually to ensure the safety of your child.
• Always require your child to wear a bicycle helmet.
• Set a good example by wearing a helmet yourself.
• Purchase a good helmet for your child.
• Let your child know that you expect him or her to wear a helmet at all times.
• Encourage other parents to require helmets for their children.
• Never wear sandals or open-toed shoes when riding a bicycle.
• A bicycle is designed for one person only. Never try to carry a passenger.
• Avoid riding at dawn, dusk, or night. If you absolutely must ride, use a light and wear reflective clothing.
• When two or more bicycles are riding together, always ride in single files
• Always ride with the traffic, not against it.
• Obey all traffic signals and stop signs.
• Be aware of cars and other traffic, and ride safely. Other drivers often cannot see you. They are not looking out for you, so you must look out for yourself.

Most police departments are happy to help kids learn to ride their bikes safely. Organize a bicycle safety rodeo, by contacting your local police department or the Kansas Safe Kids Coalition (address above). Your pediatrician might also have some information or pamphlets on bicycle safety that you could use.

Remember that you are the parent. You have a responsibility to protect and teach your child. You also have the greatest influence on your child’s life. Make sure that you set a good example (for example, always wear your own bike helmet).
Above all, teach your child wisely.

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Note to health care professionals: You are free to use these materials for your patients, provided you include the following statement:

This patient education handout provided courtesy of the
University of Kansas Department of Pediatrics.
Copyright 2003-2006 KU Pediatrics. All rights reserved