It's a beautiful day — what could be more perfect than a bike ride? But wait! Before you pull your bike out of the garage, let's find out how to stay safe.
Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents happen. Every year, lots of kids need to see their doctor or go to the emergency room because of bike injuries.
Wearing a helmet that fits well every time you're on a bike helps protect your face, head, and brain if you fall. That's why it's so important to wear your bike helmet whenever you are on a bike.
Bike helmets are so important that the U.S. government has created safety rules for them. Your helmet should have a sticker that says it meets the rules set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If your helmet doesn't have a CPSC sticker, ask your parent about getting you one that does.
Wear a bike helmet every time you ride, even if you're going for a short ride. And follow these rules:
Riding a bike that is the right size for you helps to keep you safe. If you go to a bike store, ask the people who work there to help you get the right fit. In general, your feet should easily touch the ground as you sit on the seat and your legs shouldn’t be too bent when you pedal.
Making a safety checklist is important. Ask your parent for help:
Wearing bright clothes and putting reflectors on your bike also can help you stay safe. It helps other people on the road see you. And if they see you, that means they're less likely to run into you.
You'll also want to make sure that nothing will get caught in your bike chain, such as loose pant legs, backpack straps, or shoelaces.
Wear the right shoes — sneakers — when you bike. Sandals, flip-flops, shoes with heels, and cleats won't help you grip the pedals. And never go riding barefoot!
Riding gloves may help you grip the handlebars — and make you look like a professional!
Don't use music devices that could distract you from noises around you, such as a car blowing its horn so you can get out of the way.
Don’t text or use a cellphone while riding. You need to watch where you're going and look out for cars, people, and other bikes.
You need to check with your mom or dad about:
No matter where you ride, daytime riding is the safest. So try to avoid riding your bike once it starts getting dark.
And always keep an eye out for cars and trucks. Even if you're just riding on the sidewalk, a car may pull out of its driveway into the path of your bike. When you cross a busy road, walk your bike across the street.
If you're allowed to ride on the street, follow these road rules:
Hand signals are like turn signals and brake lights for bikers. It helps cars and trucks know what you will do next so they don't run into you. Don't change directions or lanes without first looking behind you, and always use the correct signals.
Use your left arm for all signals:
Now that you've learned those hand signals, you get a big thumbs-up for finding out more about bike safety!
Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: Feb 1, 2023