Bike Safety Tips

When the weather turns warmer, parents think about Bike Safety. Bike riding is good exercise and a great way to spend time as a family. With more children being injured each year while riding bicycles the need for safety is more important than ever. Before hitting the roads this year, here are some tips to help you enjoy a safer ride.
Things You’ll Need:
A Bike
A Bike Helmet
Knee and Elbow Pads

Step 1
Safety Gear:
1. When riding your bike, the most important piece of equipment to wear  is your helmet. Your risk of head injury reduces 85% to 90% just by wearing your helmet properly.
2. Look for a mark that your helmet meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.
3. The helmet must fit properly to offer the best protection in a crash. It should fit snugly and sit level on the head (about 2 finger-width above your eyebrows). The side straps/buckles should form a “V” directly under the ear and the chin strap should allow no more than two fingers to fit between the chin and the strap.
4. Helmets need to be replaced after a crash or after they are five years old.
5. Bright colors or reflective clothing should be worn so people can see you.
6. Loose pant legs or shoelaces might get caught in your bike chain you should avoid wearing them when cycling.
7. Closed-toe shoes with a tread(such as tennis shoes) should be worn when you ride. Also, never ride your bike barefoot.
Step 2
Check Your Bike:
1. Choose a bike that is the right size for you to ride. While straddling your bike there should be 1 to 3 inches between your crotch and the center bar (the bar that connects the wheels).
2. Maintain your bike to keep it as safe as possible. Make sure your seat, bars and wheels are tight; check your brakes to make sure they don’t stick; inspect and oil your chain often; check your tires to make sure they have enough air.
3. Be sure your bike has reflectors and lights that are in working order when you ride early in the morning and/or late at night, .
Step 3
Know the Rules:
1. Make sure you tell someone (minors get permission from your parents) where you are going and how long you plan to be gone (Estimate).  Have a plan in case of emergency (carry your cell phone if you have one). Bring water with you even if you don’t plan to be gone long (anything can happen) to stay hydrated. If possible, take a pocket emergency kit with you. They don’t have to cost a lot of money and can be small enough to fit in your pocket. You can make your own by putting some wet naps and a few band-aids in a plastic baggie (one that will fits in your pocket and has a ziplock).
2. Stop and look in both directions before pulling out of your driveway or other areas.
3. Ride on the right-hand side of the street and obey traffic signs and lights just as cars do.
4. Ride in bike lanes if they are available. Ride on sidewalks whenever possible and follow all road rules when riding on the roadways.
5. Cross only at intersections and walk (don’t ride!) your bike when you cross a busy intersection.
6. Be careful when riding in areas that have parked cars; doors can openly suddenly or cars can move without warning (they may not see you like you can see them).
7.Stay aware of road conditions that could cause you to fall. Watch for icy or wet conditions and debris on the roads.

* For more information, call UVA Children’s Hospital at 434-982-1607.
* Don’t wait for a fatal accident to play it safe. Your children (as well as you) deserve to be safe.