The arrival of warmer weather and sunnier days means families can escape from indoor activities and head out on adventures beyond the front lawn. The benefits of being an active family are endless and we think bike riding is the perfect activity to get everyone moving. But before you and the kids rush out and start pedaling, there’s an important factor that you need to consider — safety. Here are a few tips to make sure every ride is the safest ride:
1. Protect the noggin – a helmet is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes. Helmet Fit Test.
2. Adjust bicycle to fit – when a child is straddling the bike both feet should be flat on the ground and there should be 1 to 3 inches of space between the child and the top bar.
3. Do the ABC Quick Check – Air, Brakes, Crank & Chain. It’s important to do a bike maintenance check whether it’s been a day or nine months since your last ride.
4. Be Bright, Use Lights – When riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening, be bright and use lights. Also fluorescent, reflective or bright-colored clothes will help kids be visible on the road
5. Road Rules- If you allow your kids to ride on the street, be sure to go over the rules of the road: obey all traffic laws, including stoplights, signs, signals and lane markings, yield to pedestrians, ride your bicycle in the same direction as traffic and signal when you make turns.
6. Choose your path- Avoid hills and find bike routes that will make cycling fun for everyone. With kids, it’s often safer to keep to a bike trail than to head onto busy streets.
7. Making Safety a Family Affair– One of the best ways to help kids learn safe bike riding is to set a good example by following the rules of the road yourself. Go for bike rides with your kids so you can show them what safe riding looks like.
Not ready for an adventure on the road just yet? Then join us at Safetyville for Free Family Bike Night! Kiddos of all shapes, sizes, and abilities are welcome to cruise the 3 1/2 acre miniature city on their two-wheelers, trikes, push bikes, and scooters. Bike Nights are held on Thursday & Fridays from 5:30-8:00pm, with a nightly safety clinic at 6:30. For more information Call (916) 438-3380 or Email Mark.