It’s never too early to teach kids the rules of safety, especially on bicycles. Even if they’re just a passenger on your bike, you can start pointing out the rules of the road as you ride. Once they have their own bike, you should go over this list with them, and make sure to review real-world examples when you’re actually on the road. Here’s the essential list for bike safety directions for kids:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Obey all traffic laws.
- Stop and look both ways before entering traffic.
- Walk the bike across busy intersections.
- Watch for cars entering the road from driveways or parking spots.
- Use hand signals and look in all directions before turning.
- Ride predictably—avoid swerving suddenly.
- Ride single file on the right.
- Never ride at night or at dusk. If you are out late, you should call for a ride.
- Wear bright-colored clothing.
- Never wear headphones or eat while riding.
- If you need to carry something while on the bike, you should put it in a backpack to keep your hands free.
- Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
- Never carry anyone on your bike.
- You should make your own decisions about safety—don’t do something just because your friends did it.
- Wear a helmet at all times.
These rules are essential. Set an example for your children and follow these rules at all times. Failing to follow any of the above rules, could have tragic consequences.
If you or someone you know was involved in a bicycle-related injury, contact our office today so we can discuss your options for a personal injury claim.