AAP - TIPP: Safe Bicycling Starts Early and Choosing the Right Bicycle

Safe Bicycling Starts Early "Rules of the Road" 1. When turning or stopping, always use hand signals. 2. LOOK both ways at street corners and driveways. 3. Always ride with the traffic, to the right. 4. Always stop at STOP signs and the curb. 5. When you ride on the sidewalk watch out for people. 6. Riders must always wear their helmet. NEVER RIDE AT NIGHT Always put your bike away when the sun goes down.

	When a child receives his or her first tricycle or bicycle, a lifelong pattern of vehicle operation is begun. A bike is not just a toy, but a vehicle that is a speedy means of transportation, subject to the same laws as motor vehicles. Training Children in Proper Use of Their Bicycles 1. Parents should set limits on where children may ride, depending on their age and maturity. Most serious injuries occur when the bicyclist is hit by a motor vehicle. a. Young children should ride only with adult supervision and off the street. b. The decision to allow older children to ride in the street should depend on traffic patterns, individual maturity, and an adequate knowledge and ability to follow the "Rules of the Road." 2. Children must be provided with helmets (approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission [CPSC]) and taught to wear them properly on every ride, starting when they get their first bike or tricycle. 3. The most important "Rules of the Road" for them to learn are a. Ride with traffic. b. Stop and look both ways before entering the street. c. Stop at all intersections, marked and unmarked. d. Before turning, use hand signals and look all ways. 4. Children should never ride at dusk or in the dark. This is extremely risky for children and adults. Your child should be told to call home for a ride rather than ride a bike. Night riding requires special skills and special equipment. Few youngsters are equipped with either. 5. Children should receive training in bicycle riding, including "Rules of the Road," and should have their privilege with the bike withheld if they ignore safety rules or don't wear a helmet. 6. Children should learn how to keep their bikes in good repair, with parents checking the tires, brakes, and seat and handlebar height annually. HE0081 Reproduced from TIPP 8-years Safety Sheet © 1994 American Academy of Pediatrics 3-37/rev0801 Dear Parent, Your child is old enough to start learning how to prevent injuries. Be a good example—wear your helmet! It takes time to form a safety habit. Teach and continually remind your child about these safety messages. Make safety a big part of your lives.

Choosing the Right Size Bicycle for Your Child

	A bicycle of the wrong size may cause your child to lose control and be injured. Any bike must be the correct size for the child for whom it is bought. To keep your child safe, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following: 1. Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike until he or she is ready, at about age 5 or 6. Consider the child's coordination and desire to learn to ride. Stick with coaster brakes until your child is older and more experienced. 2. Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that he or she can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new bike. 3. Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to "grow into." Oversized bikes are especially dangerous. 4. How to test any style of bike for proper fit a. Sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebar, your child must be able to place the balls of both feet on the ground. b. Straddling the center bar, your child should be able to stand with both feet flat on the ground with about a 1-inch clearance between the crotch and the bar. c. When buying a bike with hand brakes for an older child, make sure that the child can comfortably grasp the brakes and apply sufficient pressure to stop the bike. 5. A helmet should be standard equipment. Whenever buying a bike, be sure you have a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)-approved helmet for your child. HE0080 Reproduced from TIPP 5 - and 6 - year Safety Sheets © 1994 American Academy of Pediatrics 3-36/rev0801