Proper Bike Size Have your child stand straddling the bike with their feet flat on the ground. There should be 1 to 2 inches between your child and the top tube/bar on the bike. The seat should be level front to back. The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.

Bike Maintenance Whether you have a traditional bike or one of those Aventon electric bikes, it’s important that it is properly maintained. Check that tires are properly inflated and that brakes are working. Also make sure the bike has appropriate reflectors.

Dressing for Safety

• Wear bight colored clothing
• Make sure clothing can’t get caught in the bike chain
• Wear sneakers, never ride in flip flops or bare feet

Ride Safely

• Don’t ride with headphones or earbuds in. Music can easily distract you. (it is also against the law in some areas)
• Watch for road hazards, cars, leaves, potholes, storm sewers-any hazard that can get in your way
• Only ride where you have permission to ride. Kids under age 10 should not ride unsupervised in the street
• Be aware of all cars, pedestrians and driveways
• Always ride with the traffic on the street
• Always walk your bike across intersections
• Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic signals
• Use your hand signals

Bike riding is good exercise and a lot of fun. Unfortunately, lots of children are hurt each year because they do not know or follow the rules of the road for riding a bicycle. Teach your kids how to ride safe.

The post Tuesday Tips-Bicycle Safety for Children appeared first on The Mom Maven.

Did you know that:

• 63% of bicycling fatalities were due to head injuries? (Children’s Safety Network)
• In 2006 95% of cyclists involved in fatal accidents were not wearing helmets. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
• 56% of all bicycle related emergency room visits are for children ages 0-14 (CPSC)

Bike helmets must fit and be worn properly to do their job. Try the helmet on and make sure it fits snuggly. Have your child pick out their own bicycle helmet. They are less likely to complain about wearing it if they pick the design. If they already have a helmet, let them personalize it with stickers or markers so that it shows off their personality.   Always read the literature that comes with the helmet and adjust it properly. Make sure the bike helmet sits flat on your child’s head, not leaning back so the forehead is exposed and not tilted forward either.

Next week’s tips will cover basic bicycling safety.

The post Tuesday Tips- Bicycle Helmets appeared first on The Mom Maven.