We are lucky to live in Florida when it’s almost always great weather for bike riding. It’s a great way for kids to get outdoors, breath in the fresh air, and get in some exercise. It’s also a great way to do things as a family.
In honor of National Bike Month, we’ve compiled a few tips for all the bike riders in your home.
- Wear the right bike helmet.
Wearing the proper helmet can prevent the head, face, and even brain from injury in case a child falls down. The helmet should fit snugly and cover the forehead. Bike helmets should also have a sticker from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The sticker means that the helmet meets the requirements the U.S. Government has created for bike helmets. - Use the right size bike
Did you know that kids’ bike sizes are based on wheel size? The best way to find your child’s bike size is to measure their inseam. Rascal Rides has a great tip on how to measure your child’s inseam.
“To measure your child’s inseam, grab a tape measure, a book, and kiddo. Ask them to stand against a wall, either barefoot or with socks. Have them hold a book between their legs, as close to their crotch as possible, and mark the wall at the top of the book. Then, use a tape measure from the floor to the mark.”
When you go buy a bike bring the information with you so you can pick something that will work. - Ride on the correct path
While adults are discouraged from riding on sidewalks it is recommended that kids 10 and under ride on the sidewalk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Children 10 and under are not mature enough to make the decisions necessary to safely ride in the street. Kids 11 and older are encouraged to ride on the street and follow the rules of the road. - Wear visible clothing
It is important for bike riders to be visible to other drivers. Bright or neon clothing is suggested. You can also add reflective tape or flashing lights to the bicycle to make it more visible. You can also decorate the helmet with some reflective stickers or tape.
Additional Tips!
Teach your child how to use hand-turn signals.
- Left turn: look behind you first, hold your arm straight out to the left and ride forward slowly.
- Stop: look behind you, bend your elbow, make an upsidedown “L” shape and come to a stop.
- Right turn: look behind you, bend your elbow with your arm facing up make an “L” shape, and ride forward slowly. You can also hold your right arm straight out from your side.
- Slow Down: look behind you, hold your left arm down and move it up and down at a 45-degree angle.
