| Keeping your kids safe is a big job for parents. For | | | | and put your helmet to the test, be sure to get a new |
| most it means safety from bad strangers and others | | | | one. They don't work as well after a major crash. |
| preying on our children. | | | | Some fun things to do is personalize your helmet with |
| I take a well rounded approach to stranger danger and | | | | some favorite stickers. Reflective stickers are a great |
| expand my classes to cover other "safe kids" topics, | | | | choice because they look cool and make you more |
| too. I reinforce the lessons Mom and Dad emphasize. | | | | visible to people driving cars. |
| One subject I also touch upon is bicycle safety. Bike | | | | After wearing the right type of helmet, making sure |
| safety includes wearing helmets, riding safely and | | | | you have the right bike for you is the second most |
| under control, being seen and wearing shoes. | | | | importatn safety consideration. Riding a bike that is the |
| Why is bicycle safety so important? | | | | right size also help keeps you safe. Here's how to size |
| Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents happen. Every | | | | the bike just for you: |
| year, about 176,000 kids go to the emergency | | | | 1. Stand straddling the top bar of your bike so that both |
| department because of bike accident injuries. Some of | | | | feet are flat on the ground. |
| these injuries are so serious that children die, usually | | | | 2. There should be 1 to 3 inches (2.5 to 7.6 |
| from head injuries. | | | | centimeters) of space between you and the top bar. |
| Wearing a good bicycle safety helmet protects a | | | | 3. Make sure your seat, handlebars, and wheels fit |
| rider's head. A head injury means a brain injury. | | | | tightly. |
| Wearing a helmet doesn't mean riders can be reckless | | | | 4. Check and oil your chain regularly. |
| but it provides some protection in case of an accident. | | | | 5. Check your brakes to be sure they work well and |
| Bike helmets are so important that the U.S. | | | | aren't sticking. |
| government has created safety standards for them. A | | | | 6. Check your tires to make sure they have enough air |
| good bike helmet should have a sticker that says it | | | | and the right tire pressure. |
| meets standards set by the Consumer Product | | | | Wearing bright clothes and putting reflectors on your |
| Safety Commission (CPSC). Your bike helmet should | | | | bike also can help you stay safe. It helps other people |
| fit you properly. You don't want it too small or too big. | | | | on the road see you. And if they see you, that means |
| Never wear a hat under your bike helmet. If you're | | | | they're less likely to run into you. |
| unsure if your helmet fits you well, ask someone at a | | | | You'll also want to make sure that nothing will get |
| bike store. | | | | caught in your bike chain, such as loose pant legs, |
| Make sure to wear a helmet the right way for full | | | | backpack straps, or shoelaces. Wear the right shoes - |
| protection. It should be worn level and cover the | | | | sneakers - when you bike. Sandals, shoes with heels, |
| forehead. The straps should always be fastened. If the | | | | and cleats won't help you grip the pedals. And never |
| straps are flying, it's likely to fall off especially when | | | | go riding barefoot! Riding gloves may help you grip the |
| needed the most. Make sure the straps are adjusted | | | | handlebars - and make you look like a professional! |
| so they're snug enough that the helemt can't pull or | | | | But avoid wearing headphones because the music can |
| twist around. | | | | distract you from noises around you, such as a car |
| Take care of a bike helmet and don't throw it around. | | | | blowing its horn so you can get out of the way. |
| That could damage the helmet and it won't protect | | | | Keeping kids safe is my business. |
| you as well when you really need it. If you do fall down | | | | |