All around the world, kids enjoy riding their bicycles. Bike riding can be enjoyable for children, but it can also be dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not taken in advance. To ensure safety when riding a bike, practice is key. Before taking off on their own, children should practice and learn the basics such as starting and stopping, looking over their shoulders, signaling to vehicles, and riding in a straight line. By practicing and building confidence, children are less likely to be involved in an accident.
Another tip to help the safety of children while riding a bicycle involves the size of the bike. Your child should never use a bicycle that is too large or too small. You should only use a bike that is the correct size. In order to stay safe while riding a bicycle a helmet must be worn at all times to avoid some of the risk of serious injury. Falling off of a bike can often lead to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). All helmets work to a certain extent, but they're more effective when they fit properly. The helmet should fit low on a child's forehead, approximately 2 fingers above the eyebrow. As well as this, your child should be able to look up and see the helmet. If your child cannot see the helmet when he or she looks up, the helmet is too far back.
In addition to these tips, your children should also make sure their bicycles are ready to go before they take off. Before every ride, check to ensure the bike's tires are adequately inflated, makes sure the brakes are working, and check that the chain is properly connected. As well as this, being street smart can also increase your children's safety. Kids always need to be alert while riding a bicycle, so they should never wear headphones or use cell phones while riding. These distractions may lead to increased risk of a bike accident. Children should also ride on a sidewalk when it's possible. If no sidewalk is available, they should ride in the same direction of the traffic on the road. Always obey all traffic signals and local traffic ordinances.
Following these tips can help the safety of your children when riding bicycles. However, even if these guidelines are followed, there is still a possibility of being involved in an accident. If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our Birmingham, MI attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with car, truck, and bike accidents. We will work to ensure you obtain all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.