Beach Tips for Parents: Bike Safety
One of the best parts of island living is being able to ride your bike everywhere. You don’t have to worry about parking and in the nice weather, who wants to sit in a hot car anyway? However, to truly enjoy riding bikes, everyone needs to follow the laws and practice safety tips. While most of these would seem obvious, you would be surprised how many kids are wearing the wrong-sized helmet, if they are even wearing one at all. Bikes are fun but incredibly dangerous if you aren’t following the rules and paying attention. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Always, always, always wear a helmet. Helmets are the most effective safety devices when it comes to head injuries or even death if you have a bicycle accident. A helmet isn’t nearly as effective though if it isn’t the right size. A helmet that fits correctly sits on top of the head in a level position. It should not move or shift around at all. Helmets are useless if the straps aren’t buckled. Finally, make sure the helmet meets the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards.
Parent tip: Let your child pick out their own helmet. If they really like it, they might be more inclined to wear it without a fight.
Make sure the bike your child is riding is the right size. I admit I am guilty of buying things on the larger size so my kids can grow into them. This doesn’t work with bikes because it isn’t safe. When picking out a new bike, take your child with you and go to a store that specializes in bikes. Let the experts help make sure what your child is riding is the right size. Keep in mind that when your child is sitting on his or her bike, their feet should be able to touch the ground.
Double check reflectors, brakes, gears and tires before heading out for a ride. If you are planning to ride after it gets dark, make sure you have lights on the front and back of the bike. If you are going to be riding at night it wouldn’t hurt to invest in some reflective clothing for everyone.
The one may sound silly but make sure your child isn’t wearing any loose clothing that could get caught in the chain, pedals, etc. My daughter had a sweatshirt tied around her waist and the sleeve got caught in the chain, causing it to stop her bike. She was able to jump off and not fall, but she was lucky.
Ride with your kids. Take your kids for bike rides as often as you can until they learn the rules of the road and how to keep an eye out for themselves. I constantly tell my kids that no one is looking for them, they have to pay attention. Make sure they learn to look at cars in driveways in case someone is pulling out. Always ride on the right side of the road – with traffic, not against it – and obey all traffic laws that apply, including stopping at stop signs and lights. Also, make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road so they know the driver sees them and is paying attention.
Set a good example. This rule applies in every facet of life, not just bike riding. Your kids are watching everything you say and do. Even if you think they aren’t, I assure you, they are. Wear a helmet, follow the rules, pay attention, don’t ever take out your phone while riding (or driving, God forbid). If your child sees you following the rules, he or she will, too.
Riding bikes is fun and at times, practical. It’s a great way to see the island as long as you do it safely!
