While riding bicycles is fun and great exercise for children, certain precautions should be taken to protect them on the road. More than 70 percent of children age 5 years old to 14 years old ride bicycles. In 2001, 134 children age 14 years old and younger died in bicycle-related crashes.
In 2002, nearly 288,900 children age 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for bicycle-related death and permanent injuries. Nearly half of these children were diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.
Head injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes and is the most important determinant of bicycle-related death and permanent disability. Head injuries account for more than 60 percent of bicycle-related deaths, more than two-thirds of bicycle-related hospital admission and about one-third of hospital emergency room visits.
Helmets, when correctly worn, are the most effective safety device available to reduce the risk of head injury and death from bicycle crashes. Unfortunately, national estimates report that bicycle helmet use among child bicyclists ranges only from 15-25 percent.
Other bike safety tips include:
- When approaching an intersection, make eye contact with the driver to make sure he/she sees you.
- Make sure your bike is the correct fit for you. There should be 1-2 inches between the seat and the top bar if using a road bike and 3-4 inches if using a mountain bicycle. 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, and the handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.
- Be sure the bike is in proper working order and there are no missing parts. Before going out for a ride check the breaks, reflectors and tires.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Watch for and avoid road hazards - broken glass, potholes, gravel, animals.
- Avoid riding after sunset. Know the rules of the road - stay alert, look before turning, obey traffic laws, watch for parked cars, be predictable