Frankenmuth

Bike Safety f Kids Bike Safety f Kids BY DON MAWER, POLICE CHIEF Bicycling offers a myriad of benefits for kids, including improved physical and mental health, opportunities to interact with the outdoors, increased coordination and self-confidence, and more. Like any other sport, biking is not without its dangers. According to statistics published by Stanford Medicine, around 254,000 children are injured each year in bicycle-related accidents. For that reason, it is essential that children are taught to do so safely, and that they obey bike safety rules every time they go for a ride. As a parent, you can help ensure their well-being by familiarizing yourself with bicycle safety practices, keeping a watchful eye, and offering reminders and instructions as needed. To that end, FPD compiled a basic guide to bike safety for kids: HAVE THE RIGHT GEAR! ESSENTIAL ITEMS INCLUDE: A Helmet. Of all the pieces of safety equipment for your child to have, this one is the most important. In fact, a report by the Children's Safety Network estimated that universal bike helmet use by children would prevent hundreds of deaths and hundreds of thousands of injuries annually. Reflective Gear. Reflective or bright clothing is good practice for everyone, but it's especially critical for kids who live in areas with poor visibility and/or lots of traffic, or who tend to ride in the early morning, evening, or at night. In addition to wearable gear, you might also consider buying a special flashing bike light to attach to your child's bike. Closed-Toe Shoes. For children who have graduated to a pedal bike with a chain, closed-toe shoes ensure that their toes will not get caught in the chain of the bike, and also that their feet are less likely to be hurt in the event of a fall. For kids who tend to wear dresses or loose-fitting pants, it may also be wise to get them a velcro strap to secure clothing that is in danger of getting caught in the chain. Knee, Elbow, and Wrist Guards. While experienced riders may have less need of these, riders who are still a little wobbly might benefit from the extra protection which knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards offer. A Correctly-Sized Bike. Riding on an ill-fitting bike can make balancing and pedaling more difficult, which in turn can increase the likelihood of falls. As your child grows, make sure you are regularly checking that their bike still fits, and making adjustments or replacements as needed. It is also important to maintain bikes by keeping the tires inflated, oiling the chain regularly, tightening handlebars and seats as needed, and checking the brakes. 6

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