Remember those wonderful times riding your bike when you were a kid? That feeling of freedom and joy that could only come from cruising through the neighborhood with your friends, even if the adventure was as simple as a ride to school.
Well, on Wednesday, May 4, thousands of kids across the country will experience that same feeling, some for the first time, as they celebrate National Bike to School Day. It's the perfect opportunity for parents, kids and communities to come together to have fun and learn how to stay safe on their bikes at the same time.
And when it comes to safety, parents have an important role to play. For example, a properly-fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45 percent but did you know that less than half of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet?
I know, many of us grew up riding without helmets, so we might not wear them today. But your kids are watching more than you think. If you wear a helmet, your kids are more likely to wear one as well.
Check out this fun video to see exactly what I mean.
Whenever you ride, please remember these tips. And pass them on. You just might save a life.
- Wear a properly-fitted helmet. Here's a 30-second video that will show you how to get the perfect fit.
- Ride on the sidewalk when you can. If not, ride in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as possible.
- Use hand signals and follow the rules of the road. Be predictable by making sure you ride in a straight line and don't swerve between cars.
- Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding at night and in the morning. Reflectors on your clothes and bike will help you be seen.
- Ride with your children. Stick together until you are comfortable that your kids are ready to ride on their own.
For more information, visit safekids.org.
