Safeguarding Children’s Riding Activities

Warmer weather means more outdoor activity, including children on bikes and skateboards. Here are 10 tips to help ensure your child’s ride is safer.

Bicycle

1. Wear a Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) approved helmet

2. Ride a bike that is the proper height and equipped with a headlight and taillight

3. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective gear at night

4. Ride in the same direction as auto traffic

5. Obey all street signs, signals, and road markings

Skateboard

1. Wear helmet and practice gear (elbow & knee pads) that meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards

2. Practice on a smooth driveway away from traffic, or a parking lot not in use

3. Crouch down and practice falling on a soft surface

4. Never ride in the street or hitch a ride from a bicycle or other moving vehicle

5. Avoid wearing headphones while skateboarding to remain aware of your surroundings

References:

1. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Bicycle Safety,” https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicyclists.

2. Skateboard Safety.org, “Skateboarding Safety,” skateboardsafety.org.