How to Teach Your Kids to Pedal Safer | Hernando County Injury Lawyers Whittel & Melton

It is a beautiful day, and your kids, cooped up because of COVID-19, want to take their bikes out! But, before you get their bikes ready, our Hernando County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton want you to know how to teach them to be safe on two wheels.

Riding a bike is loads of fun, but every year, thousands of children end up in the emergency room because of bike-related injuries.

In 2022, Florida recorded 22 fatal bicycle accidents, making it the most dangerous state for cyclists, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). California and Texas followed with 177 and 91 fatalities, respectively. Overall, 1,105 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes across the United States that year.

Helmets are a Must

Children and adults should always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. This protects your face, head, and brain if you fall. Bike helmets need a sticker from CPSC to show they meet U.S. safety standards. If your helmet does not have this safety sticker, you should promptly consider purchasing one that does.

Always wear a properly fitted helmet when riding your bike, no matter the distance. Ensure it covers your forehead and doesn’t tip back. Fasten the straps every time, and avoid wearing a hat underneath.

Keep your helmet in great condition, so do not knock it around. If your bicycle helmet gets damaged, it might not protect you properly if you have an accident. If you fall and hit your helmet while biking, we recommend you get a new one. Adding reflective stickers to your helmet is a smart way to increase visibility for motorists.

Bicycle Safety Checklist

You must have the right size bike to maximize safety. To check the correct size, stand straddling the top bar of your bicycle with both feet flat and firm on the ground. There should be 1 to 3 inches of space between your body and the top bar of the bike.

Once you know you have the perfect fit, double-check that the seat, wheels, and handlebars are suitable for a ride. Monitor your chain, oil, and breaks regularly. Lastly, verify your tires are well-inflated and have the right amount of pressure.

Bicycle Safety Tips For Kids and Bikers

• Ride with your hands firmly on the handlebars.
• When you leave your driveway or curb, always look in both traffic directions before riding away.
• Always cross at intersections for the best visibility.
• Avoid cycling against the flow of traffic. Ensure you ride on the right side of the road, moving in the same direction as the vehicles.
• If you have bike lanes, use them.
• Obey all traffic signals.
• If you are riding with your friends, ride in a single file.
• When passing another biker or a pedestrian, always pass on their left side and announce your presence so they know you are approaching.

How to Signal

Use hand signals to communicate your next move to motorists and pedestrians. Always check behind you before making any signals. You want to use your left arm for all signals:

• Left turn – Hold your arm straight, to the left, and pull forward slowly.
• Stop – Bend your elbow while pointing your arm down making an upside-down shape that looks like an “L” and stop.
• Right turn – Check behind you, make an “L” shape with your bent elbow, and ride straight ahead of you slowly.

Our Hernando County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton want everyone to have a safe and fun summer. We encourage you to get outside and stay safe!

If you or your child suffer an injury from a bicycle accident, we are here to help you understand all your options. If you have any questions or need help, we are available 24/7 for a free consultation.