Bike Safety Tips for Kids in Arvada

Bicycling not only provides children a physical activity to enjoy with friends and family members, but also provides them a way to get to and from school in some cases. However, bicycling also comes with dangers of which parents must remain aware.

Many roads in Colorado, including in the Arvada region, are simply not designed for child bicyclists. If your child bikes to school regularly, find a safe route to take. But you can further promote safety by sharing these tips with your kids.

Bike Safety Tips for Kids in Arvada

Bike Safety Tip #1: Always Wear a Helmet

Make sure your child gets into the habit of wearing a bicycle helmet. This is among the most important bike safety tips for children.

Ensure that she is using a bicycle that is well-functioning, and is in good condition. The helmet should fit appropriately as well, so avoid those that are too small or too large. The helmet should be well-ventilated, and should have a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or SNELL sticker on it.

Unfortunately, children very often dislike wearing helmets. They find them cumbersome or unfashionable. As a parent, you can buy brightly-colored, fashionable helmets to encourage your child to wear helmets. These will also help make a child bicyclist visible to motorists.

Bike Safety Tip #2: Make Sure the Bike Fits Your Little Rider

Ensure that your child is riding a bicycle that actually fits her. To understand whether the bicycle is the right fit for your child, make the child stand over the bicycle, or straddle the bicycle. Ideally, there should be a gap of between 1 to 2 inches between the bicycle, and your child.

Avoid buying an adult bike for your child until she is old enough to ride one. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding child size. Also check that the brakes, gears, and other parts of the bike work.

Bike Safety Tip #3: Keep Visibility in Mind

Your child should always ride a bicycle wearing clothes easily seen by drivers in Arvada. Bright or florescent colors that make her stand out in traffic are best. You may even attach blinking lights to the bike or your child’s clothing if the child is riding in the evening.

Your child should also wear safe clothing while riding. Clothes should be lightweight and not loose-fitting because these can get caught in the chain. Avoid riding barefoot, or with heels or flip-flops.

Bike Safety Tip #4: Ride in Groups

Teach your child to ride in a group. Riding in groups is safer than riding alone. Children riding in groups are much more visible to motorists. They are also much more likely to be able to warn other children of hazards, like broken glass or potholes on the road. Children should always ride in the same direction as traffic, and not against traffic. Of course, children should use sidewalks and bike trails and stay off of main roads.

What to Do If Your Child is Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Arvada

Bicycle accidents involving children often result in serious injuries. That’s not only because of the lack of protection the bicyclist has in the event of an accident, but also because of the physical vulnerability of a child. A bicycle accident claim can help you recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages related to the accident.

Arvada bicycle accident attorney, D.J. Banovitz can help you file a claim for compensation if your loved one was involved in an accident. Call 303-300-5060 or use the form on our contact page to schedule a free initial consultation.