Riding Smart from the Start

For many children, a bicycle will be their first opportunity to operate a roadway vehicle. Yet, most children do not have the information or experience they need to safely ride on a roadway. That’s why it is important to teach bicycle safety at an early age and continue practicing safety skills throughout life.

Parents must not only follow bicycle safety rules themselves but remember they are modeling it to their children. To ensure safe riding, follow these 10 bicycle safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Ride a bicycle that is correct for the child’s size.
• Check that the wheels aren’t loose and brake devices work.
• When exiting a driveway—stop, look left, look right, look left again, and exit only when there is no traffic.
• Ride on the right-hand side of the road with the flow of traffic.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals, just as vehicles do.
• Use proper hand signals to indicate turns.
• Ride single file.
• Give the right-of-way to pedestrians.
• Do not carry passengers (except in approved baby seats).

Following these safety tips can ensure a safer ride every time. For more information about riding smart from the start, contact your local county Extension office or call the Passenger Safety Office at (979) 458-3428.