Bicycle Safety Rules for Kids

For kids who do not follow proper bike precautions, cycling can be a very dangerous enterprise. Thousands of kids go to the emergency room every year because of bike accidents. Following the right bike safety rules is crucial for ensuring a child's safety.

Headgear

• A basic rule is every biker, young or old, should wear a helmet. A good helmet will have a sticker or packaging notation indicating it meets government safety standards.

Bike Maintenance

• Inflate tires properly before using a bike. Underinflated tires can be a safety hazard. Additionally, always check the brakes before letting a child ride any bike.

Observance

• Do not let young kids ride bikes unsupervised. Set explicit boundaries, explaining kids cannot ride past a certain observable marker in the neighborhood. Only let children go past this barrier if an adult is with them.

Roadway Awareness

• Kids should be coached to learn that uneven road surfaces are unsafe. Children should avoid potholes, cracks, grates and other road hazards.

Intersection Checks

• Kids should always look both ways at an intersection before crossing a street, only proceeding when it is clear. Never assume an intersection is safe; always stop and look first.

Car Awareness

• Kids should ride single-file with the flow of traffic, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. As a rule, safe bikers should get in the habit of always using hand signals, even when no cars are around.