Bicycle Safety

May is National Bicycle Safety month.  It's time to get those bikes out of the garage, clean them up and get ready to ride! 

It's also time to review bicycle safety with the entire family.  Bicycle safety, like so many things, starts at home.  It is an ideal family activity-the safety as much as the riding.  It is an excellent way to grow together. 

As you clean your bicycles, teach your children to check them for damage.  Damaged parts should be repaired or replaced before you start riding.  If your children or teens will be riding at night, be sure the lights work.  Check horns and bells as well. 

Check your helmets at the same time.  Helmets that get worn frequently, will get worn out.  Check the straps and the fit.  The helmet should fit snugly.  If it moves on your child's head without moving their scalp, it is too loose.  Also, it should sit perfectly horizontally on the head, and not at a jaunty angle.  Remember, it's purpose is safety, not looks.  Most importantly of all, if a helmet has been in an accident, it should be replaced.  I encourage all of my clients to wear helmets.  If parents wear a helmet as well, they set an excellent example.

Dress appropriately when you ride.  This means avoid clothing that is loose enough to get caught in the spokes or chain, such as skirts or wide pants.  To protect your toes, wear close-toed shoes or boots, not flip-flops.  (I've seen some ugly toe injuries in the last couple of years).  If your shoes have laces, make sure they are tied.  Also, teach your children to wear reflective clothing if they ride at night or near dusk. 

Review the Rules of the Road with the entire family.  Remind everyone that cyclists have to ride on the same side of the road as cars, and in the same direction.  Stay in bike lanes whenever possible.  If driving beside parked cars, be aware that someone may open a car door into your cycle.  Stop at all stop signs (always) and at traffic lights (when it is appropriate).  Obey speed limits.  Watch for cars, because they will not be watching for you.

Then, of course, my best advice is this:  go out and enjoy yourself!


Dr Nan N
House Call Pediatrician, Overland Park, KS


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