Bicycle Safety for Children

Bicycling is wonderful exercise and a source of independence for children, but it also carries risks. Each year, hundreds of thousands of children are injured in bicycle accidents. Most injuries are preventable with proper equipment, training, and supervision. Here's how to keep your young cyclist safe.

Helmet Safety: Non-Negotiable AAP

A properly fitted helmet reduces the risk of brain injury by up to 88%.

Choosing a helmet:

• Look for CPSC certification sticker
• Choose flat, round style (not pointed)
• Should fit snugly without being uncomfortable
• Replace after any crash, even if it looks fine
• Replace every 5-10 years or per manufacturer guidelines

Proper helmet fit:

• Sits level on head (not tilted back)
• Covers forehead—2 finger widths above eyebrows
• Side straps form a V around ears
• Chin strap snug—one finger should fit underneath
• Helmet shouldn't rock side to side or front to back

Making helmet use a habit:

• Start from the very first ride
• Model helmet use yourself
• No helmet, no bike—make it non-negotiable
• Let child choose their helmet design
• Replace helmets they've outgrown

Choosing the Right Bike Safe Kids

The right size bike is safer and easier to learn on.

Proper bike fit:

• Child should be able to straddle bike with feet flat on ground
• Should be able to touch ground with balls of feet when seated
• Arms slightly bent when holding handlebars
• Can reach brakes and shift gears easily

Signs a bike is too big:

• Can't straddle with feet flat
• Can't reach brakes properly
• Struggles to control bike
• Looks unstable when riding

Signs a bike is too small:

• Knees hit handlebars
• Looks cramped when riding
• Seat at maximum height

Bike features by age:

• Toddlers: Balance bikes (no pedals) teach balance first
• Young children: Training wheels, coaster brakes
• Older children: Hand brakes, gears as skills develop

Teaching Bike Safety NHTSA

Before riding in traffic, children should master:

• Starting and stopping smoothly
• Steering and turning
• Looking behind while riding
• Signaling turns
• Braking quickly
• Riding in a straight line

Basic rules to teach:

• Always wear a helmet
• Ride on the right, with traffic
• Stop at all stop signs and lights
• Check for traffic before entering street
• Use hand signals
• Stay alert—no headphones while riding

When children can ride on streets:

• Not recommended before age 10
• Need ability to judge traffic speed and distance
• Need impulse control and judgment
• Even then, start on quiet residential streets
• Supervise until you're confident in their skills

Rules of the Road Safe Kids

Essential traffic rules:

• Ride with traffic flow (same direction as cars)
• Obey all traffic signs and signals
• Use bike lanes when available
• Yield to pedestrians
• Don't ride on sidewalks (unless local laws allow for young children)

Hand signals:

• Left turn: Left arm extended straight out
• Right turn: Left arm up at 90-degree angle (or right arm extended)
• Stopping: Left arm down at 90-degree angle

Intersection safety:

• Stop and look left, right, left again
• Make eye contact with drivers
• Wait for clear path before crossing
• Walk bike across busy intersections
• Watch for turning vehicles

Bike Maintenance and Safety Checks

Before every ride:

• Tires inflated properly
• Brakes work
• Chain in place
• Quick-release wheels secure
• Reflectors in place

Regular maintenance:

• Keep chain lubricated
• Check tire pressure
• Inspect brake pads
• Ensure lights work (if equipped)
• Tighten any loose parts

Safety equipment:

• Front white reflector and light
• Rear red reflector and light
• Wheel reflectors
• Bright or reflective clothing
• Bell or horn

Visibility and Being Seen NHTSA

Many accidents happen because drivers don't see cyclists.

Increasing visibility:

• Wear bright, contrasting colors
• Use reflective materials on bike and clothing
• Add lights (front and rear)
• Avoid riding at dusk or after dark
• Stay out of blind spots

When riding in low light:

• Front white light required
• Rear red light recommended
• Reflective vest or clothing
• Slow down
• Be extra cautious at intersections

Age-Appropriate Riding

Toddlers (under 3):

• Balance bikes to learn balance first
• Tricycles in safe areas
• Always supervised
• Driveway or safe path only

Preschool (3-5):

• Balance bike or training wheels
• Learning to pedal and steer
• Practice in parks, paths, driveways
• Not ready for streets

Elementary age (5-9):

• Can ride without training wheels
• Learning rules of the road
• Sidewalk riding may be appropriate
• Supervised neighborhood riding
• Not ready for traffic

Older children (10+):

• May be ready for street riding
• Must know and follow traffic laws
• Start with quiet streets
• Gradually increase independence
• Continue supervision until competent

Common Bicycle Injuries and Prevention

Head injuries:

• Most serious bike injuries
• Prevention: Always wear helmet

Falls:

• Often from losing control or hitting obstacles
• Prevention: Proper bike fit, maintained equipment, skill development

Collisions with vehicles:

• Often at driveways and intersections
• Prevention: Traffic awareness, visibility, following rules

Collision with obstacles:

• Road hazards, pedestrians, other cyclists
• Prevention: Alertness, proper speed, avoiding distractions

Riding with Children

Child seats on adult bikes:

• Rear-mounted seats for babies/toddlers
• Child must wear helmet
• Install seat correctly
• Changes bike's balance
• Follow weight limits

Bike trailers:

• Can be safer than mounted seats
• Lower center of gravity
• Protect child if adult falls
• Still need helmet for child
• High visibility flag recommended

Teaching by example:

• Always wear your helmet
• Follow traffic rules yourself
• Model safe riding behavior
• Ride together to teach and supervise

The Bottom Line

Bicycle safety starts with a properly fitted helmet worn every ride, a correctly sized bike, and age-appropriate riding environments. Teach traffic rules before allowing street riding, and supervise until you're confident in your child's skills. Model safe behavior yourself, and make safety a non-negotiable part of cycling.

Clara is here to help you raise a safe cyclist!