Summer means more time outside, and that also means more bike rides. Biking offers fun, freedom and exercise, and it’s good for the environment. Before your kids take off, make sure they have a properly fitting helmet and do a quick safety check before riding. Our Lake Health Physician Group Pediatrics providers share these tips to keep kids safe while biking:
Wear a properly fitting helmet
ABCs before riding
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the ABC Quick Check for bikes before riding:
- A is for Air. Are tires pumped to proper pressure?
- B is for Brakes. Do they stop your bike?
- C is for Cranks and Chains. Are they too loose? Do they move smoothly?
- Quick is for the Quick Release Levers on your wheels. Do they work?
- Check is for check the bike before riding. Does everything seem okay?
Unfortunately, bicycle-related injuries are common. In 2010, the number of people injured by not wearing a bike helmet was 51,000, enough people to fill Nationwide Arena in Columbus 2½ times. So before you pull your bike, skateboard or scooter out of the garage, always wear a helmet to save lives and prevent injuries!
