Riding a bike is a great way for kids to get exercise and have fun in Southern California. But every year, approximately 300,000 children in the U.S. are taken to emergency rooms as a result of bike accident injuries. Of these, at least 10,000 end up in a hospital for several days, and some of the injuries can even be fatal.
Whether your kids are riding their bikes to school, with friends around the neighborhood, or on a family outing, safe riding practices are vital. These seven bicycle safety tips from Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie will help you and your loved ones stay safe.
Always Wear a Helmet
Without a helmet, a bicycle accident can result in a brain injury, which our bicycle accident lawyers know can be serious and even potentially life-threatening. A properly fit helmet will ride low on the forehead, with two fingers-width between the helmet and eyebrows.
Fit the Bicycle to the Rider
For your child (or anyone else) to operate a bike safely, the bike must be the right fit. When the rider stands over the bike, there should be one to two inches between the rider and the top tube (bar) for a road bike; there should be three to four inches if it’s a mountain bike. The bicycle seat should be level from front to back and height adjusted to allow for a slight bend in the knee when the rider’s leg is fully extended. Handlebars should be level with the bike seat.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Being a more skilled bike rider will make your kids safer riders. Have them practice in parking lots that are empty or on streets with no traffic. Skills that should be practiced include riding in a straight line, looking over your shoulder to check traffic, signaling with hands, and stopping.
Follow the Rules of the Road
Your child should be taught the proper traffic rules to follow when riding a bicycle. Always go with the flow of traffic, riding on the right side in the same direction as other vehicles. Obey traffic laws, signals and signs, and always yield to traffic when appropriate.
Dress for Success
Our OC bicycle accident attorneys suggest making yourself as visible as possible to motorists when riding. Bike riders of any age should wear bright colors during the day, as well as just before sunrise and sunset.
Be Alert
Make sure your kids use eyes and ears when riding. Look out for road hazards such as potholes and wet patches, and listen for cars. Our bicycle accident attorneys know one of the easiest ways to have an accident is to not be aware of your surroundings. Because of this, headphones should never be worn while riding a bike.
Take Precautions When Riding at Night
Riding a bicycle at night can be dangerous and should be done in the company of an adult. Before night riding, equip the bike with a white light on the front and red reflector on the back. Lights and reflective materials are also available for shoes, helmets and clothing.
Our Experienced Southern California Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here For You
If you or a loved one suffers a bicycle injury, we may be able to help. In cases where injuries occur as the result of another’s reckless or negligent conduct, contact Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys provide the legal representation you need to protect your rights and can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury lawyers can advise you of your rights and whether your accident may warrant legal action. Contact us today at 949-752-7474 to discuss your accident completely free of charge.