Bike Safety

Bicycling can combine exercise, transportation and fun all into one activity. But, even if you're just going for a quick spin, it's important to play it safe. That's especially true for children. According to the American Medical Association, 20 percent of children participating in sports activities are injured every year, with a quarter of these injuries considered serious. By knowing the causes, prevention and treatment of sports injuries, you can help make athletic participation a positive experience for your child.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) says start by picking the right bike for your child. Make sure it's the right size, not "one they can grow into." The bike should match the child's abilities; a high speed racing bike for a novice rider is not a good idea. Avoid slippery plastic pedals. Look for rubber treated pedals or metal pedals with serrated edges.

Then it's important to stress bicycle safety rules - for both children as well as adults. Two of the basic ones involve wearing a helmet and following traffic rules.

Bike helmets

Many places mandate, by law, that children wear helmets when they bike ride. But regardless of age, helmets are considered an essential safety device for bike riders because they can prevent serious head injury, even death. Basically, a helmet consists of a layer of foam, held together by an outer shell. The foam will absorb the impact of a fall. The American Medical Association says many of the best helmets meet the safety standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation. The Snell label can be found on the outer package. Bike helmets manufactured or imported for sale in the United States should also meet standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). CPSC's standards were designed to provide a standardized way to ensure the quality of a bike helmet and to make sure that helmets intended for children up to age five cover more of the head. (Read about "Head Injury")

Correct fit and use

Of course, purchasing a helmet is not enough. You need to also make sure that the helmet is worn - and worn correctly - every time you ride. According to CPSC, wearing the right helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent. Make sure you try the helmet on for size before purchasing. It should fit securely. It should also have a strong strap and buckle, since the strap has to hold the helmet onto your head if you do fall and hit the ground. For children's helmets, adjustable inner pads can be used to ensure a snug fit that can be adjusted as the child grows.

If you fall and are taken to the hospital, bring the helmet with you. The emergency personnel will want to look at the helmet for any scraps or dents to help them examine your head and look for any hidden potential injuries. In addition, if you ever should fall and hit the helmet, replace it at once. Any impact can crush the protective foam. Even if it doesn't look damaged, it will still be less able to absorb future impacts. You should also replace a helmet if straps or buckles are worn. It is also a good idea to replace a helmet on a regular basis because of wear and tear to the protective foam.

Traffic rules

The AMA also urges all riders to follow traffic laws:

• observe all signs, signals and pavement markings
• use correct hand signals when turning or stopping
• use headlights, taillights, and reflectors when riding after dark
• ride single file - never with two riders side by side on a road

The National Highway Traffic Safety Commission also suggests that the bike be checked to make sure it is adjusted properly and that the brakes are functioning correctly. It also urges bright clothing and avoiding riding at night and in wet weather.

Parents should also stress all safety rules to their children when they go out riding. Since children learn by example, it's also important for parents to make sure they follow the safety rules themselves. (Read about "Avoid Sports Injury")