Bicycle Safety for Kids

July 07, 2022, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

School is out and kids are on the streets and sidewalks riding their bikes, enjoying the fresh air and the freedom. Now is a good time to reviews safety.

This article from CBC.ca/kids is a good one to run through with all younger kids.

14 must-dos for cycling season

By the CBC Kids team April 27, 2022 | Last Updated June 27, 2022

1. To start, a tune-up

We’re not talking just about an ordinary spring clean. This tune-up is more like a doctor’s checkup for your bike.

Have a grown-up check the brake pads, tire pressure and wheel alignment. Remember, a well-greased bike is a happy one! If an adult doesn’t have time to do it, ask them to take your wheels to the local bike shop for servicing.

2. Get to know your bike, and well!

This is important if you ever needed to replace a part or get something fixed. With some research, you might even be able to fix your own bike!

The parts of the bicycle you should know include:

• The wheels: tire, spoke and brake.
• The handles: brake lever, handlebars and bell.
• The body: head tube, top tube, saddle, seat tube, crank and pedal.
• The lights: reflector and bike light.

3. Be like Goldilocks and test out your bike

Is your bike too big? Too small? Or just right? Your feet must be able to touch the ground.

4. Plan your bike ride

Get wild with nature by biking in the park or on the bike paths. If you know where you’re going, you can plan for it.

If you know it’s going to be a long haul, bring a water bottle in case you get thirsty or a few snacks to give you energy.

5. Ride with a buddy

Fun always begins with friends (and family too)! Make sure to keep a safe distance from other riders and any people you might meet on your ride.

6. Give a grown-up a heads up

This may not be a bike tip, but it’s good to let a grown-up know where you’re going and who you are going with. Worried grown-up = destroyer of fun, and nobody wants that.

7. Go with the flow

f you ride on the road, make sure you’re in a bike lane, or close to the curb going with the direction of traffic.

If you’re riding with others, it’s best to cycle in a single line like “follow the leader” from a safe distance.

8. When cycling, bright colours are always in

The brighter your clothes are, the better cars can see you. When in doubt, get the reflector tape out.

9. Make some NOISE!

Bikes are silent. You want to let cars, people and other bikes know where you are, so don’t be afraid to honk on that bike horn or ring that bell.

10. Don’t be a night-rider…

Head home once the sun begins to set. If you are caught in the dark, make sure that you turn your bike light and reflectors on.

11. Stop at all stop signs

And always remember to look both ways before you cross the road, or leave a driveway.

12. Practise using these hand signals every day!

• Left turn: put your left arm straight out
• Right turn: bend your left arm up, or you could point your right arm out.
• Stop: bend your left arm down.

13. Wear a helmet that fits

Remember the 2-2-2 rule:

• Two fingers must be able to fit between your helmet and your eyebrow.
• Helmet straps must be snug and form a V-shape under your earlobe — use your two fingers to make sure!
• Your chin strap must fit snug under your chin. Only two fingers should be able to fit between your chin and strap.

14. Put the pedal to the metal and have fun!

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.