As the seasons change and become warmer, many families are eager to go out and enjoy outdoor activities, such as biking. This fun activity can be a fantastic way for children to stay active and explore their surroundings. However, it is crucial to prioritize safety to prevent injuries. We have bicycle safety tips tailored specifically for children, so here is what you need to know to ensure your child rides safely!
- Always Wear a Helmet: A fitted helmet can ensure your child’s head is protected in case of a fall. Children are still developing coordination and balance skills, and a helmet can provide a cushion for the head and minimize the severity of injuries from a fall. A tumble increase the risk of injuries, including concussions. If you need to have your child tested for a concussion, we offer concussion testing at select locations using the EyeBOX, a non-invasive concussion assessment tool used to determine the presence of a concussion after a head injury. It is also important to keep in mind that different helmets protect your head from different things, so if they are riding a bicycle, they need to wear a bicycle helmet (as opposed to a football helmet, hard hat, et cetera).
- Check the Bike: Before your child rides their bike, make sure it is in good condition and fits them properly. You can do this by checking tires for proper inflation, examining the brakes to ensure they are functioning properly, and confirming the bike is the right size for their height and age. Avoid buying a bike your child will “grow into” because this can increase the risk of accidents and make it challenging for your child to control.
- Stay Visible and Obey Traffic Rules: Encourage your child to make eye contact with drivers before crossing intersections and to avoid riding in drivers’ blind spots. If your child is riding in low-light conditions or at night, make sure your child wears reflective clothing and accessories to increase visibility to drivers. Adding reflective tape on their bike and helmet can also enhance visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. Teaching kids how to navigate traffic signs and rules will also help keep them safe. Another important tip is to instruct your child to ride their bike with traffic, not against it. One way you can help your child learn the “rules of the road” is to create a mini traffic course in your yard or driveway where your child can practice identifying signs and understanding their meanings. This is a fun way to reinforce safe biking habits!
Always set a positive example for your child by practicing safe biking habits too! Wear a helmet every time you ride, obey traffic laws, and demonstrate cautious bicycle riding techniques. Despite taking all necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. If your child experiences a bike-related injury, do not hesitate to seek medical attention at a pediatric urgent care. At Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Cares, we are here to provide expert-level care to ensure your child’s recovery.
Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care opened in 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. With multiple locations in San Antonio and Dallas, they are open seven days a week with extended evening hours and see walk-in patients or through an online check-in system. They accept most commercial insurance and Medicaid plans. Come see the best in urgent care pediatrics.
