Biking is a popular activity for kids in the Bay Area, as it can inspire fun, exercise and a sense of independence. However, many Bay Area parents worry not just about the safety of their young kids, but about their older kids too. Why? Biking can be as dangerous as it is fun.
As such, it’s important for kids and young adults to understand basic bike safety in order to more effectively protect themselves from the risk of accidents and injuries.
Learn road rules, stay visible and wear a helmet
Bikes are considered vehicles in California, and that means kids must follow the same traffic rules as cars. Parents should teach children to ride in the same direction as traffic, obey traffic signals, and stop at stop signs. Kids should also understand the importance of using hand signals when turning or stopping to communicate their intentions to drivers and other cyclists.
In the Bay Area, many streets have designated bike lanes to provide a safer space for cyclists. Kids should be encouraged to use bike lanes whenever possible. If bike lanes aren’t available, they should ride as far to the right as safely possible, away from parked cars and the flow of traffic.
Kids also need to remain visible to drivers, especially in low-light conditions like early morning or evening rides. Bright clothing, reflective gear and bike lights can help kids stand out to drivers.
And, perhaps the most important safety tip for any cyclist, perhaps especially kids, is to wear a helmet. A properly fitted helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injuries in the event of an accident.
Staying safe while riding a bike is easier said than done. However, if parents teach and enforce solid safety habits, their kids will be more likely to return home safely after a ride.