Children are disproportionately adversely affected when it comes to traffic safety. And when it comes to bicycle safety, kids are at an even greater risk than adults.

Here we will focus on children and bicycle safety, although almost all the safety tips outlined below are applicable to adults as well. Safekids Worldwide provides the following guidelines:

• Wear a properly-fitted helmet. Head trauma resulting from bicycle crashes becomes significantly worse and likely if the rider is not protected by a helmet.
• Sidewalk-riding is encouraged. If a sidewalk is unavailable, then ride in the same direction as traffic and remain as far to the right as possible.
• Always obey traffic laws and use hand signals to indicate your direction turning. Ride in straight lines and do not swerve between vehicles.
• Wear bright, reflective clothing. Bright colors are especially important and dawn and dusk, and reflectors help other motorists see you better.
• Ride with children until they are confident and competent to ride solo.

Additional safety tips can be found here.

Ensure your children are safe when riding—start slow and in a controlled environment until they are ready to move into the streets with traffic.

Happy driving! Drive Safely!