BABIES
Choosing a bike
- Never carry a child less than 1 year old on a bicycle. Their necks are not strong enough for them to wear a helmet and their backs are not strong enough to sit straight with the motion of the bike.
- When a child is old enough only a skilled rider – not another child – should carry him.
- Ride only in safe areas like parks or bike paths.
- Make sure both adult and child wear properly fitting helmets.
- Make sure the child carrier has a high back, a lap and shoulder harness and foot guards.
- Check the carrier if fastened firmly to the bike.
- Make sure the child is buckled in snugly.
Choosing a bike
- It is very important that your child has the right size bike.
- A big bike “to grow into” is not easy to learn on or to ride safely.
- A child should be able to sit on the seat with knees straight and both feet flat on the ground.
- He must be able to straddle the bike with a least 5cm between the top bar and the crotch.
- Parents often think their children are able to handle traffic safely before they actually can.
- Children do not have the skills necessary to handle risky traffic situations until they are a least 10 years old.
- Boys are much more likely than girls to be killed or injured in traffic.
- Bicycles are vehicles! Children should not ride bikes in the road until they fully understand traffic rules and show that they can follow them.
- Falls from tricycles and other play vehicles can cause serious head and brain injuries. These injuries to young children can be as serious as injuries to older children falling from their bikes.
- A BRAIN INJURY CANNOT BE CURED!
- Wearing a helmet is the most important way to keep a child safe on a play vehicle, tricycle or bike.
- A helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 85% when worn correctly.
