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Bike Saftey for Toddlers |
When should small children begin wearing helmets?
To prevent head injuries, children must wear helmets whenever they ride on bicycles. Helmets providing good protection are labeled to show they meet either the ANSI or Sell standard. Helmets are available from bicycle shops and some discount and department stores. Helmets are sized to fit most children over age one. Babies do not have neck muscles strong enough to hold up a helmet.
The risk of head injury is highest to elementary and junior-high school age riders. Yet youngsters will learn the helmet habit if they begin wearing helmets when they first start riding on bicycles or even tricycles. Parents should also wear helmets, both to protect themselves and to show their children that helmets are important for everyone.
Can small children be carried safety on adults' bicycles?
The National SAFE KIDS Campaign does not encourage parents to carry babies and toddlers on their bicycles, due to increased hazard to the children. Not only does the presence of the child make the bicycle top-heavy and hard to maneuver, but the child is very vulnerable to injury if the bicycle falls. A child should never be carried on the parent's back or chest, because he or she could be crushed by the parent's body in a bike crash. If parents decide to carry their children on their bicycles, please exercise great caution.
At what age can a child start riding as a passenger?
A child should not be placed in a bicycle seat until about one year of age, when he or she is capable of sitting upright unsupported, with neck muscle strong enough to hold a toddler-sized helmet comfortably for an extended period.
What products can help protect child bike passengers?
Children in bike carriers must wear toddler-sized helmets that meet either the ANSI or Snell standard. To prevent injuries that occur when feet get tangled in the spokes of the wheel, the child's bicycle seat must have foot guards that keep the feet away from the wheel.
What kind of bicycle seat should be used?
The child should never be transported on the front handlebars. The seat must fit onto the bicycle securely and have a strong safety belt to hold the child in place. A high back and shoulder straps provide extra support and comfort for children.
What about bicycle trailers?
These are low and stable, and are built to remain upright if the bicycle falls. They should be well-marked with reflectors and flags. Any child riding in a trailer also needs a helmet and should be strapped in.
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