Youngsters have more freedom to enjoy the pleasures of childhood during the summer vacation months, and bike riding is one of the most common ways to do so, but along with the fun comes the need to be sure that they are aware of the necessary safety precautions.
Arutz Sheva asked the experts what research has shown about bicycle rider safety and what tips they can give parents for helping their children avoid injury. Here is what they said:
Bikers with helmets are 88% safer than those without.
That is the most important point to insist upon, stressed the experts at the Jerusalem ALYN Pediatric and Adolescent Rehabilitation Center.
This is crucial, as nearly 700 children are hospitalized annually as a result of biking accidents in Israel. Most of those accidents happen during the summer vacation.
The rehabilitation experts at ALYN hospital appeal to parents to lay down the law about helmets, saying “Parents – The bike safety of your children is your responsibility.”
1. Children must be taught to obey traffic regulations, and to remain on biker-designated paths in parks and on side roads.
- 2. Children must be warned to wear a helmet for even the shortest ride.
- 3. The bike seat is for sitting only. No standing and showing off.
- 4. No riding is allowed on streets with traffic or in parking lots.
- 5. Avoid any riding in the dark. If there is no choice, use a headlamp and reflectors, and wear reflective identifiers.
How to wear a helmet properly
- 1. Most helmets have a lining. This is to secure the helmet on the head. A tight helmet moves no more than an inch-and-a-half back and forth.
- 2The front of the helmet should be no more than 2-fingers-width above the eyebrows.
- 3.The chin strap should form tight a v-shape under the ears.
- 4.If the helmet tilts forward, tighten the rear strap. If it tilts backwards, tighten the front strap.
- 5.Both straps should be equally tight when the chin strap is fastened.
- 6.A tight chin strap accommodates the width of one finger between the strap and the chin.
- 7.Replace a helmet that underwent a serious fall.
Keep safe! Have a great summer!