As warm weather approaches, it is crucial for children to learn and follow basic cycling safety rules to prevent injuries associated with biking. Key safety measures include wearing a properly fitting helmet, using lights and reflectors, wearing highly visible clothing, ensuring the bike is properly adjusted, and participating in local bike safety classes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to supervise and teach their children these essential safety practices for a fun and safe summer of cycling.

2. Warm weather is coming
up, with all the wonderful
promise of sunny days spent
playing outdoors...

3. ... building sand castles at the
beach and getting outside to
enjoy the magical freedom of
bicycle riding.

4. While everyone can agree that
bikes and kids go together like
peas and carrots ...

5. ... as Forrest Gump would say,
it’s vitally important that kids
of all ages learn and adhere to
basic cycling safety rules.

6. Injuries incurred while riding a bike
account for more injuries in
youngsters between five and 15 than
any other sport.

7. Don’t let your child be a statistic;
teach him the rules of the road and
have a safe, fun-filled summer.

8. Always Wear a Helmet
Always Wear
a Helmet

9. Always Wear a Helmet
Not even the shortest little
cruise around the driveway
should taken without a
properly fitting bike helmet.

10. Always Wear a Helmet
You can buy them at
discount stores, sports
outlets or bike shops;
however, at a cycling
shop you’re more likely to
get some help with proper
fit.

11. Always Wear a Helmet
If a helmet’s too tight, your
child may just sling it over
the handle bars once you’re
out of sight, and if it’s too
loose, it won’t provide
proper protection.

12. Light It Up

13. Lights and reflective gear are
another important part of bike
safety, especially at the
dangerous times of like dusk and
after dark.

14. Bikes should be equipped with
reflectors and both white front and
red rear lights. Estimated to reduce
the risk of being hit by a car by
roughly 85 percent, reflectors are
cheap and easy to install.

15. A pulsating rear light is a great
safety feature, as it’s immediately
visible to cars approaching from
the rear. A headlamp will help your
child avoid obstacles; even a tiny
bump can unseat a rider.

16. See and be Seen

17. Even if your child’s bike is
properly equipped with lights and
reflectors, bike clothing itself
should be highly visible.

18. Contrary to popular wisdom,
white hasn’t been found to make
a rider more visible; bright, neon
or fluorescent colors are much
better options whether riding in
daylight or darkness.

19. Clothing should also have light
reflecting components like
reflective markings, tape or even
flashing lights.

20. Make Adjustments

21. Make sure your child’s bike is property adjusted to height
and arm length.

22. Have your youngster stand over the bike; there should be
one to two inches between child and top bar on a road bike
and three to four inches on a mountain bike.

23. Seat should be level and the knee should be slightly bent
when the leg is extended, and the handlebars should be at
the same level as the bike seat.

24. Tune It Up

25. Especially before the first ride of
the year, make a safety check of
your child’s bike, or teach him
how to do so.

26. It’s a great idea to take the bike
into your local bike shop for a
spring-time tune-up; mechanics
will make sure everything’s in
working order ...

27. ... so there won’t be any unpleasant
surprises on that first trip down
the hill to the playground. Make
sure tires are properly inflated and
brakes are working.

28. Take a Class

29. As spring approaches, many
police departments, fire districts,
schools and community centers
conduct bike safety classes, so
keep an eye on the local papers
for a class in your neighborhood.

30. Most are held in spring, so you can
squeeze it in before your youngster
heads off to day camps.

31. Kids bring their own bikes and
instructors go over rules of the road
and other safety guidelines.

32. Always Wear a Helmet
Follow the
Rules of
the Road

33. Always Wear a Helmet
Kids should know to ride in
the same direction as other
vehicles, following the flow
of traffic, and obey all traffic
roads, including traffic signs
and signals.

34. Always Wear a Helmet
At least one hand should be
on the handlebars at all
times. Teach your youngster
to use signals, look before
turning and watch for
parked cars.

35. Happy cycling!

36. Maplewood Country Day
Camp & Enrichment Center in
Easton Ma is a fun and
exciting place for preschool to
9th grade kids.

37. Their mission is to create a
warm, welcoming, creative
environment year ‘round that
makes everyone feel like family.

38. With caring counselors and
specialists, children are guided
as they take on new challenges
in every step of the way.

39. www.maplewoodyearround.com

40. 150 Foundry St. (Route 106)
PO Box 88 (Mailing)
South Easton, MA 02375
Email: info@maplewoodyearround.com
Telephone: (508) 238-2387
FAX: (508) 238-1154