• Tricycles and bicycles must be the right size for the child:
• A child’s feet should be flat on the ground while straddling the seat.
• There should be between 1 to 3 inches between the child and the top bar (on a boy’s bike).
• The seat, handlebars and wheels must fit tightly.
• The brakes must not stick and must work well.
• Check the tires for proper tire pressure and that they have enough air.
• Bicycles should have a bell, and reflectors on the front and back so riders are seen and heard.

Gear and Clothing

• Have children wear bright clothing so they are seen. Gloves will help them have a secure grip on the handlebars.
• They should wear shoes or sneakers that are tied securely. Children must never wear sandals, shoes with heels, or cleats when biking. Sandals offer little foot protection and can fall off. Heels and cleats could get caught in the bicycle spokes or chain. Never allow children to ride barefoot!
• Other items that could get caught are loose pants legs, backpack straps, or long and dangling shoe laces.
• Hearing is important during bike riding. Do not allow your child to wear headphones when riding.

What should children know about bike safety?

Babies and Toddlers

• Under one year of age, babies should not ride on a bicycle as a passenger. Babies lack control of their muscles and the balancing act required of a passenger makes it unsafe for them and the driver.

New Riders

• And by the time they turn four, children can also start to understand the things they can do to stay safe.  By talking to children, and setting a good example, you can help them learn how to be safe. As they learn to ride, teach them the ways to be careful. Never let them ride without an adult.
• As they make the change from a tricycle to a bicycle, explain that while bicycles are fun to ride, they are not toys.
• New bicyclists need to learn to balance. Find a safe, slight incline that opens to a large flat area. Gravity pulls the bicycle allowing slow coasting. The child can find balance and practice steering. Stopping is done by putting feet on the ground. After mastering balance and steering, a child will have confidence to try pedaling. Mastery takes practice
• Forbid under-nines to ride in the street. Emphasize how hard it is for drivers to see little kids on bicycles.
• Show them how to use the bike's brakes to slow and stop. Teach them to keep their hands and feet away from the spokes and chains. Explain about the importance of getting a bicycle repaired when something is broken.
• Tell your child that helmets are worn only while cycling. When they are off the bike, the helmet must come off.
• Tell them about dangers that they should watch out for when riding such as wet leaves, big puddles, rough pavement, storm grates, driveways and curbs, and little kids and other people in their patch.
• Explain when they come to a driveway, they must stop, look to the street, the driveway, to the street again, before riding on.

Older Children

Explain these rules to older children. Make sure they know them before you allow them to ride in the street.

 
• Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving your driveway, an alley, or a curb.
• Cross at intersections only. Never pull out between parked cars because drivers will not see you coming.
• At busy intersections, get off your bike and walk across using the crosswalk. Obey all traffic signals.
• Ride with traffic on the on the right-hand side of the street. Never ride against traffic because a driver may not see you and cut you off.
• Bike lanes are the safest way to travel. Use bike lanes and bike routes whenever you can.
• Stay a safe distance from parked cars. People don’t look before they open car doors.
• Stop at all red lights and stop signs. Bicycles are considered vehicles. Obey all traffic signals.
• Always pass other bikes and people on their left side, and call out "On your left!" so they know that you are coming.
• Learn hand signals and use them to signal to other bikers and drivers.
• Be Prepared
• Have the phone number for your own family doctor handy.
  Learn First Aid and how to do CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
  Use common sense at all times.

Where to get help and more information

This site gives all the information you need for bike safety: http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/ee/ed_child_main.htm

Good basic bicycle safety information from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

http://www.aap.org/family/bicycle.htm

Information on helmets:

http://www.helmets.org/

If a person is unconscious, not breathing, or has collapsed, this is an emergency.

Call 911.

Have Emergency Numbers handy. Print out and fill in the Emergency Sheet that follows the CPSC Bicycle Safety Rules. Hang it near or behind your front door. Make sure your children, babysitters, and neighbors know where it is.

From the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Ten Rules for Bicycle Safety

 
• Always Wear a Helmet.  A well fitting helmet can reduce head injuries by 85%. Use the extra padding that comes with it for a secure fit.
• Check Bicycle Readiness. Make sure your bicycle is adjusted properly before riding. A person should be able stand over the top of the bicycle. Adjustable bicycle parts must be secure and tight. Handlebars must be firmly in place and tight. The wheels must be straight and secure. Add a basket to the handlebars or in the back to carry things securely.
• Stop It! Check the brakes before riding.
• See and Be Seen. Wear clothing that makes you more visible. Use reflecting tape for riding when it’s dark outside. Wear reflective clothing not just light colors at the ankles, wrists, back, and helmet.
• Avoid biking at night. If you must, bikes shoulc be equipped with lights in front and back and a bell. Make sure the bike has reflectors. Bike in BRIGHTLY LIT areas familiar to you. YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BIKE AT NIGHT.
• Stay Alert. Always be on the lookout for obstacles in your path. Watch out for potholes, cracks, expansion joints, railroad tracks, wet leaves, drainage grates, or anything else that could make you fall. Before going around an object, scan ahead and behind for traffic. Plan your move, signal your intentions, and then do what you planned. If you are unsure or lack the skill, pull over to the side of the road, get off your bike and walk around the obstruction. Be especially careful in wet or icy weather.
• Go with the Flow. The Safeway is the Right Way. Ride on the right side of the road in a straight predictable path. Always ride in a single file in the same direction as traffic. Riding on the wrong side of road puts you in danger as drivers may not see you, or cut in front of you. Children under 9 are not able to identify dangerous situations and should not be allowed to ride in the street unsupervised.
• Check for Traffic. Over 70% of bicycle crashes involve driveways or intersections. Before entering any street, check for traffic, stop, look, listen. Look left-right-left, and walk your bicycle into the street to begin your ride. If in the street, always look behind you for a break in the traffic then signal before going right or left.
• Obey Traffic Laws. Bicycles are considered vehicles. Bicyclists must obey the same laws as motorists. Always signal and give pedestrians the right of way. Never wear headphones while riding. Become familiar with bicycle lanes in your area.
• Don’t Flip Over Your Bike. Wheels should be securely fastened. Check wheels before each ride if you have quick release wheels. Check your owner’s manual.