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Accompanying a child
riding his/her own bike
• Make sure your child is dressed
properly for riding in bright, highly
visible clothing.
• Make sure your child is riding the
right size bike, and that the seat and
handlebar are properly positioned for
maximum comfort and control.
• Children are less likely than adults
to recognize hazards and may not
respond correctly in an emergency
situation, so you’ll need to lend your
eyes and ears, and judgment to keep
them safe.
• Children should not ride near slopes,
curbs, stairs, drop-offs, pools, or
areas that automobiles use.
• Teach your child the rules of the
road and emphasize the importance of
obeying them.
• Clearly establish your own riding
rules that suit your location, including
where, when, and for how long your
child can ride.
WARNING:
Training wheels prevent
the regular lean of a bicycle during a
turn. If the child turns too quickly, the
bicycle can fall and cause injury. With
training wheels, do not permit a child to
ride fast or turn suddenly.
• Inspect your child’s bicycle before
every ride (see section
Before
every ride
).
• Pay extra attention to the grips
or handlebar covers on your child’s
bicycle. In the event of a crash, an
exposed handlebar end presents a
puncture hazard.
WARNING:
A handlebar end that is
not plugged or covered can cut the rider
in a crash. Parents should regularly
inspect a child’s bicycle and replace
damaged or missing grips.