Bike safety is a necessity and doesn't have to spoil the fun.  Follow a few basic rules and teach your children the important safety tips and everyone should be able to get some fresh air and exercise while enjoying a nice bike ride.

Besides wearing a properly fitted bike helmet, follow these safe-riding tips to avoid accidents.

    * Get a good fit. Make sure that the child can straddle the bike while off the seat and still have 1 or 2 inches of clearance for a road bike (3 to 4 inches for a mountain bike) to ensure that you are starting with the right size frame. Adjust the handlebars and the seat to fit the rider.
    * Check your equipment. Inflate tires properly and make sure the brakes work.
    * Make sure you're visible. Day or night, wear neon, fluorescent, or brightly colored clothing, and place reflectors, reflective tape, or a flashing light on your bike.
    * Control your bike. Carry items in a backpack or bicycle carrier, and not your hands. We also recommend that you keep both hands on the handlebars.
    * Watch for and avoid road hazards. Hazards can cause a crash, and include pot holes, sewer grates, broken glass, gravel, leaves, dogs, puddles, and more. If you can do so safely, alert riders behind you to upcoming hazards.
    * Avoid riding at night. It's harder for others to see you. If you must ride in the dark, use lights, wear reflective clothing, and make sure that your bike is equipped with reflectors in the front and back, on the pedals, and on the wheels or tires.

Source: consumerreports.org

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