Why Are Bike Helmets Important?

Bike riding is a lot of fun, but accidents happen. About 300,000 kids end up in the emergency room every year because of injuries, and at least 10,000 kids are hurt so seriously that they require a few days in the hospital. Sometimes an injury is so severe that a child dies, usually because of a head/brain injury.

That's Why Bike Helmets Are Important!

The Kids Health Organization (www.kidsheath.org) and North Highline Fire District encourage everyone to wear a bicycle helmet. Today's helmets are lightweight and come in cool colors. If you don't love yours as it is, personalize it with some of your favorite stickers. Reflective stickers are a great choice because they look cool and make you more visible to people driving cars. Here are a few more bike riding tips to help keep you safe:

• Make sure your bike is the right size for you.
• Check that your seat, handlebars, and wheels all fit tightly.
• Check and oil your bike chain regularly.
• Check your brakes to be sure they work well and aren't sticking.
• Check your tires to make sure they have enough air and the right amount of tire pressure.
• Always stop and check for traffic in both directions when leaving your driveway, an alley, or a curb.
• Stop at all stop signs and obey traffic (red) lights just as cars do.
• Cross at intersections. When you pull out between parked cars, drivers can't see you coming.
• And wear your helmet every time you ride your bike!