Get your family involved in physical activities

Robert Byrn, MD

CHS Pediatric Center

Q. I’ve seen more and more kids wearing bike helmets recently, I never wore a bike helmet growing up, how necessary are they?
A. There are several safety precautions that should be taken when your kids are riding their bikes and wearing a helmet is at the top of the list. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children should wear helmets approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, be fitted properly and be taught the correct way to wear the helmet.

It’s important to set this expectation from the very beginning. When your child receives their first bike they should be taught that they don’t ride the bike without a helmet. In addition, the example you set will also go a long way in establishing the proper habit of bike safety in your kids. If you wear your helmet, they are more likely to wear a helmet.

Q. What other safety precautions for riding a bike should I take for my child?
A. In addition to a helmet, young children should never ride their bike without adult supervision. Riding at dusk or in the dark is something children should never do. The low visibility puts them at an increased risk for a collision with a motor vehicle, which is the number one cause of fatalities for bike riders.

Q. When are children old enough to ride on their own?
It is up to the parents to decide when children are old enough to ride on their own. Some indicators may be when the child has exhibited an understanding of traffic signs as well as a maturity level that you believe they will make smart decisions. But as the parent it’s important to teach them the proper safety precautions and to set rules and enforce those rules. If they don’t follow the rules, withhold their bike privileges.

Q. When should kids start riding a two-wheel bike?
On average kids are ready for the two-wheel bike by ages five or six. But you shouldn’t push your child to ride a two wheel bike. The AAP stated that the child’s coordination and desire to learn to ride will impact how soon they are ready to move up to a two wheel bike.

Q. How do I know which bike is right for my kids?
A. Its important to take your child with you when you are bike shopping. Parents often like to surprise their children with a bike for a birthday or on Christmas morning, but it’s important that you purchase a bike that is the right size for your child. An oversized bike greatly increases the chance of injury.

Q. Is riding a bike a good form of exercise for kids?
A. Absolutely. Riding bikes is an excellent way to get kids away from the video games and television and to benefit from the exercise as a family. Obesity in children is at an all time high and still rising. Locally several city parks and the Cardinal Greenway provide miles and miles of safe trails for bike riding. Children are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle as adults if they established healthy habits in their early years.

Robert Byrn is a pediatrician at the CHS Pediatric Center. For more information, call (765) 288-1995 or send an email to info@chsmail.org.

Back to CHS News