Safety Tune Up – A Guest post from Mitch Stoller, Safe Kids Worldwide CEO

Tires: inflated.
Brakes: checked.
Gears: oiled.
Helmet: fitted.

The weather is warming up around the country, which means if you’re like me, you’re probably dusting off your bike for the riding season. Consider, however, that your commitment to being a safe cyclist may need a tune-up as well.

As the CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide and the former CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, my love for cycling certainly runs deep-as long as it’s done safely. Wearing a helmet is the single most effective way to prevent a serious head injury from bike crashes. I never ride without a helmet-period-because I know what can happen when you’re not protected. Each year about 135 children are killed while riding and nearly 300,000 are injured. But these tragedies can be PREVENTED! We know that our strongest line of defense is safe, knowledgeable riding and the consistent use of helmets, which can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent.

When you and your family are protected the right way, there’s nothing better than getting out on the paths and roads on a bike…fresh air, heart-pumping exercise and a great excuse to spend time with your kids! But you’ve got to set a good example-and set the rules. Anytime a family member is on a bike, they have to wear a helmet. Mom and Dad, that includes you too.

So here are a few tips for parents, caregivers and bicycle enthusiasts to keep in mind when they’re riding with kids.

Before the Ride

• Helmets on Heads. Establish the rule: No helmet, no bike ride.
• Wear one yourself. Children are more likely to wear helmets when you do.
• Allow children to pick out their own helmet. That way, they’ll be more likely to wear it.
• Make the wheels and helmet connection early so it becomes a habit.

Take the Helmet Fit Test:
Eyes: Position the helmet on your head. Look up. You should see the bottom rim of the helmet.
Ears: Make sure the straps form a ‘V’ under ears when buckled. The straps should be snug.
Mouth: Open mouth as wide as possible. Does the helmet hug the head? If not, tighten the straps.

In Motion

• Ride right: bikes travel with traffic, not against it so ride on the right side of the road.
• Look back before turning left. If traffic is coming, be patient and let it go first.
• Be visible to drivers when you and your child ride.
• Watch out for and avoid uneven surfaces while riding.
• Bike only on sidewalks and paths until your child reaches about age 10.

To find more tips on how to keep your kids safe or to support the mission of Safe Kids, visit www.usa.safekids.org. Have a great ride!