When your children ride, remember that they are not alone.  They share the road with cars, trucks, pedestrians, and other cyclists.  Since accidents can turn a bicycle ride into a bicycle tragedy, here are some tips to help make your child's ride a safe one:

• Make sure your child's bike "fits", is adjusted properly. Check that all the parts are secure and working properly, and safety equipment is in place- use the Bicycle Safety Checklist.
• Make sure your children wear helmets.  Studies have shown that a bicycle helmet can reduce injuries by up to 85%! ...........................................>
• Make sure your children wear proper clothing- light in color and close fitting to avoid being caught in a bicycles moving parts.
• Be sure books, lunches and other loose items are carried in a backpack.  Insure that musical instruments and other large items are securely attached to a carrier rack.
• Teach children to obey the rules of the road including traffic signs, signals and road markings.
• Teach children to ride on the right side of the street in single file and use hand signals to help drivers understand their intentions.
• Teach children to walk their bike across busy streets at corners and crosswalks,
• Teach your children to not "show off" on their bikes.  Hands should be kept on the handlebars.  Avoid "wheelies", "stoppies", and and jumping curbs.