Bicycle safety includes choosing the right bicycle and teaching your child safety rules to prevent injury. Bicycling is a common means of transportation as well as an increasingly popular source of recreation, exercise, and sport. With more than 100 million bicycle owners, the popularity of bicycling has reached an all-time high.
Along with increased use of bicycles comes the risk of significant injuries. According to national statistics, more than 1.8 billion bicycle outings occur each year, resulting in nearly a half-million visits to emergency departments. Injuries related to bicycling range from common abrasions, cuts, bruises, broken bones, internal injuries, head trauma, and even death.
More than 900 bicyclists die annually, and 20,000 are admitted to hospitals. From a statistical standpoint, bicycle riding has a higher death rate per trip or per mile of travel than being a passenger in an automobile. The majority of bicycle deaths are caused by head injuries.
Here are a few tips for parents to impart on their children:
