Encourage Safe Cycling

This healthful, fun activity can also be an excellent transportation alternative.

Choose Bike Routes Carefully

For novice riders, select routes with light vehicular traffic, marked bike lanes and not steep hills or sudden stops. Suggest that young riders walk their bicycles across the street at signalized intersections. When doing so, they should push the button and use the crosswalk just like pedestrians.

Select a Bike That is the Right Size

Don’t buy a bicycle to be “grown into.” Oversized bikes are hard for kids to control and may result in an increased number of falls. When shopping for a bicycle, take your child along. Make certain that the child can stand solidly on the ground with the bike between their legs.

Wear a Helmet

Under State Law, all persons under 18 years of age are required to wear helmets when riding bicycles. Teach your children to wear helmets by wearing one yourself. Select a helmet that:

• Bears an ANSI or Snell safety approved label
• Covers the forehead and does not slide forward or backward
• Does not interfere with vision or hearing
• Feels comfortable
• Fits snugly when the strap is fastened
• Rests level on the head and does not rock from side to side

Obey the Rules of the Road

Bicycles are vehicles. Bicyclists must know and obey the California Vehicle Code.

• When traveling on streets, ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Know and use hand signals to warn other drivers of your intent to turn or stop.
• Do not wear headsets or earplugs, which may interfere with your ability to hear horns, sirens, or other sounds that warn of approaching vehicles or other dangers.
• Do not attach yourself by hand, rope, or other device to another moving vehicle.
• Do not carry a passenger unless that person weighs less than 40 pounds and rides in a special seat attached to the bicycle. Additional weight makes it difficult to balance and maneuver safely in traffic.