Help set your kids up for a great ride by making sure they have all the right equipment in place.
Wearing a Properly Fitted Helmet
- Adjust sizing pads or fit ring until the helmet is snug
- Position the helmet level on their head, covering the forehead
- Make sure it’s not tipped backward or forward
- Adjust the side straps so they form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of their ears
- Center the buckle on the chin strap under their chin
- Buckle and tighten the chin strap until it is snug
Bicycle is Adjusted to Fit Their Size
- Have your kids stand straddling the top bar of their bike so that both feet are flat on the ground; there should be 1 to 3 inches of space between them and the top bar
- The bike seat should be level front to back
- The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended
- The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat
Bicycle is Functional
- Make sure their seat, handlebars, and wheels fit tightly
- Check the brakes to be sure they work well and aren’t sticking
- Check the tires to make sure they have enough air and the right amount of tire pressure
Adapted from the National Safety Council