Wheel/Bike Safety

Bicycles are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except automobiles.

Wheeled sports such as skateboarding and skating continue to grow in popularity, and a significant rate of injury is also associated with these activities.

The greatest risk of death and permanent disability when participating in wheeled sports is from head injury.

Bicycle helmets have been shown to decrease the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.

What You Can Do

Prevention begins with you! There are a few easy steps that you can take to make sure kids are safe when participating in wheeled sports:

• Make sure your child wears a helmet and other protective gear every time he or she bikes, skates or rides a scooter.

• Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not rock back and forth. It should be centered on top of the head and remain strapped and buckled.

• Make sure your child's bike is in good working order and is not too big.

• If your child is under 10, make sure he or she cycles, rides a scooter or skates only on sidewalks, paths or other designated areas.

• Teach your child the rules of the road, including all traffic laws.

• Download Wheel Safety Tips

More About Wheel/Bike Safety

• Download the Wheeled Sports Safety Factsheet

• Visit the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute