Summer in Montana is a time when we can expect to see our neighborhoods come alive, filling up with kids riding their bikes, roller skating, and riding on scooters and skateboards. There are so many great reasons for kids to participate in these activities with it being fun the best reason of all. It also is a wonderful way for kids to stay healthy.
As with most things, however, there are some risks involved including injuries ranging from mild to life-threatening. With plenty of practice and these safety tips from Safe Kids Worldwide, you can help your kids be smart and safe:
For Bicyclists:
- All bicyclists should wear a properly-fitted helmet. It is the best way to prevent head injuries and death. Ensuring correct fit of a helmet can increase comfort and use.
- Children should ride on the sidewalk, bike pathways or bicycle lanes when available. If not, ride in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as is practical.
- Use hand signals and follow the rules of the road. Be predictable by making sure you ride in a straight line and do not swerve between cars.
- Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding at dusk, night and in the morning. Reflectors on your clothes and bike will help you be seen.
- Ride with your children. Stick together until you are comfortable that your kids are ready to ride on their own.
- Check equipment at the beginning and end of the season, particularly fit for your child and things like brakes and tire pressure.
For Skaters/Skateboarders and Scooters:
- Wear a properly-fitted helmet.
- Knee pads and elbow pads are recommended for everyone, especially beginners.
- Wrist guards are also recommended for skaters and skateboarders.
- Mouth guards are good protection against broken teeth.
- Children should ride on smooth, dry surfaces located in a well-lit area away from traffic.
- Check equipment at the beginning and end of the season and teach children to check scooters, skates, and boards for problems before each use. If there are any cracked, loose, or broken parts, the item should not be used until it is repaired.
- Teach children to minimize the impact of a fall by crouching down as they lose balance to reduce the distance to the surface.