Bike Safely into Summer
Safety & Awareness | May 1, 2023
Safe Kids Safety Tips By Kathi Hegranes, FOCUS Program Coordinator, Injury Prevention & Outreach Coordinator, CPST-I, ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah
Biking Safely into Summer is every active family’s goal
Let’s jumpstart your planning and preparation with tips for a healthy, safe bike outing.
Refresher Tips for your Trips
Remember wheels go in the same direction as other wheels.
For safety it is recommended to ride in the same direction as vehicles when biking on the street; walk facing traffic as a pedestrian.
How to prevent traumatic brain Injuries…everyone crashes at some point; a helmet can make all the difference in the outcome.
Let your children see that you wear a helmet, too. Children are more likely to wear helmets when riding with others who wear them.
Scary fact:
Over 130,000 people are injured in crashes each year, nearly 1,000 die.
Helmet Fit makes all the difference
Do the Eyes, Ears and Mouth check:
- EYES check: Place the helmet on the head. When you look up with your eyes you should see the bottom rim of the helmet. With a child, tap the bottom edge when asking them to look up. It will help guide their eyes. The bottom rim of the helmet should be no more than one to two fingers above the eyebrows.
- EARS check: The straps of the helmet should form a “V” under your ears when buckled. Adjust the straps until you achieve the “V” shape. The straps should rest on, but not dig into, the face. Snug but comfortable.
- MOUTH check: Do a big yawn. Do you feel the helmet hug your head? If not, tighten those straps a bit!
When should we wear helmets for safety:
- Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or all-terrain vehicle;
- Playing a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing;
- Using in-line skates or riding a skateboard;
- Batting and running bases in baseball or softball;
- Riding a horse;
- Skiing or snowboarding.
Remember:
Bike helmets & playgrounds don’t mix.
Remind children to take off their helmet before engaging in play and put it back on when finished – it may save their life two ways!
Safe Kids Fox Valley wishes you a healthy, fun summer
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