Health Tip: Teach Kids Bike Safety Rules

(HealthDay News) — Just as important as teaching a youngster how to peddle a bicycle is to make sure the child knows the rules of the road.

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests these bike-safety guidelines for children:

Establish rules on where a child is allowed to ride, and where else is off-limits. Rules should be based on the child’s age, maturity and ability to follow basic rules of the road.
Mandatory rules should include riding with traffic, always stopping at intersections, using hand signals and looking carefully before turning.
Every time children ride, they should wear government-approved bike helmets that fit properly.
Children who don’t follow the rules should have bike privileges revoked.
Don’t allow kids to ride at dusk or dark.
Parents must regularly inspect bikes for wear, making repairs as needed.