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\nRiding bikes is a great way to get active. Riding a bike can help you:
\nRiding bikes is also a great way to spend time with your family and get active together. If you have kids, teach them to bike safely from the start.
\nA bike crash could send you to the emergency room. But the good news is that many bike injuries can be prevented.
\nFollow these tips to make safe biking a habit.
\nRiders of any age should be able to put one leg on each side of the top bar (tube) of their bike with both feet flat on the ground. Otherwise, the bike isn\u2019t safe to ride.
\nMake sure the brakes are working before you ride.
\nIf you are choosing a bike for a child, choose one that brakes when the rider pedals backwards. Young children\u2019s hands aren\u2019t big enough or strong enough to use hand brakes.
\nGet in the \u201chelmet habit\u201d \u2013 wear a helmet every time and everywhere you ride a bike. A bike helmet lowers your risk of a head or brain injury if you crash.
\nMake sure your helmet is certified by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Look for a sticker on the inside that says \u201cCPSC.\u201d This means it\u2019s been tested for safety.
\nA bike helmet only protects you if you wear it the right way. Every time you put your helmet on, make sure that:
\nTo find out more, check out:
\nKids grow quickly, so check regularly to make sure their helmets still fit.
\nEven if your helmet doesn\u2019t look cracked or damaged, the material inside the helmet may be crushed after an impact. This means that the helmet can\u2019t protect your brain and head from another crash.
\nDrivers can have a hard time seeing bike riders, even during the day. Follow these tips to help drivers see you:
\nTry to plan ahead so your bike rides are over before it gets dark. If you are going to ride at night:
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Use your left hand to make these signals for left turn, right turn, and stop.
\nPaying attention to the things around you can help you stay safe.
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