Help children bicycle safely, Hendrick Health advises

Families eager to boost their children’s physical and mental well-being will find bicycling a healthy option when enjoyed safely.

Bicycling benefits children’s muscles, bones, heart and lungs and helps improve their attention and memory while reducing the risk of depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Nathan Speer, MD, a pediatrician on staff at Hendrick Health, advocates that children engage in daily physical activity. He practices what he prescribes, often biking the 12-mile round trip from home to work and back during the cooler weather months.

Parents setting the example is the best way to encourage children to be more active.

“If your kids see you on a bike consistently, it will make them more inclined to try it themselves,” said Speer.

Safety First

Bicycling carries some risks, however. The CDC reported that an estimated 119,000 emergency department (ED) visits in 2023 for children 18 and younger were because of nonfatal bicycle injuries. That figure represents 2.2% of all ED visits for nonfatal injuries in that age group.

Safely introducing children to riding a bike begins with the proper equipment.

• Bike: Choose a bike where the rider can sit and easily reach the handlebars, with the balls of the feet touching the ground and 1 to 3 inches of clearance from the top tube. For kids’ first bikes, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends foot brakes for easier control.
• Helmet: A helmet is a must-have accessory on every ride because falls can happen anytime and anywhere. A properly fitted helmet should sit squarely on top of the head, covering the forehead, the AAP advises.
• Bright Colors: Wearing bright colors and reflective trimming on the bike help increase visibility, even during the day.

Rules for the Road

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests the following safe cycling strategies:

• Go with the Traffic Flow: Ride in the same direction as other vehicles.
• Obey Traffic Laws: A bicycle is not a toy, but a vehicle, so bicyclists should comply with traffic signs and signals.
• Ride Aware: Constantly look and listen to notice traffic, cracks, potholes or other road obstacles. Avoid weaving in and out of vehicles or features along the road.
• Hit the Road During the Day: Children lack maturity and experience to ride in the late evenings or at night.