child safety: bicycles and tricycles

overview

if you are biking with a baby or young child, the following suggestions can help you minimize the risk of injury:

• don't put your child in a bike seat before they are ready.

  children younger than 1 year should not ride in any type of seat mounted on your bicycle. before sitting in a rear-mounted seat, your child must sit well without support and be able to wear a lightweight helmet. these types of child carriers must:

  • attach securely over the rear wheel.
  • have spoke guards so your child's hands and feet will not get caught in the wheels.
  • have a secure shoulder harness, lap belt, and a high back. a child should be able to fall asleep and be well supported.
• put a helmet on your child even when they are in a bike trailer.

  if you are using a trailer seat, always have your child wear a lightweight infant bike helmet.

• be careful where you ride.

  do not ride with your child on busy streets, even where there is a bike lane. try to ride in bicycle-only areas, such as recreational paths.

• do not ride with your child during bad weather.
• never carry infants in backpacks or front packs on a bike.

riding tricycles safely

help make riding tricycles safer by following these tips.

• don't put your child on a tricycle until they are ready.

  a child doesn't have the basic coordination to ride it safely until about age 3.

• make sure the tricycle that you try is solidly constructed and the right size for your child. (your child should be able to pedal while sitting squarely on the seat.)
• watch your child closely while they ride.

  do not allow your child to ride in areas that are close to cars, swimming pools, or other hazards.

• have your child wear a bike helmet every time they ride.