First bike for giftmas?

If you received or gave a bike as a gift this christmas, take a few minutes to think about riding safely.

Too many people ride bikes like there are no rules. There are some rules, and for good reason. Accidents suck, can ruin a good bike, a good day, and lots of good skin and bones. Accidents can kill too, and that really ruins everyone's day.

Bikes can be a lot of fun, but don't forget to proceed with caution.

Some things to remember ...

• Bikes are not toys, they are vehicles, just like cars and trucks.
• You are a "driver" when you ride in the street.
• Each year, thousands of children are seriously injured from bike, skates, and skateboard falls and crashes that could have been prevented.

Rules For Safe Biking

• Ride a bike that is the right size for you.
• Check that the wheels aren't loose and your brakes work before each ride.
• Restrict cycling to sidewalks, paths and driveways until children show how well they can ride and observe basic rules of the road (usually around age 9).
• STOP before riding out into traffic from a driveway, sidewalk, alley, or parking lot. Look left, right, and left again. When there's no traffic, enter roadway.
• Ride on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic.
• Obey all stop signs and red lights. Children should walk, not ride, through busy intersections.
• Look back and yield to traffic coming from behind before turning left at intersections.
• Do not ride in the wrong direction on one way streets.
• Use proper hand signals to indicate turns.
• Ride single file.
• Give the right of way to pedestrians.
• Carry no passengers (except on approved baby seats).
• Wear a helmet EVERY time you ride your bike, roller skate, roller blade or skateboard. Helmets should fit comfortably and not move around on the head. Only buy helmets that are SNELL and/or ANSI approved.