Riding Your BIKE Safely       Riding a bicycle is more than basic transportation; it can be a fun and exciting hobby as well as a great source of exercise. When you ride you're not alone. You share the road with cars, trucks, pedestrians, and other cyclists. More and more cyclists are taking to the roads, trails, and paths this summer and an accident can quickly turn a bicycle adventure into a bicycling tragedy. For children, the bicycle is usually considered a toy, however this “toy” is one of the major causes of head injury in children. Children account for about half of all bicycle-related fatalities. Click Here: How not to get hit by cars BIKE SIZE Parents often make the mistake of selecting a bike that is obviously too big for their child, thinking that he/she will grow into it. Not only is learning to drive and ride an oversized bike extremely difficult, but much of the enjoyment is lost and the risk of falls and collisions is increased.   GET THE RIGHT FIT!   Follow These Tips They can go a long way to help prevent serious injury or death in bicycle riders of all ages Learn and Use Proper Hand Signals Always wear an approved helmet Know your traffic signals Keep your bike in good condition Ride in the same direction or flow of traffic Ride in a Straight Line Be Alert for Road Hazards Use Lights and Reflectors at night  Beware of parked car doors that may open Give pedestrians the right-of-way Ride defensively Ride so drivers can see you and predict your movements, make eye contact with drivers Dress to be visible     Dress to be visible     TEST YOUR SKILLS! Click on the picture below to reach a whole bunch of great games Games and Activities: Know your hand signals, Wear the right helmet, Know your traffic Signs, Get the right bike, Can you stay on the trail?       Protect your bike for just $1 per year   Enter a door for Police Officers, Kids, Teens, Parents, Teachers, Articles, Special Offers   Free counters provided by Andale.    Clipart Credit: Clips Ahoy