Cycling is a heart healthy activity, it can help you lose weight and brings about improved balance and coordination. Besides being healthy for you it is a fun way to travel. Studies have shown that in little as three weeks of regular cycling an individual will be fitter regardless of their initial fitness level.
Most people enjoyed a bicycle as a child and today many children ride bicycles for fun. Parents must insure that their children are using a helmet when they are riding. A helmet is the single biggest safety item any cyclists can wear. It should be fitted properly and in good condition. Young cyclists are more prone to falling off of a bike and sustaining an injury. Since 1984 when the value of wearing helmets was recognized, the number of head injuries has dramatically been reduced.
Parents also need to make sure that their child's bike is well maintained. Tire pressures should be checked on a regular basis and tires need to be replaced when signs of excess wear begin to appear. Teaching a child about bike maintenance is setting a good example of safety first. Children should also be taught to follow traffic rules. Mishaps occur when children fail to stop when riding out of the driveway, running through stop signs or red lights, and turning left without checking for oncoming traffic.
Make cycling enjoyable for your child. Find the time to make regular outings on a bicycle with your child. This will be a great opportunity to set the example of responsible cycling. In the beginning it may be necessary to go over the rules of the road but afterwards observe and correct mistakes. Prior to every outing perform a quick check of the bikes mechanics. Pack a snack and stop for a break at a nice location.
Adults sustain more injuries from cycling then do children. A large number of deaths amongst cyclists are attributed to the rider not wearing a helmet. Had a helmet been used a significant number of those fatalities would have been reduced. About 90 percent of the fatalities were caused by the cyclists being struck by a motor vehicle. Not having the proper lights and reflectors could also have reduced these fatalities. Another factor contributing to a large number of deaths is alcohol. 25% of cyclists fatalities are attributed to alcohol consumption by the cyclist.
When it comes riding safe, common sense should play a role. Never ride without a helmet. Lead by example and teach your child the safe proper way to ride by obeying the rules of the road.
Most people enjoyed a bicycle as a child and today many children ride bicycles for fun. Parents must insure that their children are using a helmet when they are riding. A helmet is the single biggest safety item any cyclists can wear. It should be fitted properly and in good condition. Young cyclists are more prone to falling off of a bike and sustaining an injury. Since 1984 when the value of wearing helmets was recognized, the number of head injuries has dramatically been reduced.
Parents also need to make sure that their child's bike is well maintained. Tire pressures should be checked on a regular basis and tires need to be replaced when signs of excess wear begin to appear. Teaching a child about bike maintenance is setting a good example of safety first. Children should also be taught to follow traffic rules. Mishaps occur when children fail to stop when riding out of the driveway, running through stop signs or red lights, and turning left without checking for oncoming traffic.
Make cycling enjoyable for your child. Find the time to make regular outings on a bicycle with your child. This will be a great opportunity to set the example of responsible cycling. In the beginning it may be necessary to go over the rules of the road but afterwards observe and correct mistakes. Prior to every outing perform a quick check of the bikes mechanics. Pack a snack and stop for a break at a nice location.
Adults sustain more injuries from cycling then do children. A large number of deaths amongst cyclists are attributed to the rider not wearing a helmet. Had a helmet been used a significant number of those fatalities would have been reduced. About 90 percent of the fatalities were caused by the cyclists being struck by a motor vehicle. Not having the proper lights and reflectors could also have reduced these fatalities. Another factor contributing to a large number of deaths is alcohol. 25% of cyclists fatalities are attributed to alcohol consumption by the cyclist.
When it comes riding safe, common sense should play a role. Never ride without a helmet. Lead by example and teach your child the safe proper way to ride by obeying the rules of the road.