5 bike safety tips from Safe Kids of Central Wyoming

There are so many great reasons to ride your bike.  It’s fun, healthy and great for the environment.  Riding as a family is also a wonderful way to spend the day. So, grab your helmet and enjoy the last days of summer. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe while you ride.

1. Always wear a helmet when you ride, no matter how short the distance. This is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes.
2. Tell your kids to ride on right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights.
3. Teach your kids to make eye contact with drivers. Bikers should make sure drivers are paying attention and are going to stop before they cross the street.
4. When riding at dusk, dawn or in the evening wear bright or reflective clothing. You should also make sure your bike has lights and reflectors.
5. Actively supervise children until you’re comfortable that they are responsible to ride on their own. Click here for more bike safety tips.

Safe Kids Mountain Bike Ride

• What: The Safe Kids Mountain Bike Ride is a great opportunity for kids ages 3 and up to explore some of Casper Mountain’s trails. All routes are safe and appropriate for each age group. The ride starts at noon behind the Casper Trails Center. Come early and watch the WYOCITY American Mountain Bike Challenge.
• Cost: $5 per rider. We accept cash or check at this event. All riders must be accompanied by an adult.  Helmets are required for all riders.  A limited number of helmets will be available at the event.
• When:Noon Saturday, Aug. 22
• Where: Casper Trails Center on Casper Mountain

Anna Edwards is the grant coordinator for the Safe Communities program at Wyoming Medical Center. She has more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit program development and management. She is the mother of a very active toddler. When she’s not running after her daughter, Anna spends her time reading, gardening and managing her growing obsession with yarn. Email her at aedwards@wyomingmedicalcenter.org or call (307) 577-7904. 

Further reading:

• Safe Kids bike rodeo teaches bicycle safety to students at St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School
• Drivers and cyclists are equally responsible for safety on the road 
• Photo Gallery: 300 helmets and 75 life jackets distributed and fitted at Safe Kids Day