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Now that spring is finally here (at least according to the calendar), your kids are probably clambering to get outside and play. Often, one way they burn energy is to ride their bikes around the neighborhood.
While bike riding can be a lot of fun, accidents can happen. Each year, about 300,000 children visit the ER due to bicycle injuries, and 10,000 kids sustain serious injuries that require a hospital stay for a few days.
Therefore, you need to make sure your kids are protected properly while riding their bikes. Plus, you and your child need to understand some basic bike safety tips.
- Wear a helmet every time while riding. Helmets can reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes. Make sure your child’s helmet is the right size for their head. It should be worn level and cover their forehead. Always fasten the straps
- Ensure your child’s bike is the right size for them – not one he or she will grow into. When straddling the top bar of the bike, your child’s feet should be flat on the ground. There should be 1 to 3 inch space between your child and the top bar.
- Inspect your child’s bike before riding. Make sure the tires have air. Check the brakes to make sure they’re working correctly. Check and oil the chain regularly.
- Supervise your children while they’re riding.
- Keep your hands on the handlebars.
- Ride on sidewalks, bike paths or in parks until age 10 or older.
- Use bike lanes or routes whenever possible.
- Ride in the same direction as the cars.
- Stop and look for traffic in both directions when entering the street. Only cross at intersections. Walk your bike when crossing busy intersections at crosswalks.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Learn hand signals for turning and stopping.
- Ride single-file when riding with friends.
- Watch for cars and trucks. Watch for obstacles like puddles, wet leaves, big hills, rocks, curbs and people.
- Dress appropriately. Long or loose clothing can get caught in bike chains or wheel spokes.
- Wear sturdy, properly fitted shoes. Sandals, flip-flops, shoes with heels and cleats don’t grip the pedals as well. Never ride barefoot.
- Wear bright clothing or put reflectors on your bike, so others can see you.
- Avoid bike riding after dusk or later.
- Avoid wearing headphones while riding, so you can hear cars and other warning sounds.
ezWalker Performance Custom Orthotics Reduce Foot Pain
Sometimes, kids can injure their feet while bike riding, especially if they’re not wearing sturdy shoes. If your child complains of foot pain, have a certified professional examine their feet. If custom orthotics are recommended, they can help your child’s feet function more efficiently while improving their posture and balance when standing or walking. Additionally, they’ll help to reduce the risk of foot injury if your child is active in sports.
Generally, custom foot orthotics are recommended for children 3 years and older. They should be replaced regularly as the child grows – usually every 6 months or as the child outgrows his/her shoes. Usually, children should continue to wear custom arch supports until the growth plates in their feet are set. Since girls mature faster, their growth plates tend to close around the ages of 14 and 15. Boys’ growth plates close later at ages 16 to 17.
If you suffer from foot conditions, your children don’t have to. So, guide their feet to become healthier feet for life with ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics.
For more information on children’s foot orthotics, contact the WalkEzStore.com.
Because … when your children’s feet feel good, they feel good.®
