OUTFITTING YOUR CHILD WITH THE RIGHT BIKE AND ACCESSORIES

(NC) - With spring finally here, many children will be anxious to get on their bikes and parents are faced with the important task of choosing the right first bike or replacing the one their child has already outgrown.

To ensure maximum comfort and safety, it's important that the bike is not too big or too small. As a general guideline, your child should be able to clear the top tube of the frame by 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) when straddling the bike with both feet on the ground.

Helmets studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. With stats like that, a well-fitting helmet is equally as important as the right-sized bike. If a helmet isn't right, it won't offer children the protection they need. Measure the head for the correct size. Customize the helmet with supplied pads to get a good fit. The helmet should sit level across the forehead, just above the eyebrows and fit snugly so that once on, it does not slide up over the forehead. Helmets need to be replaced if they have sustained an impact. Unlike a football or baseball helmet, bicycle helmets are designed to absorb the energy of one impact only. For maximum protection, it's recommended that helmets be replaced every three years. - (NC)

- From News Canada