Know the Facts: In 2001, 134 children ages 14 and under died in bicycle-related incidents, and nearly 300,000 more were injured in 2002.

For children ages five to 14, pedestrian-related injuries are the second leading cause of unintentional injury death. Nearly 700 children died in 2001 from pedestrian injuries. An estimated 43,300 children received emergency room treatment for pedestrian injuries in 2002.

Safety Basics

Younger riders should ride on sidewalks or safe areas only. Teens may ride in the street after they learn the rules of the road. It is important for children to learn and practice bike safety rules:

• A helmet should be worn every time you ride a bike, scooter, skateboard or in-line skate.
• Always ride bikes in safe areas and never at night.
• Always come to a complete stop before entering a driveway, path or sidewalk. Look left, right, and left again for other bikes, cars, or pedestrians.
• Use the proper hand signals when turning to let drivers know your intent.
• Walk, don't ride your bike across the street, and cross only with a grown-up.

• Stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, then right, then left again for moving cars.
• Wait until the street is clear, keep looking left and right until you have safely crossed the street.

Data Sources: National SAFE KIDS Campaign®