For an experienced cyclist, the streets could be seen as the safest place to go riding. It’s easy to observe and follow the flow of traffic. If you have kids, riding on the streets might not be the best solution given the many risks that come with it. You might find yourself having to look for a personal injury attorney because your kid got injured. 3 out of 4 children in the United States ride a bike. The number of injuries has been going up over the years.
Riding on the Sidewalk
Young cyclists should always ride on the sidewalks as they lack the maturity to make critical decisions when riding on the streets. You don’t want to be breaking the law. That’s why it’s encouraged to check out the laws on riding on the sideway as they’ll vary from one state to another.
A Lot More Has to Be Done
Riding on the sidewalk is not enough to avoid personal injuries. You can never be too sure about what’s happening on the streets. As a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your kid is always wearing a helmet. Wearing a helmet can reduce head injuries as they can be fatal. In addition, kids need to have the proper gear to safeguard against personal injury. They should wear bright colors when riding in the evening or early in the morning so that they can easily be seen by pedestrians and motorists.
Ride With Your Children
For young children, you shouldn’t leave them unsupervised as they can be tempted to ride in on the streets. You’ll only leave them when you’re comfortable enough that they can ride on their own. Set riding times so that you’re always aware of what’s happening at any given time.
Who Should Bicycle on the Sidewalk?
In some states, it’s illegal to bicycle on the sidewalk as it could jeopardize the safety of the pedestrians. Children can get away with it but you shouldn’t take the risks if you’re unsure of repercussions. There should be no problems provided that the safety protocols are being observed. In case you allow the children to cycle on the sidewalk, you should have the following considerations in mind:
- Pedestrians have a right of way at all times
- The bicycle should be moving at the same or lower speeds compared to the adults using the sidewalk.
- Being mindful whenever crossing the streets
It can be devastating when a bicycle is hit by a car and ever more traumatizing when a child is involved. Before you can allow your kids to go out to bicycle, you want to make sure that their safety is guaranteed even if it will mean supervising playing time. Have a set of bike riding rules that your kids need to be aware of whenever they’re out playing. Avoiding injuries should be a personal responsibility as a parent. In case your kid has been injured, you can reach out for help by checking out https://midwestlaw.group/services/personal-injury-attorneys/
Midwest Trial Lawyers,
9300 West 150th
Terrace Overland Park KS 66221,
(913) 380-4004