​​​​​Riding a bike, skateboarding, in-line skating, and riding a scooter are great ways to be active, get around, and stay fit.

Here are some important safety tips to lower the risk of injuries while riding a bike.

Wear protective gear
Bike helmets protect people of all ages. It's the law in Alberta that anyone younger than 18 years must wear a helmet when riding a bike.

Follow these important bike helmet tips:

• Make sure your bike helmet meets current, approved helmet safety standards. Look for a CSA, Snell, or ASTM sticker to know if the helmet is approved.
  
• Take the Bike Helmet YES Test to a to make sure your helmet fits properly. It should be snug, level, and stable.
• Replace your helmet every 5 years, whenever recommended by the helmet manufacturer, or after you've been in a crash.
• Set a good example for children by wearing your bike helmet.
• Let your child choose their own bike helmet, because they'll be more likely to wear it.

Other gear includes:

• Gloves for a better grip on the handlebars.
  
• Proper, supportive shoes.
  
• Reflective tape, reflectors, and lights so it's easier to see you at night. Reflectors should be on the front, back, and spokes of the bicycle.
  
• Bright clothing so it's easier to see in you the daytime.
  
• A bell or horn on your bike.
  

Check your equipment
A bike should be the right size for the person riding it. Adjust the seat to fit your height. Make sure your bike is working properly. Do an ABC quick check before every ride:

• A is for air: Check that your tires are firm.
• B is for brakes, bar, and bell: Check that your brake levers work, the handlebars are the right height, and test your bell.
• C is for chain: Check that the chain is tight and gliding well (well lubed).
  

Learn the rules of riding a bike safely

• Obey the same rules when you ride on the road as you do when you drive a car. This includes riding on the right side of the road so you're going in the same direction as traffic and stopping at all intersections.
• Look behind you (shoulder check) each time you turn or move out to pass.
• Learn and use hand signals.
  
• Look left, right, and left again before going ahead.
• Look for an organization or club that offers bike safety training for the road or other terrain, like the mountains. Most bike shops and recreation centres offer this training.

Pay attention to the risks around you 

• Watch the road for hazards like debris, grates, or holes.
• Be extra careful in wet or cold weather that could affect the road conditions or how well you can see.
• Watch for people walking, animals, and others on bike when you ride on shared places like bike paths or trails.
• Plan your route and choose the safest way to your destination. 

Riding with children
Biking is great for family time and fitness. Bike trailers and bike-mounted carriers​ allow adults to enjoy bike riding with small children as passengers.​

As children grow, they can often ride a bicycle before they understand how to be safe. It's important to teach them safety rules, model safe riding, and always ride with them as they learn and become more confident.

When riding bicycles, young children should always:

• Ride with an adult.
• Ride in a single line behind an adult who knows how to ride safely.
  
• Use hand signals. 
• Get off and walk their bike to cross the street.

Around 10 years of age is when most children have the skills they need to ride on the road alone. But every child is different. Make sure your child understands road safety rules, know how to signal, and knows how to avoid major risks  before they ride a bike without an adult.

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