Summertime in Alaska brings many opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and warm weather, such as biking. It’s important to talk to your children about what to expect and be aware of when riding a bike along a sidewalk or street in Alaska. Practice biking safety skills that foster awareness, discuss these frequently with children, and take appropriate precautions to ultimately encourage safe and fun bike rides for everyone.
Discuss Bicycle Safety Often
Bicyclists in Alaska are required to abide by the same rules of the road as a driver of a motor vehicle. Obey all road signs, use bike lanes, sidewalks, and roadways appropriately, and always pay attention to those around you. Remind your children to be aware of their surroundings and practice biking safety every time they go for a bike ride.
Practice Bike Safety
Improve awareness by practicing safety skills before going on a long bike ride. Stopping and looking both ways when crossing streets, using correct hand signals, and walking bikes across roadways are some examples of important safety skills for bicyclists.
When planning a family bike ride, review your route with your children beforehand. Talk about anticipated stops along the way and how long the ride will take. It may also benefit to do a trial ride to see how far your family is able to bike without becoming fatigued.
Take Safety Precautions
Be sure your child is using a bicycle that fits their height. Riding a bike that is too large or too small can increase the risk of injury.
Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, whether in a public or privately owned area. Accidents can happen anywhere, it’s critical to protect your child, and yourself, from injuries. It is especially important to be wearing a helmet when biking along public roadways or sidewalks.
Small children that are learning to balance on and ride a bike can benefit from additional protective gear. Elbow and knee pads are designed to protect arms and legs from serious injuries. Training wheels are often very helpful when learning to balance on a bike. It’s best to wait to remove training wheels until your child has the skills and balance required for safely operating a bicycle.
Be Prepared
Remember to bring water and snacks on long bike rides. It’s very important for everyone recreating during summertime in Alaska to stay hydrated and nourished. Heat stroke and other illness or injuries arising from heat and sun exposure are absolutely risks during Alaska summers. Plan to take rest breaks to avoid fatigue and refuel before continuing on long bike rides.
It’s also important to note that automobile drivers must respect cyclists. Alaska drivers should be aware of and looking for bicyclists. Share the road with cyclists as you would with an automobile driver.
This is part two of a two part series. See: Part One.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
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