Facts about Bike Injuries:

Children sustain more than 267,000 nonfatal bicycle injuries each year. Nearly 630 children are injured daily due to bicycle-related crashes. More than 70 percent of children ages 5 to 14 ride a bicycle regularly. Bicycle helmet use among child bicyclists ranges from 15 percent to 25 percent.

Facts about Wheeled
Sports Injuries:

Each year, there are approximately 61,000 injuries to children involving skateboards. Each year, there are an estimated 38,155 roller skating injuries. In 2004, an estimated number of 18,743 head injuries were treated in emergency rooms due to skateboarding.

Bike and Wheeled
Safety Questions:

Is my child required to wear a bike helmet?

Yes, all children under the age of 16 in the state of Florida are required to wear a helmet when they ride.

What should I look for when I buy a helmet?

It is important to buy a helmet that meets or exceeds current safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Correct fit is also essential. Helmets should fit snugly, comfortably and shouldn't rock back and forth or side to side.

My child already wears a helmet. Why should I be concerned?

Bicycle helmets can be lifesavers, but they may not protect your child in an accident if they are worn incorrectly. Children who wear their helmets tipped back have a 52 percent greater risk of a head injury. It is important that the helmets are worn correctly every time they ride.

What traffic rules should I teach my children so they ride safely?

Following the rules of the road is important to young riders. Make sure they ride with traffic, not against it, and they should also ride as close to the curb as possible. It is important that they follow proper traffic laws, including stopping at all stop signs and using appropriate hand signals. Ride with them and supervise their riding until they develop the necessary traffic skills and judgment.

Bike and Wheeled Statistics:

• 70 percent of deaths occur
  between 2-8 p.m.
• Males account for 82 percent of
  bicycle-related deaths.
• More children ages 5 to 14 are seen
  in hospital emergency rooms for
  injuries related to biking than any
  other sport.