The CARES Safety Center Newsletter
Bringing Safety to the Baltimore Community
Spring 2012
BIKE SAFETY
Many children love riding bikes. It’s lots of fun and great exercise! These activities
are great for growing minds and bodies, but we must make sure children are safe by
wearing a helmet every time. Bike falls and crashes can cause serious head and neck
injuries. A well fitted bike helmet can protect your child from being injured.
The CARES Safety
Center is a "house on
wheels" that promotes the
safety of children and
families by delivering fun,
interactive education and
affordable safety products
to the community.
The CARES Safety
Center is available to visit
health fairs, schools, head
starts, medical clinics,
places of worship and
community events
throughout Baltimore
City.
To request the CARES
Safety Center to attend
your next event, fill out
our online request form at:
www.HopkinsCares.org.
The CARES Safety
Center is brought to you
by the Johns Hopkins
Center for Injury Research
& Policy and the
Baltimore City Fire
Department.
Did you know…
In Maryland, all children under the age of 16 must
wear a helmet when riding a bike– it’s the law.
Helmets are not just for kids. Since your child looks
up to you as a role model, set a good example by
wearing your helmet every time you ride your bike.
Helmet Fit Test:
Do the helmet fit test to be sure your child’s helmet
fits correctly and protects him from being injured:
Eyes: Put the helmet on your child’s head. Make
sure she can see the bottom rim of the helmet.
Ears: Make sure the straps form a ‘V’ under your
child’s ears when buckled. The straps should be a
bit tight but comfortable.
Mouth: Tell your child to open his mouth wide.
Does the helmet hug his head? If not, tighten the
straps.
More children ages 5-14 go to
the emergency room for biking
injuries than any other sport.
Bike Safety Tips:
Check your child’s bike. Make sure the brakes work, the tires have enough
air, and the bike has reflectors.
Dress your child in bright clothes so she can be seen by traffic.
Always make sure your child wears his helmet when riding.
Make sure your child’s bike is the right size for him. Check to see if both his
feet can touch the ground.
Talk to your child about safe places to ride. Do not let young children ride in
the street.
To find out how you can buy low-cost bicycle helmets and other safety
products, call the CARES Safety Center at 410-955-4121.