Sports Safety—Playing it Safe

Proper gear helps keep children safe. In NYS children under 14 are required by law to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter or while skating.  Fitted helmets can reduce head injuries by almost 45%.

Helmets

• The helmet should be age and size appropriate and fit well.  It should be level on top of the head, just above the eyebrows. It should not move back and forth or side to side. The strap should be buckled and snug under the chin.
• The helmet should have a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) sticker on the helmet. This means the helmet meets the CPSC standard for safety.
• Don’t use a helmet that has been in a crash. A damaged helmet may not protect the head. Discard it and buy a new one.

Bike Safety

• Children 12 or younger should ride on the sidewalk, while adults must ride on the street.  If riding on the street you must ride in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic safety laws
• Use hand signals for turning and stopping
• Always wear bright colors to be seen.
• Check to see if equipment is in working order for example, brakes, tires, handlebars etc.
• Never wear headphones while riding as you need to be able to hear oncoming traffic
• Respect traffic signals
• Wear study, closed toed shoes
• NYS law requires a bell or other device to give an audible signal, reflectors in the front and back of bike and, and a lamp on front and back of bike while riding during one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise

Skating, Scooters, Skateboards (Wheeled Activities)

• Wear protective gear that fits properly such as a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads.
• Do not hold on to moving vehicles
• Skate on the right side of paths and sidewalks and pass on the left
• Yield to pedestrians and observe traffic regulations
• Uses skates of an appropriate type and fit for your child’s size and skill level.
• Wear sturdy close toed shoes
• Ride only on smooth pavement - avaoid dirt, sand. gravel and wet pavement
• Do not ride in traffic
• Do not allow passengers on a scooter- they are designed to carry only one person