| Four Common Myths about Children and Bikes |
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| Written by The Christensen Lawfirm | ||||||
| Monday, February 01 2010 | ||||||
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Knowledge is Power when it comes to Bicycle Safety One of the most dangerous risks to children lies in their parents’ lack of bicycle safety knowledge. Children are most anxious to learn to ride their bikes come springtime. Bicycle riding is filled with adventure and independence. Some say it is a rite of passage to take off those training wheels and ride with the big kids! Information is power. Parents should always research proper safety guidelines to teach their children. Kenneth L. Christensen, attorney and author of the Utah Bicycle Accident Handbook, addresses several common myths parents should know before allowing kids to ride on their own. Myth 1: Bicyclists should ride facing traffic. Many novice cyclists believe it is better to ride facing traffic, as they feel safer being able to see oncoming traffic. Not only is this against Utah State Bike Law but it is highly dangerous. In fact, riding against traffic accounts for 25% of all Utah car verses bicycle accidents. Myth 2: My Child is safe to ride at night. This could not be further from the truth. Motorists are often driving faster at night and are less likely to see bicyclists with the limited visibility. One fourth of reported bike verses car accidents with injuries occur after dusk. These accidents often result in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injuries. Myth 3: Children need bicycles they can grow into. This is another common misconception that can lead to a serious accident. Kids have less control of bikes that are too big for them and they are more likely to wobble, swerve, stare at the bike instead of ahead at the road or even lay down their bicycle—all actions that increase a likelihood of a bike crash. Myth 4: My Child can handle a 10-speed bike. Most youngsters do not have large enough hands to properly control hand-brakes and can easily get confused with shifting gears when riding. If your child is a novice recreational cyclist, he or she probably does not need a complicated bike. Get Your Free Copy of The Utah Bicycle Accident Handbook Today If you are curious about Utah bike laws, concerned about bicycle safety for you and your family or in need of legal advice if you have been a victim of personal injury due to a bicycle accident, you can request a free copy at www.utahaccidentbook.com or call 1.801.506.0800. At the Christensen Law Firm, we understand the physical, emotional and financial burdens that accompany a tragic accident. We are dedicated to providing excellent legal representation to our clients. Your case will be personally prepared by one of our skilled bicycle injury lawyers. Our expert attorneys will aggressively and diligently work to ensure you receive full and just compensation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah bicycle accident, call the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation on your legal rights.
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| Last Updated on Thursday, August 26 2010 |
