FAQs About Riding Toy Safety

Parents delight in seeing children riding a new bike or tricycle, but every year children are injured because proper safety precautions are not taken. Spending a few extra dollars, and learning safety rules ensures a child's time on a beloved toy does not turn into a nightmare.

Q: Where is the best place to ride?

A: A home neighborhood is usually where most children ride, but a public park or playground offers a much safer landscape. Traffic steers clear of parks and playgrounds, and few surprises jump out at a riding child. Parks and playground especially help new riders and bikers, since fewer things distract them. A nearby school playground and/or parking lot is also a good location.

Q: Are a helmet and knee and elbow pads necessary?

A: Absolutely, this equipment is cheaply priced at many stores, and is even cheaper from a garage sale or the internet. Many serious riding accidents are prevented by wearing simple attire. Although children might whine and complain, a few simple threats can get them to wear the safety gear. Hopefully, they never actually need it, but how many children do not scrape their knees?

Q: How secure are the toys?

A: Generally toys, even riding toys, are constructed for years of use. Before a child uses a riding toy, take an extra minute to look it over. Are all bolts and screws tight? Are any sharp edges jutting out? Is it working properly? This extra minute is crucial to ensuring a child is riding safely.