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Gearing up for a great ride

Let’s be real—riding a bike is awesome. Wind in your hair, sun on your face, and that satisfying “whoosh” as you cruise past traffic like a two-wheeled superhero. But even superheroes need a safety plan (just ask anyone who’s ever taken a tumble trying to show off). Whether you're a weekend cruiser, a daily commuter, or a trail-blazing adventurer, bike safety isn’t just important—it’s the key to keeping your ride smooth and your body free of bruises. This month we have enlisted the help of Erin Pangborn, Youth Services Recreation Director for the Town of Plattsburgh. Erin has worked for the Town of Plattsburgh Parks and Recreation Department for 15 years and has spearheaded the Bike Block Party for the past 5 years. Ready to gear up and learn how to ride safe as a family? Let’s roll!

Erin, lets start with the bike itself. How do I know my child has the right one and that I’m not going to end up with a grumpy kid and a broken chain on the side of the road?

You want to make sure the bike you pick is the right size for your child, not one they will “grow into”. The best way to do this is to bring them with you when you are shopping – this will help make sure it’s the right fit. When they sit on the bike seat, their feet should be able to touch the ground.

Before each ride, make sure the reflectors are secure, brakes work properly, gears shift smoothly, and tires are tightly secured and properly inflated. Be sure you have front and rear reflectors and lights, especially if you plan to ride after dusk. Long or loose clothing can get caught in bike chains or wheel spokes, so dress kids appropriately to ensure a safe ride.

Can you tell us more about what being dressed appropriately for a bike ride entails?

I had a parent tell me once that they always dressed their son in fluorescent colors, so she could always see him (and if he was getting into trouble) no matter where they were. Though the reasoning is different, the idea is the same. Make sure they are easily seen by you AND cars. Dress them in light/bright colors. If you have clothing with retro-reflective materials, that’s even better. Reflective safety vests also work great, especially at night. Closed toed shoes are also a must! Never allow your child to ride barefoot or in sandals – it makes me cringe just thinking of toes getting caught in spokes and chains. And last, but most importantly, make sure they are wearing a well-fitting helmet.

Let’s talk about helmets. They are the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injuries and death in bike accidents when worn properly, but what does “worn properly” mean?

The main thing is to be sure your child has the right size helmet, and that they wear it every time they ride, skate or scoot. It should also meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) standards. If you let your child pick out their helmet (that is the correct size, etc.), they are more likely to wear it.

Make sure the helmet fits and your child knows how to put it on correctly. It should sit on top of their head in a level position, and shouldn’t rock forward, backward or side to side. ALWAYS buckle to helmet straps. Follow these helmet fit test standards:

  • EYES: Position the helmet on your child’s head. Have them look up (with their eyes). They should be able to see the bottom rim of the helmet. The rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
  • EARS: Make sure the straps of the helmet form a “V” under their ears when buckled. The strap should be snug but comfortable.
  • MOUTH: Have them open their mouth as wide as they can. Does the helmet hug their head? If not, tighten those straps and make sure the buckle is flat against their skin.

What about the rules of the road and biking near traffic?

Every child is different, but I would say around age 10 is when they can judge speed and distance. So stick to bikes paths and side streets for bike rides until then. Teach them to stay alert and watch for cars, other bikers, and pedestrians. Make sure they can bike confidently and safely before taking any rides where there is traffic.

Remember, they learn from watching you. It’s important for us grown-ups to model proper behavior.

  • Wear a helmet.
  • Teach your kids to make eye contact with drivers. Bikers should make sure drivers are paying attention and are going to stop before they cross the street.
  • Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals, stopping at all stop signs and stoplights. Be predictable when riding.
  • Stop and look left, right and left again before entering a street or crossing an intersection. Look back and yield to traffic coming from behind before turning left.

And we can learn more and get free safety gear at the 5th Annual Bike Block Party is coming up on May 31st?

Yes! For the second year we are teaming up with Safe & Sound, a free family safety expo at the Plattsburgh State Fieldhouse from 10 am to 1 pm. Participants will learn about bike safety, rules of the road, be entered to win a free bike, get free bike helmets, and get free bike safety gear.

Top 3 things to remember.

  1. Wear a properly-fitted helmet. It is the best way to prevent head injuries and death.
  2. Know and follow the rules of the road. Be predictable by making sure you ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between cars.
  3. Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding at night and in the morning. Reflectors on your clothes and bike will help you be seen.


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Location: Plattsburgh, NY 12901, USA

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