Buying a Bike for Christmas

bicycle

 If you’re giving a bicycle for Christmas this year, great choice! It’s a wonderful gift for anyone, as it combines fitness with fun and can be a lasting toy, depending on how fast the person you’re giving it to is growing.

But if you are giving a bicycle, you may want to make sure to keep safety in mind. About 300,000 kids are sent to the emergency room every year because of bicycle accidents, making bike safety a pretty important priority for families. Here are a few things you might want to get to go along with your bicycle.

Helmet: No bike rider should be without one. Sure, it’s not always against the law to ride without one—but it should be. Helmets can prevent a head injury, which is one of the worst things that can happen to a human being, let alone a child. They’re not that expensive, either. Sure, if you want to go all glamour helmet it’ll cost some money, but most children’s hospitals have them available for a minimal cost, as do some health clinics, doctor’s offices and other places. Ask about them on your next visit. You also want to be sure the helmet fits properly, so think about taking the tot with you for a fitting.

Knee and Elbow Pads: While these aren’t as important as the helmet, they can prevent some serious damage. Those are very thin-skinned, sensitive areas that can also get broken quickly.

Bike Horn: Though not necessary, it may come in handy during the child’s travels. A basket can also be of use to prevent him from trying to ride while holding a favorite toy.

Training Wheels: These are pretty important if your bike is going to a little girl or guy.

Good Brakes: If it’s a used bike, be sure to check the brakes before gifting it. Bad brakes could equal an accident. You wouldn’t sell a car with faulty brakes without disclosing it, right?

Bike Safety Guide: You can purchase these if you like, but your best bet is to go online and print out some quick tips for the family to use.

And if you don’t have the funds for this equipment, maybe you can get another relative or family friend to go in on it with you, either as a gift from both of you or simply as separate gifts for the same purpose. The kiddo’s mother or father will definitely thank you for it—and if you are already the kid’s mom or dad, chances are you’ve already considered these points and have purchased the equipment already.