Child Health A-Z

Bicycle / In-Line Skating / Skateboarding Safety

More than 70 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 14 ride bicycles. In-line skating and skateboarding are also very popular among this age group and adolescents. Although a great form of exercise, riding a bike, in-line skating, or skateboarding without protective gear can be dangerous.

The most common and often most serious injury sustained with a bike, on in-line skates, scooters, or while skateboarding, is a head injury. Head injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in these types of crashes. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of death or injury and reduce the severity of the injury in the event of a crash. However, even with aggressive bicycle helmet programs and laws, no more than 41 percent of children and adolescents riding bicycles reportedly wear helmets.

Wearing a helmet whenever riding a bicycle, in-line skates, or a skateboard should be an automatic habit. Helmets should fit properly and also be fastened correctly. A properly-fastened and fitting helmet does not move around on the head.

Last Update
February 3, 2008