Safe Bicycling Starts Early - "Rules of the Road"
When a child receives his or her first tricycle or bicycle, a lifelong pattern of vehicle operation is begun. A bike is not just a toy, but a vehicle that is a speedy means of transportation, subject to the same laws as motor vehicles.

1. When turning or stopping, always use hand signals.

2. LOOK both ways at street corners and driveways.

3. Always ride with the traffic, to the right.

4. Always stop at STOP signs and the curb.

5. When you ride on the sidewalk watch out for people.

6. Riders must always wear their helmet.

Read more - click here.

New Bicycle Helmet Standard
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently voted unanimously to issue a mandatory federal safety standard for bicycle helmets. Beginning February 1999, all bike helmets manufactured in the U.S. will have to adequately protect the child's head, and all chin straps must stay on during a crash or fall. Helmets intended for children up to age 5 will have to provide more protection for the fragile areas of the child's skull. The new uniform standard will replace various voluntary standards already in use. Approximately 200 children are killed each year in bicycle-related accidents. If you are buying a new helmet this summer, make sure it already meets the new standards available at the CPSC, http:\\www.cpsc.gov

Fun in the Sun - Safety Tips

Babies under 6 months:

Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck are still the top recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands.
For Young Children:

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15.
For Older Children:

The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

Click here to read more about Summer Safety Tips on the American Academy of Pediatrics web site.