fit kit system, performance bicycle dealers, specialized, giant, raleigh, appleton, green bay, wisconsin
Appleton bicycle dealer, Specialized, Giant, Raliegh
Appleton bike dealer, bicycle specials, used bicycles
fitness center, appleton fitness centers, cycling, indoor cycling, fitness clubs, appleton fitness club
Appleton, Oshkosh, Green Bay, Bicycle Dealer
A Helmet How-To

Bike helmets are so important that the U.S. government has created safety standards for them. Your helmet should have a sticker that says it meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If your helmet doesn't have a CPSC sticker, ask your mom or dad to get you one that does.

Your bike helmet should fit you properly. You don't want it too small or too big. Never wear a hat under your bike helmet. If you're unsure if your helmet fits you well, ask someone at a bike store.

 bicycle safety tips, bicycle dealer, appleton, wisconsin, specialized, giant, burley, bike trailers, bicycle helmets
Once you have the right helmet, you need to wear it the right way so it will protect you. It should be worn level and cover your forehead. The straps should always be fastened. If the straps are flying, it's likely to fall off your head when you need it most. Make sure the straps are adjusted so they're snug enough that you can't pull or twist the helmet around on your head.

Take care of your bike helmet and don't throw it around. That could damage the helmet and it won't protect you as well when you really need it. If you do fall down and put your helmet to the test, be sure to get a new one. They don't work as well after a major crash.

Many bike helmets today are lightweight and come in cool colors.
Riding With Young Children

When kids are very young, a smart way to teach them bicycle safety is by example. Today's child safety carriers and other options give you the opportunity to spend quality time with your child while introducing your little one to the open road. However, your child must always wear a helmet and should be at least 1 year old before you take him or her for a ride. Be a positive role model (and protect your own head) by wearing your own helmet, too.		 bicycle safety tips, bicycle dealer, appleton, wisconsin, specialized, giant, burley, bike trailers, bicycle helmets
Trailers

A trailer is one of the safest ways to take a young child for a spin. Hitched to your bicycle, a trailer is a low, mesh-covered seat that's supported by two wheels for greater stability. The trailer's sturdy frame provides accident protection, and because your child is riding 1 to 2 feet (30.5 to 61 centimeters) behind your bike's rear wheel, the spokes are out of reach. Another safety bonus is that trailers ride near to the ground, so if your bike falls over, your child won't tumble very far.

A word of caution, though: The trailer is wider than your bike, so one of the trailer's wheels could slip off the road's edge if you're not careful. Also, the trailer could overturn after hitting a bump, if one wheel rides a curb, or if your bicycle turns sharply.

When shopping, look for a trailer with a shoulder harness and lap belt to secure your child. The hitch to your bike should have a flexible joint that allows the trailer to stay upright if your bike falls. Even so, your child will need to wear a bicycle helmet while riding in the trailer. Attach a tall bright warning flag to the trailer for increased visibility and make sure the trailer has reflectors.
Trailers range in price from $150 to over $500.