Biking is not only a fun way to get around, it is also good for your health and the environment. Regular cycling lowers the risk of heart disease by 46% and cancer risk by 45%. Not only does biking burn a lot of calories and strengthen muscles, regular biking also cuts down stress, reduces depression (by up to 20%) and improves cognitive function and attention. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a parent helping your child get comfortable on two wheels, May is the perfect time to celebrate the joy of riding. National Bike Month, and specifically Bicycle Safety Month, is about more than just fun. It is about ensuring every rider returns home safely.
Teaching Kids How to Ride a Bike Safely
Teaching kids to ride safely is all about building confidence through consistent habits and supervised practice. Before they even push off, ensure their bike is the right size. A child should be able to stand over the top tube with both feet flat on the ground. You should also emphasize that the helmet is a non-negotiable “seatbelt for the brain.” When teaching your kids about biking safely, focus on these fundamental skills to help them navigate the neighborhood:
- Master the “Power Pedal” Start: Teach them to position one pedal at the “2 o’clock” position so they have enough initial momentum to balance immediately upon takeoff.
- The “Look Back” Drill: Practice having them glance over their shoulder for cars without swerving the handlebars, a vital skill for changing lanes and turning.
- Driveway Safety: Remind them to always stop and look left-right-left before exiting a driveway or sidewalk onto the street.
- Predictable Paths: Encourage them to ride in a straight line rather than weaving, and to use a loud, clear voice (“On your left!”) when passing pedestrians.
- Hazard Detection: Turn it into a game to spot “bike-eaters” like loose gravel, deep puddles, or sewer grates that could cause a slip or a fall.
Video Help: Learn How to Ride a Bike: Easy Guide for Beginners
Protect Your Brain: The Helmet Standard
A helmet is the single most effective piece of safety equipment you own. However, a helmet only works if it is worn correctly. To ensure maximum protection, follow the “2-V-1” rule: your helmet should sit level on your head, roughly two finger-widths above your eyebrows. The side straps should form a clean “V” shape just under your earlobes, and you should be able to fit no more than one finger between your chin and the buckled strap. If your helmet has been dropped or in a crash, it needs to be replaced. Most helmets are designed to absorb just one impact, after which the internal foam can lose its structural integrity.
Be Visible, Be Predictable
On the road, the best way to stay safe is to ensure you are seen. Drivers are often scanning for larger vehicles, so you need to find a way to stand out. During the day, neon or bright-colored clothing is your best friend. As the sun begins to set, reflective gear and active lighting become non-negotiable. Aim for a “see and be seen” setup: a white front light to illuminate your path and a flashing red rear light to alert drivers behind you. Beyond gear, being predictable is key. Avoid weaving in and out of parked cars, and always use standard hand signals for turns and stops. When motorists know where you are going, they can give you the space you need.
Follow the Rules of the Road
In the eyes of the law, a bicycle is a vehicle, not a pedestrian. This means the safest place for you and your children is riding with the flow of traffic, never against it. You should follow all traffic signals, come to a complete stop at stop signs, and yield to pedestrians. By behaving like a predictable part of the traffic flow, you earn the respect of other road users and significantly lower your risk of a collision.
Advice for Motorists
Drivers have a big responsibility to help keep cyclists safe. When passing a cyclist on the road, drivers should always give at least 3-feet of clearance. When turning, always check your blind spots, especially before turning right across a bike lane, or when entering or exiting a driveway. Bikes are harder to see than vehicles, and it can feel like they “come out of nowhere”. When turning left, look for cyclists at the opposite crossing or in the oncoming lane. Lastly, when parking on the street, look back on the travel lane before you open your car door.
National Bike & Roll to School Day
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as we celebrate National Bike & Roll to School Day! This annual event is a fantastic opportunity for students to kickstart their day with healthy physical activity while helping to reduce traffic congestion in our school zones. Biking to school provides a sense of confidence and independence as kids learn to navigate their community on two wheels. To make the morning a success, map out and “test ride” a safe route with your children ahead of time. Bicycle Safety Month is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that our streets are at their best when they are shared with care and mutual respect. By strapping on a helmet, staying visible, and practicing the rules of the road, you aren’t just protecting yourself and your kids, you’re helping to build a more vibrant, active community. UDOT is also building a network of paved paths to make walking and biking safer for people of all ages. Whether you are commuting to work or joining the neighborhood for Bike to School Day, every ride is an opportunity to lead by example. So, air up those tires, grab your gear, and let’s make May 2026 a month of safe, unforgettable miles!