Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 3, 2010 – Many children have a shiny, new bicycle on their holiday wish lists. While holiday shoppers might be wooed by great holiday deals, AAA warns that no matter how deep the discount, it’s not worth putting a child in danger if the bicycle is not the proper size. Bicycles are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product besides the automobile.

“The biggest mistake consumers make when selecting a child’s bicycle is purchasing one too large and thinking the child will eventually grow into it,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “Parents would not give a child new shoes that were three sizes too big, because it would be difficult and dangerous to run and play in those shoes. The same logic applies to bicycles. Oversized bikes are difficult for children to control and ride in addition to being uncomfortable.”

To find the perfect fit, the rider should be able to dismount and comfortably straddle the bike flat footedly.  And then with a slight lean of the bike, the rider should get their bottom back onto the seat, put their foot on the pedal and, when the skill is there, ride away.  A child shouldn’t ride scrunched up with knees hitting the handlebars or stretched out and unable to turn the handlebars easily.

To ensure the bike is the appropriate size, it’s best to have the child sit on the bike prior to purchase. But during the holiday season, children’s bikes are frequently given as surprises. Consumers should not guess which bike size is correct. Instead, shop with the child’s measurements and a tape measure in hand.

Measure the child’s inseam to the ground. Measure the distance from the top horizontal bar to the ground. This measurement should be an inch or two shorter than the child’s inseam. When looking at girl’s bikes, measure to where the top bar would be if it was designed like a boy’s bicycle. 

A properly sized bike is not the only safety factor to consider. Children’s bicycles typically have either hand brakes or coaster brakes that engage when pedaling backwards. Avoid purchasing bikes with hand brakes for younger children. Wait until a child develops greater hand and wrist strength and has large enough hands to easily engage the hand brake.

“Adults can set a good example for minors by wearing a helmet every single time they ride a bike,” Gorman said. “According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets are 85-to-88 percent effective in mitigating head and brain injuries, making use of helmets the single most effective way to reduce head injuries and fatalities resulting from crashes.”

 Just as children’s bikes must be sized correctly for safety, so should their helmets. It’s best for a child to try on a helmet before purchasing it, but if that’s not possible, measure around the child’s head at the forehead to determine which size helmet to purchase. Also, make sure the helmet is Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certified. 

Before children take off on their new bikes, helmets must be fit properly to their heads. Helmets should sit level and low on the forehead so the child can see the front of the helmet. If the helmet is slightly large, insert the extra padding provided with the helmet. Straps should be adjusted to center the left buckle under the chin, have the side straps form a “V” shape under and slightly in front of the ears and provide a snug fit with only one or two fingers able to fit under the chin strap.

When the big day arrives and children receive their new bikes, many will want to take their new set of wheels for a test drive. Make sure the bike is ready to go by double checking that it’s put together securely and additional safety equipment, such as training wheels, horns or lights, have been installed correctly in a safe location. Provide instruction to beginner cyclists away from traffic in a safe area, and take time to remind experienced cyclists of safety rules.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services more than 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, member discounts, auto repair, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.