A Parent's Guide to Buying Kids Bicycles

Purchasing a bicycle for your child is exciting for both parents and kids. A bicycle is your child's first vehicle and it's one of a child's first steps to independence and healthy transportation. Kids are usually most interested in the look and color of the bike (well, most adults are too). But remember, the bike is a vehicle not just a toy. As the parent, it's your job to help your child find the right size and style of bicycle.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for a bike:

Fit should be your first priority. Don't buy a bike that is too big for your child with the rationalization that they will "grow into it." You don't buy sneakers 3 sizes too big, do you? It will be easier for your child to control a bike that fits properly. Better control of the bicycle means that he or she will be safer.

When buying a bike, do these simple checks for proper fit:

1. Have your child stand over the bicycle with both feet flat on the floor. Lifting the bicycle to their body, there should be at least one inch between the tires and the floor. No clearance means the frame is too big. You can imagine how painful it would be, and the possible lifelong injury that could result, if a crash occurred. If there is no top tube, your child should be able to put his or her elbow on the front of the bike seat and touch the handlebar stem with his or her fingertips.

2. Sitting on the seat with hands on the handlebars, your child must be able to place the balls of his or her feet on the ground. That will keep him or her from tipping over. This is important even if the bike has training wheels.

3. Still sitting on the seat, your child must be able to comfortably reach the handlebars and squeeze the handbrakes, if there are any. If he or she can't reach or squeeze the brakes, you should find a smaller bike or one with pedal brakes.

Get a bike simple enough for your child to handle. Some kids have trouble with handbrakes or multiple gears. Only buy a bike your child is comfortable using. Listen to his or her concerns because your child is often the best judge of what feels right. Dont get something fancy with the hopes he or she will keep up with you on the road or trail.

Buy a bike suited for the type of cycling your child will be doing. There are many styles of bikes and having the appropriate kind is important. For instance, a one-speed BMX-style bike won't be much fun for cycling any distances on the trails or roads.

• Road bikes (like "10 speeds," although most have 14 to 30 speeds these days) are easy and efficient for cycling on roads. They are available in sizes that fit 10- to 12-year-olds and older.

• Mountain bikes are great for off-road cycling and can also be ridden comfortably on roadways.

• BMX-style bikes include BMX racing bikes, trick bikes, and dirt-jumping bikes. Ask your child how he or she plans to use the bike and make sure that you buy a bike designed to meet your child's needs. For instance, trick bikes aren't designed for dirt-jumping and won't hold up under such extreme use.

Be sure to test-ride the bike. You wouldn't dream of buying a car without taking it for a test spin, would you? To properly check fit and control, your child needs to test-ride the bike.

Shop at your local bike shop. Bicycle shops typically sell higher-quality bikes at competitive prices and will stand behind their products. In the long run, a better-quality bicycle will save you money on replacement parts and repairs. A good bicycle will last for years and, with good maintenance, can be sold once your child has outgrown it. A bike from a bicycle shop has also been properly assembled and is therefore safer. For instance, an improperly assembled jumping bike may literally fall apart during use.

Buy a properly fitting helmet. Helmets can significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in a crash, but only if they fit right. To make sure the helmet fits properly, learn with your child how to do the Eyes, Ears, Mouth Test and have him or her check the helmet fit every time he or she puts it on. It is the law for bicyclists 15 and under that they must wear a helmet at all times. Higher-quality helmets ($30 and up) will be much easier to adjust. Let your kids pick out a model they like to help them take ownership (will make it easier to get them to wear it). Be a good role model by wearing a helmet yourself every time you ride.

To review, a properly-fitted, high-quality bicycle is safer. Investing a little time and money will go a long way to make sure your child has a healthy means of recreation and transportation! Have a great time!

For additional tips about how you can teach your child the "Eyes Ears Mouth helmet-fitting test, dressing for safety, the ABC Quick Check on a bike, or rules of bike driving, click here.