Seeing your child pedal, skate or skateboard down the sidewalk for the first time can be a memorable moment for any parent.  However, these items are associated with more childhood injuries than any other products aside form the motor vehicle, so it is important that parents practice and insist on the following Safety on Wheels rules:

Helmet Tips
Don't Negotiate!! Kids, especially 11- to 14-year-olds, are sometimes reluctant to wear helmets. It’s estimated that 75 percent of bicycle-related deaths among children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet.
Buy a helmet that meets or exceeds current safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
It's The Law! Tucson CIty Ordinance 10321 Sec. 5-8. Helmet use requirement. No person under eighteen (18) years of age shall operate a motorized bicycle or tricycle or be a passenger on motorized bicycle or tricycle, ride in a restraining seat attached to a motorized bicycle or tricycle, or ride in a trailer towed by a motorized bicycle or tricycle unless the person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet which meets the current standards of the American National Standards Institute for protective headgear. (Ord. No. 10321, § 1, 9-19-06)

Contact the Tucson fire Department Public Education Department information on low or no cost bike helmet programs in your area (520) 791-5515.


"Eyes, Ears and Mouth" Check
Eyes Check: Position the helmet on your head.  Look up and you should see the bottom rim of the helmet (one to two fingers above the eyebrows).
Ears Check:  Make sure the straps of the helmet form a "V" under your ears when buckled.  The strap should be snug but comfortable.
Mouth Check:  Now open your mouth as wide as you can!  Do you feel the helmet hug your head?  If not, tighten those straps!