End of Summer + Back to School: Bike Safety Tips for Kids
Whether your child rides their bike to school or just loves cruising around the block, now is the perfect time to review essential bike safety tips. Increased traffic during the school year makes it extra important to ensure young riders know the rules of the road and how to stay visible and protected.
The experts at Bike/Walk Central Florida are sharing these end-of-summer bike safety tips to help keep your family safe on the road throughout the school year.
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Bicycle Basics: Safety for Every Ride
Whether it’s a traditional bicycle or an e-bike, always wear a helmet on every ride, for every rider.
Helmets are your best defense in a crash
They should fit snugly, sit level, and not move when you shake your head. Florida law requires helmets for riders under 16 on bicycles and e-bikes, but it’s a smart choice for everyone, especially on busy roads or trails.
Use lights even when it’s not dark
By late summer, school commutes may happen in low light, especially during early mornings or rainy afternoons. Florida law requires a white front light and a red rear light or reflector between sunset and sunrise, but lights are a good idea at any time of day. Flashers and reflective gear help make riders visible during overcast skies or shaded areas along trails. Wet or foggy fall mornings are common; lights help kids stay seen and safe.
Do the “ABC” Bicycle Check Before Every Ride.
A quick pre-ride inspection can prevent mid-ride issues, especially after summer break when bicycles may have sat idle.
A = Air: Check tire pressure (found on tire sidewall) and look for any signs of wear.
B = Brakes: Test brakes to ensure quick and smooth stopping, especially important after afternoon rain.
C = Chain: Clean, lubricate, and inspect for rust. A clean chain ensures smoother, safer rides.
Be Seen. Be Predictable. Follow the Rules:
- Ride in a straight line on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic, or on the sidewalk, yielding to pedestrians.
- Obey traffic signs and signals, just like a car would.
- Use hand signals for turns or stops.
- Watch for intersections, driveways, and buses, especially during school drop-off hours.
- Signal when passing pedestrians or slower cyclists.
- Slow down in crowded areas like trailheads, parks, and school campuses.
- Ride in control. Fall leaves, wet paths, and post-storm debris can make surfaces slippery.
- Avoid distractions. Stay alert by keeping phones and headphones put away.
- Use a lighted armband, leg band, or bicycle lights to stay visible.
For more information visit: https://bikewalkcentralflorida.org/
Where to Practice Bike Skills around Central Florida
Big Tree Park, Seminole County
A peaceful spot with a paved trail section that’s perfect for beginners.
Wheel Park East, Casselberry
A new bike park with skill-building features like pump tracks and wide-open riding space.
Read our tips for visiting Wheel Park East.
Markham Woods Trailhead, Markham Rd, Lake Mary
Longer, shaded rides along a segment of the Seminole Wekiva Trail with an off-road skills track.
Cady Way Trail, Orlando & Winter Park
A family-friendly trail with gentle curves, bridges, and parks along the way
Lake Druid Park, Orlando
A beginner-friendly pump track and short trails designed with bikes in mind.
St. Cloud Lakefront Park Trail, St. Cloud
Scenic lakeside views and a flat, paved path perfect for gaining confidence.
