Bike riding is a great way to get exercise and fresh air and
share time as a family. But before you and the kids rush out and
start pedaling, there's an important factor that you need to
consider — safety. Bicycle helmet use should not be optional for
anyone in your family, no matter where you are or how short the
ride. In many states it's the law. Here's why: Many bike
accidents involve a head injury, so a crash could mean permanent
brain damage or death for someone who doesn't wear one while
riding. In fact, each year in the United States, about half a
million kids are seriously injured in bicycle-related accidents,
and most of those injuries could have been avoided if a helmet
was worn. To protect against brain injury, make sure your kids
wear a correctly fitting helmet on every ride. Here are some
things to keep in mind when buying a helmet: Pick bright colors
or fluorescent colors that are visible to drivers and other
cyclists. Look for a helmet that's well ventilated. Make sure
that the helmet has a CPS