Kids are always out and about on their bikes in the warm weather. As parents, we worry about their safety. By teaching a few bike safety rules, we can help them stay safe while having fun.

Always, always, always have your child wear a helmet. Many states have laws requiring minors to wear helmets. The best way to teach this is from a early age. We put helmets on our children when they climbed on their first tricycle.

That way it will be as automatic to them as putting on their seat belt in a car. This is the easiest way to prevent serious injuries and save lives.

Ride with the flow of traffic and in a group, ride in a straight line. Also for their safety, teach them to stay to the right side of the road, unless they are making a left turn.

Most of the rules for bicyclists are the same as they are for drivers. This includes stopping at all stop signs and red lights. Following this rule will prevent many accidents.

Using proper hand signals for turning lets drivers know where you aare going. If you are turning right, hold your left arm up at a right angle with your left hand pointing straight up. To turn left, hold out your left arm straight out, perpendicular to your body.

Pedestrians still have the right of way. Remember to yield to them when they are in a crosswalk.

As with driving a car, ride defensively. Pay attention to what is going on around you and definitely don't wear earphones or an ear piece while biking. You will not be able to hear what is happening near you.

Wearing light and/or reflective clothing will make you more visible, especially at night. Make sure they check that all of their reflectors are securely fastened to their bikes. If they will be riding at night, some sort of light is important. This can be a headlamp on the bike, blinking lights on the wheels or a light affixed to their helmet.