A nurse is teaching the parent of a school-age child about bicycle safety. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Walking the bicycle through intersections helps the child avoid potential accidents. At intersections, visibility and the potential for sudden, unexpected vehicle movements make walking the bike a safer option than riding through. This practice reduces the risk of collisions and allows the child to be more cautious when crossing streets. B. The recommended safety distance for cyclists from the curb is usually at least 3 feet, but this can vary by location and specific traffic laws. Keeping a safe distance from the curb is important to avoid hazards like debris and to ensure a buffer from parked cars or other obstacles. C. When seated on the bicycle, the child’s feet should be able to touch the ground to maintain balance and safety when stopped. The 3 to 6 inches off the ground guideline ensures the bike is appropriately sized for the child, allowing them to maintain control and stability while riding. If the child cannot touch the ground with their feet, they may struggle with stopping and balancing the bicycle. D. Bicyclists should always ride with the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic increases the risk of collisions because drivers are not expecting cyclists coming from the opposite direction. Riding with traffic allows drivers to anticipate the cyclist’s movements and helps ensure better visibility and safety.