Outdoor sports equipment has been in high demand since kids have been out of school and recreation opportunities have been limited due to COVID-19. Mountain bikes and trampolines are hard to keep in stock and scooters and skateboards are selling fast. Families are finally able to get out of the house to enjoy our beautiful summer weather.

Remember, the best way to have fun and enjoy being outside, is to do it safely, not only to avoid pain and injury, but to keep healthy kids out of emergency rooms and centers. Here are a few tips from Primary Children’s Hospital on how to help keep your family injury free while playing outside this summer.

• Wear a helmet and protective clothing, no matter how slowly you are riding. A fall at any speed can cause a head injury.
• Stop and look both ways for cars before entering the street from a driveway, parking lot, or sidewalk.
• Move with the traffic flow - ride on the right-hand side of the street.
• Ride single file and never carry any passengers on bicycles built for one.
• Obey all traffic laws, signs and signals. Bicycles are not toys - they are considered vehicles.
• Slow down when approaching intersections. Children should walk their bikes across busy intersections and streets. Don’t assume drivers will give you the right-of-way.
• If biking at night is necessary, equip your bike with a headlight and flashing reflectors. Also wear reflective tape or clothing.
• Always watch for potential hazards like loose gravel, potholes, wet leaves, or other things that may cause you to crash.
• Keep your bicycle under control. No stunts.
• Ride skateboards and scooters on the sidewalk. In Utah, bikes are allowed on sidewalks, except in specified areas.
• Give cars and pedestrians the right-of-way and always pass them on the left.
• Make sure your bike is a safe bike and the right size for you. Make sure both feet can touch the ground while sitting on the seat.
• Make sure all parts of the equipment you are using are in good working condition.

A helmet can only protect you if it stays on and is in the right place when your head hits a hard surface. Everyone should wear the appropriate helmet for the activity they are participating in. Be sure your helmet has an ANSI or SNELL label certifying it’s safe. 

1. Place a snug-fitting helmet on your head so the front of helmet is level with your eyebrows. 
2. Adjust the helmet straps so the helmet cannot move from side to side or back and forth. The straps should make a V over the ears.
3. Make sure there is one-finger width between your chin and the chinstrap.