ost parents still run alongside, holding the back of the bicycle seat as the wobbly first-time rider tries to balance. Suddenly -- to their amazement and your pride -- you're not holding on and your child is doing it all by herself.

Some parents fit the bike with training wheels, raising them by degrees as the child's balance improves.

But balance is not enough. Children must learn to "drive" too. That's the philosophy of the effective cycling courses developed by the League of American Bicyclists.

The first thing the course teaches is to choose the right bike: "One that fits the child correctly, is safe and well-maintained -- not one your child has to grow into," says Bonnie McClun, the League's director of education. Rather than surprise your child with a bike that's the wrong size, take him along when you buy it.

For first-timers, Ms. McClun suggests single-speed bikes with coaster (pedal) brakes, which are simpler to use. Adds Ms. McClun: "Children don't recognize the dangers on the roads. It's a parent's responsibility to teach them safe behavior."

Parents can protect their youngsters by requiring them to wear helmets while riding bikes, skateboards or in-line skates. Statistics show that safety helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent. And, since most deaths related to bicycle falls and collisions involve head injuries, wearing a helmet can help save a child's life.
Here are some tips:

	Bring your child to the store to purchase a helmet, and allow the child to select his own helmet -- one that he will wear. For example, let the child choose a helmet that has a color or design that appeals to him.
	Ask your child's school to implement a helmet policy for children who ride a bicycle to school. The parent-teacher association can help by monitoring the children as they enter the school yard, to be sure the policy is followed.
	As parents, model safe behavior for your child by wearing a helmet every time you ride a bike.

The helmet should fit comfortably and securely. It should be worn so that it is level on the head (not tilted back on the crown or pulled low over the forehead). You should not be able to move the helmet in any direction, back to front or side to side. The chin strap should be securely fastened. Make sure you have the proper size helmet for your child's head. Try the sizing pads included in the helmet box. If you still have trouble, ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help you. Properly fitting a bicycle helmet takes time, but is worth the effort. If your child's helmet does not fit properly, it will not protect your head in a fall or crash.

Beginning in March, all bicycle helmets must meet a uniform mandatory safety standard issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In the past, bicycle helmets have met one or more voluntary safety standards. Now, all bicycle helmets manufactured in or imported to the U.S. must comply with the new federal standard.

Consumers should look for a label or sticker that says the helmet meets the CPSC safety standard. The label ensures that the helmet will provide a high degree of head protection when biking.

Under CPSC's new standard, bicycle helmets for children ages 1 to 5 cover a larger portion of the head than helmets for older children or adults, thus providing additional protection. All young children should wear a bicycle helmet whether they are riding bicycles, tricycles or are passengers on a parent's bicycle.

If you already have a bicycle helmet that meets one or more of the voluntary bicycle helmet standards, such as ASTM, Snell or ANSI, you do not need to buy a new helmet. These helmets provide sufficient protection for the head. When you need to replace a helmet because your child has outgrown it or because the helmet is damaged, buy a helmet that meets the new CPSC standard.

For more information about bike safety or to join the Dallas Area Safe Kids Coalition, contact Patti Rhynders, manager of injury prevention education and outreach at Children's Medical Center of Dallas, at 214-456-8620. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available, and it's a great way to bring the message of child safety to your own neighborhood.