The day you buy your child his first "big kid's" bike. The day you remove the training wheels and watch him pedal on his own. The day he heads to his friend's house without asking you for a ride. These are all milestones in both of your lives. So much more than a toy, a bicycle means independence for your child.

Bikes can be fun, but unfortunately, they can be dangerous. They are associated with more childhood injuries than any consumer product except the automobile. In 2002, 130 children ages 14 and under dies in bicycle-related crashes. In 2003, nearly 285,600 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency departments for bicycle-related injuries.

That's why it is so important to teach your children bike safety as they enjoy their increased independence. You can greatly reduce your child's risk of injury and even death simply by setting limits. Simply wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent.

For more information, please call Safe Kids Mid-South, headquartered at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, at (901) 287-6730.