Bicycle crashes prompt warning

Back-to-back bicycle accidents that left children with serious head injuries has prompted a reminder from the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office about the need to wear a helmet while riding.

"Children are important, and we want to keep them safe," Salt Lake County Sheriff's Sgt. Rosie Rivera said. "They need to wear their helmets. This is an unfortunate accident that could have been prevented."

Friday afternoon, an 8-year-old boy flipped his bike at the Taylorsville Skate Park, 4721 S. Redwood Road (1700 West), suffering a severe head injury. On Thursday in Kearns, a 14-year-old boy tried to jump a curb while riding his bike on Le Chateau Way (5740 West) and was hurt when the front fork separated from the wheel. The boy hit his head on the sidewalk while falling to the ground.

Both boys were transported in critical condition to Primary Children's Medical Center by medical helicopter. The 14-year-old was upgraded to stable condition Friday afternoon, Rivera said.

Rivera suggests that in addition to wearing a properly fitting helmet, anyone riding a bike should take some safety precautions in order to prevent injuries, including pre-ride checks of tires, brakes, handlebars and loose screws. Riders should obey all traffic laws and be on the lookout for open car doors or vehicles pulling out into traffic.

Young riders can also take advantage of bike rodeos offered throughout the year to learn and test their safety skills on a riding course designed by police. Information about the rodeo schedule is available from county crime prevention specialist Mindy Hendrix at 468-3901.