It's time to head back to school, and kids will be donning their backpacks and hopping onto their bicycles. Be sure to go over this checklist with your kids to get them off to school safely.

Check the condition of your bicycle to ensure it is safe to ride. Brakes, wheel alignment, chain/chain guard, reflectors, seat, pedals, handlebars, tires, axle nuts and bearings should all be evaluated and repaired or adjusted as necessary.

Always wear a bicycle helmet.

Select the safest route to your destination and use it. Avoid busy streets and intersections.

About the Author
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's emergency road service, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com