Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) With the start of a new school year, safety is heavy on the minds of parents.

While bike riding is an excellent exercise for kids it can be dangerous.
Bicycle-related accidents can be prevented, if parents prepare students and stay on the lookout for potential hazards.

"It's defiantly something you can walk your kids through; you talk about it, what's the safest route maybe even ride the route with them” said Page Geske, Safe Kids Magic Valley.

Wearing a helmet is one of the most important items to have while riding.

Helmets may not be the most comfortable or fashionable item, but they are essential to bike riding.

"It's really important to wear your helmet every single time, because it's that one time you don't think I'm just going to a friend's house or school is only two tenths of a miles. Most accidents happen within two miles of a house” said Page Geske, Safe Kids Magic Valley.

Being aware of your surroundings while on the road isn't just for bikers but for drivers as well.

"Drivers really need to be paying attention; they need to watch for the kids even if they have the right away. It would be a really sad if we had someone hit a kid, just because they weren't watching” said Sgt. Ryan Howe, Twin Falls Police Department.

Police also remind drivers to watch their speed through school zones.

The fine for speeding through is more than $150.

That doesn't compare to the young lives at risk if drivers do.

In 2011 Twin Falls had eleven bike accidents; so far this year there has been a reported four accidents.