Tulsa Parents Concerned About Bicycling Safety After Child Hit By SUV

The child hit by an SUV while riding his bike Monday is recovering in a Tulsa hospital. Police say he has serious head injuries.

The boy was hit at King and North New Haven. You can still see where police marked the scene of the accident that injured the 11 year old late yesterday.

Now, parents say they're keeping a closer eye on their kids.

Riding a tricycle in the grass isn't an easy thing to do, but that's what little Loki has to do. His grandpa says a day after an 11-year-old boy was hit while riding a bike this route is the safest.

After seeing the aftermath of the bike crash, parent Brindi Johns agrees.

3/16/2015 Related Story: 11-Year-Old On Bike Struck By Tulsa Driver

"He likes to pick his feet up, so I gotta watch what's coming," she said.

"The seat was here and the bicycle was way up there; all I could do was pray."

Police say the 11 year old wasn't wearing a helmet, and legally he didn't have to.

"If you're wearing a helmet, and you're involved in a collision the likelihood of you suffering anytime of brain damage is really null," said Officer Leland Ashley, Tulsa Police.

"You probably might not - you know, a broken arm, broken leg some internal injuries," he said.

Tulsa Officer Leland Ashley says it's important for drivers to be alert, but also important for parents to take an extra step and educate their children on sharing the road.

Unlike when you're walking, ride with the flow of traffic. If one is available, use the sidewalk. In the early morning or late evening, wear reflective clothing to make sure people can see you.

And - wearing a helmet.

"You always want to teach your child to look for traffic, make sure you have eye contact with the driver be confident they are seeing you," said Officer Leland Ashley, TPD.

Johns says, bike riding should be fun and safe. While parents have a big responsibility, she says, drivers do too.

"If you're in a neighborhood where children are, slow down you can't replace those lives," said parent Brindi Johns.

Twenty-one states nationwide have some degree of a bicycle helmet law. Again, Oklahoma does not.

When it comes to safety, the Tulsa Hub offers bicycle safety classes for school groups.

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