Tips for Bike-Curious Parents

Whether you’ve been bicycle curious for a long time, or are just exploring the possibilities, here are a few tips for how to help young ones get involved. Bicycling is a safe and fun way for your children to gain both exercise and learn about independence.

Get the right bike for your child: A bike should not be too big or too small for the child riding it. Your child should stand by their bike. For a properly fitted bicycle there should be 3-4 inches of room between the top bar and the child for a mountain bike, and 1-2 inches for a road bike. The seat should be level. A correctly adjusted seat should allow a slight bend of the knees when the leg is fully extended. The handle bar should be level with the seat.

Make sure your kids wear a helmet: This one may seem like a no brainier, but it’s still the most important rule for kids to follow. Studies say properly wearing a helmet could reduce the chances of serious head injury by 90%. A properly fitted bike is very importance. To make sure your child’s helmet fits correctly, pull the helmet’s straps until the helmet fits snugly, but not too tightly.

When your little one is off exploring the neighborhood, make sure he or she knows the law: In most states a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and must obey all laws that a car has. This includes: learning hand signals to signal a turn to a car, stopping at red lights and stop signs, and obeying all local signs. Go here to find more information on bicycling in your home state. If in doubt, contact your state (or district) Department of Transportation. Make sure your child knows what he or she can and can not do on the road.

Above ten ride on the road, below on the sidewalk: Since bicycles are considered vehicles in most states, they are usually required to ride on the road. This is because there are many dangers to pedestrians when riding on the sidewalk. However the Federal government recommends that children below ten ride on the sidewalk for safety’s sake, since a child that young may not understand the responsibilities of the road. Again check your state or district’s laws before going out. Remember to always look for a bike path.

Teach your child to not to ride distracted: It might be fun to cruise along the road while enjoying a snack or listening to the latest hit song, but it is also dangerous. A young cyclist should focus all of his or her attention on the road around them. This will help in avoiding obstacles that might otherwise have been missed.

The right clothes can keep bicycling safe and fun: makes sure that your child wears the right clothes while biking. Avoid loose fitted pants that can get caught in the chain, or wheel of a bike. Children should wear sneakers in order to properly pedal along without getting their feet caught on anything.

Make sure your children is visible: Whether they are cars, pedestrians, or even other bikers, everyone needs to be able to see your child when he or she is biking. Make sure that your child wears bright clothing when riding, and that there are reflectors on his bike. If your child is riding at night, make sure he or she has a back light and a front light for the bike. Also buy your child a bell or horn, so that he or she can quickly alert pedestrians to his or her presence.

Riding in the dark is dangerous: Young bicyclists should avoid riding in the dark alone. Riding in the dark is much more dangerous then riding in the day when both obstacles and the bicyclist are more visible. A parent or other adult should always accompany a bicyclist in the dark. If your child is riding in the dark, make sure he or she is wearing bright colors, and has a reflector or lights on both sides of the bike.

Some areas simply aren’t safe to ride in: Whether it is a fast multi-lane road, a road with sharp turns that could hide incoming cars, or just a bike trail that is too advanced for a youngster, some areas just aren’t appropriate for a child to bike on. Before letting your child ride in an area, check it out so that you know it is safe. Teach your child to avoid dangerous areas when he or she is biking alone, so that they don’t get hurt.