Bike Safety for Kids
Biking is a great way for kids to have fun with their friends, get some exercise and enjoy their time outdoors. Before the fun starts, it’s important to ensure that your child is well equipped with the gear and knowledge necessary to say safe on the street.
Before your child is ready to start riding, you’ll want to make sure they’re equipped with the necessary equipment to be safe when cycling.
Firstly, check to see if your child's bike and helmet are the right fit. Adjust the chin strap so that the helmet fits tightly and comfortably over your child's head. It should protect the forehead by not slipping forward or backward. One of our skilled salespeople will assist you in ensuring the proper fit, or you can check out our article about self-fitting a bicycle helmet at home. A helmet is only effective if it is worn consistently, so you must insist that your child wears a helmet each time he or she rides a bike. Parents should lead by example by always wearing theirs when cycling.
Your child should be able to straddle the bike with both feet planted on the ground; a bike that is too big or too small poses a safety risk. You’ll also want to be sure that you get their bike professionally tuned up at the beginning of the season. This ensures that the bike is safe and in good working condition. We are currently offering a back-to-school special tune up option called the “Kid’s Safety Tune Up”, where we adjust the brakes, the headset, the bottom bracket and the front and rear derailleur, lubricate drivetrain, and check all the bolts.
Before your child is ready to start riding, you’ll want to make sure they’re equipped with the necessary equipment to be safe when cycling.
Firstly, check to see if your child's bike and helmet are the right fit. Adjust the chin strap so that the helmet fits tightly and comfortably over your child's head. It should protect the forehead by not slipping forward or backward. One of our skilled salespeople will assist you in ensuring the proper fit, or you can check out our article about self-fitting a bicycle helmet at home. A helmet is only effective if it is worn consistently, so you must insist that your child wears a helmet each time he or she rides a bike. Parents should lead by example by always wearing theirs when cycling.
Your child should be able to straddle the bike with both feet planted on the ground; a bike that is too big or too small poses a safety risk. You’ll also want to be sure that you get their bike professionally tuned up at the beginning of the season. This ensures that the bike is safe and in good working condition. We are currently offering a back-to-school special tune up option called the “Kid’s Safety Tune Up”, where we adjust the brakes, the headset, the bottom bracket and the front and rear derailleur, lubricate drivetrain, and check all the bolts.
Extra precautions must be taken when cycling after sunset, as most collisions happen at night, when a car approaches a cyclist from behind without seeing them in the dark. If your older kid or teenager is planning on riding after dark, they should be equipped with front and rear lights, which helps cars and other cyclists see them from a distance in the dark. Young children should not be riding their bikes alone after sunset, so make it clear to them that if they are out on their bike and it starts getting dark outside, their only option is to call you for a ride home.
Never forget that the ideal teacher is one who leads by example. Practice what you preach by making a habit of always wearing a helmet, coming to a complete stop at all stop signs, and paying careful attention to your surroundings.