Recent years have seen a lot of attention given to bike safety, both because of climate change and the rise in low- and zero-emission transport modes.
Many states and cities have embraced biking, making their roads more bike-friendly. Despite these amazing changes, 600 children are still injured every day by bicycle-related accidents. Bicycling injuries can happen to both young children and older teenagers.
Bike riding with the kids is a great way for everyone to have fun and bond outdoors. Teaching your children how to ride a bike will be worth the effort. If you’re planning a family biking trip this summer, now is an excellent time to brush up on bike basics and road safety.
Ways to Make It Safe and Fun
Speed, endurance, or perfecting techniques is not the goal when you’re out with your kids riding bikes. It’s hearing and seeing them having fun and eager for the next bike ride, even if it means frequently stopping for snacks.
Many older children find riding a bike fun. However, it’s best to be prepared for younger children who are just beginning to ride a bike.
Here are the keys to making family biking safe fun for your child and encouraging a positive attitude towards the sport:
Pre-ride Check
Choose a beginner-friendly terrain.
Choose flat, paved roads that run for a few miles that are likely within your child’s comfort zone. Slowly increase the distance, incline, and amount of traffic. Soon, they’ll be ready to explore unpaved trails.
Pick a helmet that fits.
Always wear helmets on bike rides. Helmets are an important part of bike safety for kids and adults alike. They must have a snug fit and should not move back and forth. Make sure their helmets stay level and low on their forehead, about one to two fingers above the eyebrow. The side straps should form a V under each ear, and the chin straps should be tight, with no more than one to 2 fingers between the strap and chin.
It’s also best to have your child do the yawn test. Their helmet should pull down on their head when you ask them to yawn big.
Be a good role model and show them your good helmet habits on your family bike ride.
Check the saddle height.
Children like to start with low seats. However, make sure their legs are nearly fully extended at the 6 o’clock position; this will give them enough power to pedal.
Dress in layers.
Have your kids dress in layers when you go for a family bike ride to make it easier for them to take a sweatshirt off when it gets too hot, or add a rain jacket when it starts drizzling. Wearing tapered sweat pants or tucking their pants into their socks prevent their clothes from getting caught in their bike’s gears.
Bring water.
Make sure you bring plenty of water when you go bike riding; make sure they are within reach to help your kids hydrate easily. Consider installing a water bottle cage on your kid’s bike if it doesn’t have one. Many children also enjoy drinking water hydration straws.
Do the ABC check.
Use the ABC quick check to ensure your bike is safe to ride.
- Air. Look at the side of your bike tires to check for correct tire pressure. Are the tires inflated enough?
- Brakes. Are the breaks working?
- Check your chains. The links and the chains must not be rusty. Lubricate the chain before you go. Make sure your bike’s quick-release is secure; it allows you to remove the wheels without using tools.
Bring tools for safety.
You should also bring a small first aid kit in case of minor scrapes while on a family bike ride. It’s also a great idea to bring a bicycle tool kit if you need to change out a flat tire and learn how to fix a slipped chain.
Trail Safety Tips
While out on a trail, families riding bikes should:
Keep instructions brief and clear.
Children learn best by doing, not listening. Make sure to keep instructions brief and simple so they can learn with practice.
Review basic biking skills.
Start slowing down if your child is still uncomfortable riding a bike. When they’re comfortable, teach them about hand signals and how to pass other riders.
Stop, look, and listen.
Teaching kids to stop, look and listen while out riding helps them avoid road hazards and become more aware of their surroundings. Pointing out interesting sites along the way like animals, signs, and giant trees helps them practice their observation skills.
Stop for food from time to time.
Include special stops on your ride for some yummy treats. Bring something they don’t normally get, or stop by shops where you can buy something cold to eat and rest.
Check on the kids’ cues.
Check on your child’s needs throughout the ride. Stop for a break if they lag, complain, or look like they’re feeling warm. If they seem content and are keeping up a good pace, ask them if they would like to take on more challenges or continue the ride as is.
Maintain a positive attitude.
Keeping a positive attitude and enthusiasm is infectious when riding bikes for family bonding. Give your kids lots of praises, such as “You pedal really smoothly,” “I like how safe you ride,” or “It is fun riding with you!”
Traffic Safety Tips
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that children younger than ten years old are not mature enough to ride on the streets safely and should instead ride on the sidewalk. But if you feel your older children are ready, then give biking a try.
Here are some tips to remember for families riding bikes:
Be visible.
Bright colors and front and rear reflectors are the best way to stay visible on the road. Install horns or bells on your bikes to make sure you hear each other while in traffic.
Be alert.
Always look in both directions when crossing streets or turning. Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you and pay attention to parked cars with doors that might open.
Follow the flow of traffic.
Families riding bikes should go the same direction as traffic, not against it.
Teach the kids about traffic rules.
The rules of the road include using arm signals, positioning your bike in the road for turning left or right, obeying traffic signs and lights, dismounting at crosswalks, letting pedestrians see when you are passing, and slowing down at railroad crossings and intersections to make it safe to cross.
Share the Fun of Biking With Your Kids
It might become their favorite activity to do with you.
Florida is not just about beaches; it’s also an excellent place for families riding bikes, and its scenic views will leave you refreshed. Island Marine Rentals can spare you the hassle of bringing your own bike. Our bicycle rental in Clearwater Beach has different types of bikes for family use and other equipment you’ll need for a fun day out with your kids. Call us today.
