Bike Safety for Children

As with almost any activity involving parents and children, involvement by the parent and interaction is a key element to ensuring children are kept safe while engaged in activities. Bike riding, or cycling, is no different. It is important for parents and adults to take an active role in informing children of safety rules and guidelines as well as establishing boundaries especially regarding younger children.

Child bike safety should actually begin off the bike. Children should be taught to look for excessively loose chains, brakes which are not properly working, seats which are too high or too low, handle bars which are out of alignment, and tires which seem low. These are basic things which most children will recognize as just not being right, they might not know why, but can bring it to the attention of an adult for correction.

Children should also be instructed in safety equipment associated with cycling and in particular, bike helmets. Gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads might also be a consideration for young children initially learning to ride a bike. Teach children how to properly wear the helmet and how to snap or buckle the chin strap for a proper fit.

A very important part of child bike safety is helping children to understand how bike riders fit in the world of cars, trucks and pedestrians. Children should learn to be wary of any passing of approaching cars and give space until they have passed. Cars and children both can swerve and may result in catastrophic consequences. Teach children to obey local laws and not occupy sidewalk space especially if there is significant pedestrian foot traffic.

Children have a need to roam and explore. They are learning about their environments and do not have the knowledge of experience to understand the dangers which exist. This is especially for children growing up and riding in communities, towns, and cities. Rural locations provide endless miles of trails and unoccupied roads. More densely populated areas have miles of roads but also contain much more traffic.