Family bike rides are a terrific way to bond outside and make exercise enjoyable for everyone. It is time and attention well spent to learn how to get your child off on the correct foot, or pedal.
The Goal: Make Cycling Fun
Always start with the end in mind. Your objective here is to hear a child remark something like, “This is fun!” Distance, speed, endurance, or flawless technique are not the objectives. Even if it necessitates several breaks and refreshments, the objective is to have fun so that they will be eager to take part the following time.
What therefore are the essential components for making biking enjoyable and fostering a favorable attitude in your child toward the sport? Many older children find that simply riding a bike is enjoyable. It pays to be ready, especially for younger children who are just starting out.
Pre-ride Prep
Select a beginner-friendly route: Begin on a flat, paved path that is a few miles long, away from traffic, and in your child’s comfort zone. You can gradually increase the distance, incline, traffic, and number of unpaved trails you explore.
Starting over: The night before, get a decent night’s sleep, and eat something satisfying one hour before leaving.
Bicycle helmets are required to fit properly. They ought to be snug and shouldn’t sway back and forth or side to side. Helmets should rest one to two fingerwidths above the eyebrow, level and low on the forehead. The chin strap should be tight, leaving no more than one to two fingers between the chin and strap. The side straps should form a V under each ear. Ask your youngster to yawn loudly, and the helmet should pull down on the head as a result. Make sure you wear your helmet to set a positive example for others.
Saddle height: Young children like low-slung seats when first learning to ride, but in order to pedal effectively, you should make sure that their leg is almost completely extended at the bottom of the pedal rotation, or at 6 o’clock.
Dress children in layers so they may readily remove a sweatshirt if it becomes too warm or add a raincoat if it should begin to shower. To prevent clothing from becoming caught in the bike’s gears, try to wear tapered sweatpants or tuck your pants into your socks.
Provisions: Be sure to include sunscreen, lots of water, and snacks in addition to your helmet. Keep water around to make staying hydrated simple. Is there a water bottle cage on your child’s bike? If not, you might want to install one for simple access. Many children also enjoy using water hydration straws.
Make that the tires are correctly inflated, the brakes are operational, and the chain has enough lubrication to function. Discover more in our post on the Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist.
Safety equipment: Don’t forget to include a tiny first-aid kit to treat any minor cuts. Bring a bike toolkit as well, and get some instruction on how to mend a slipped chain.
Tips for the Trail
Shorten your instructions because children learn best by doing, not by listening. Keep instructions succinct and to the point so that they may begin riding and gain knowledge firsthand.
Review fundamental abilities: Start by practicing slow braking if your youngster is still a little uneasy riding a bike. Eventually transition to hand signals and trail passing other bikers.
Use your talents of observation to help children avoid potential dangers including cars, potholes, curbs, and broken glass by teaching them to “stop, look, and listen.” Point out fascinating sights along the trip like animals, road signs, waterways, and trees to help them develop their observational skills.
Enjoy a treat: Bring along a unique treat for the journey, whether you stop for something delicious or bring something they don’t typically get to eat (consider healthy motivators like a novel fruit leather or a chocolate-y granola bar).
Pay attention to your child’s cues and anticipate their needs as you drive. It’s probably time for a break if they’re moaning, running behind schedule, or appear to be having fun. ASK THEM IF THEY WANT TO GO FURTHER, ADD MORE CHALLENGE, OR KEEP THE RIDE AS IS IF THEY ARE KEEPING RIGHT UP AND LOOKING HAPPY.
Be upbeat: Be a positive role model; your passion will rub off on others. Praise children for their efforts in a specific way, such as “You’re pedaling wonderfully smoothly,” “I enjoy how safely you’re riding,” or “It’s fun riding with you!”
Traffic Safety
Children younger than 10 are advised to ride on the sidewalk because they lack the maturity to make the judgments required to ride safely in the street, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (However, make sure it’s permitted in your town first.)
If you believe your older child is prepared to ride a bike on the sidewalk, remember these guidelines:
- Bicycles are regarded to be vehicles, so you and your child must abide by the same traffic regulations, signs, and signals that are in effect for motor vehicles and drivers.
- Always look both ways before crossing the street or making a turn, and make eye contact with oncoming traffic to ensure that they have noticed you. Watch out for parked automobile doors opening.
- Being seen: If you want to be seen in traffic, wear bright colors, have front and rear reflectors, and mount a bell or horn.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic: Always ride straight ahead in a single file and in the same direction as traffic, never the opposite.
- Teach your child the fundamentals of safe driving: Using arm signals, knowing how to position your bike in the road when turning right or left, obeying traffic lights and signs, dismounting when you cross in a crosswalk, letting pedestrians know when you’re passing, and slowing down at intersections and railroad crossings to make sure it’s safe to cross are just a few examples of what constitutes following the rules of the road.
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