Cruising through August

Can you remember where you learned to ride a bike? Summer is a great time to learn to ride bikes as a family. Teaching your child to learn to ride a bike is just another excellent opportunity to share a learning moment with your kid. As you prepare for the first bike lessons, consider supplementing the experience with fun opportunities to read, like this story, where Jack learns how to ride a bike with the family.

When purchasing your child’s first set of wheels, there are a few important things to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure the size of the bike is right. According to KidsHealth, you should be able to straddle the bike with both feet flat on the ground. That’s to make sure the bike is the right height for a comfortable ride.

This should go without saying, but it’s so important we are going to say it anyway: bikers of all ages should always wear a helmet. Helmets are essential safety measures that protect the head from potential harm. Practicing good safety precautions by wearing your helmet and discussing the importance of the helmet is a great learning moment to share with your child.

In order to find the perfect, safest fit for your child’s helmet, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests that parents bring their child along to purchase the helmet. That way you can ensure that the helmet has a “snug but comfortable fit.”

Now that the helmet and bike is tailored to your child’s size, where do you go next?

Avoid riding at night, but if you must be out after dark, be sure all bikes are equipped with safety lights and reflectors. Scope out the best places to ride that can avoid heavy, or any, traffic. Parks are always a great option. If the family is taking their bikes to the road, follow these safety tips from KidsHealth to ensure that everyone practices safe riding:

  • Keep hands on the handlebars at all times

  • Check for traffic in both directions before crossing the road or leaving your driveway, an alley, or a curb

  • Crossing at intersections allows you to be seen the easiest by cars

  • Always walk, don’t ride, your bike across busy intersections

  • Use the crosswalk

  • If your street has a bike lane, stay in your lane

  • Parked car doors can open suddenly, so avoid biking too close to cars on the side of the street or in parking lots

  • Obey the rules of the road, and stop at red lights

  • Single-file riding is the safest riding

  • If you’re passing other bikers, pass to their left and let them know by calling out, “On your left!”

In addition to wearing appropriate clothing while biking, make sure you’re wearing the correct pads and protective gear when skating or skateboarding too!

Preschoolers, School AgeMatt Whitman