How to Ride with Your youngster
Biking Together
Riding a bike with your kid is one of those small pleasures that make enduring memories. Biking with your baby — whether you’re cruising around the block, making it to a favorite park or just enjoying the great outdoors on two wheels instead of four — can be not only recreational but also beneficial for encouraging an active lifestyle (for both of you) and forging a parental-baby connection. If you are wondering how to bike with your child safely and stress-free, this is a guide that will teach you all.
1. Choosing the Right Bike Setup
There are 3 different kinds of child Bike Seats which you can choose according to your and Child Comfort.
Bike Seats for Younger Kids
If your little one isn’t old enough to ride solo, a bike seat on the back of your cycle is brilliant. You have the option of front- and rear-mounted locations. As it is equipped with rear seats, you will be required to load your child in and out from the front every single time – being able to keep an eye on them means they can talk about all that they are seeing (or point something exciting out). Seats mounted further toward the rear, meanwhile, may allow for easier paddling and be more comfortable on extended rides.
The most important thing you will have to consider when choosing a bike seat is safety. You want a seat with a tough harness, foot straps for baby’s little feet and good head/neck support.
Bike Trailers
For extended trips or perhaps a bit that requires you to hold additional baggage, a bicycle trailer are often the ideal. Trailers are protected from the elements and since they are low to the ground, your child will feel that much closer while “lounging”. Many even have storage for bringing snacks, toys or a picnic blanket!
While we are on the subject of trailers, something to remember is visibility. When used as trailers on their own (note: they are often pulled behind bike-mounted cargo bikes), they are also lower to the ground, so keep this in mind when it comes time for you or your kids to ride. Be safe and always use bright flags and reflective materials that drivers can see from their seat up high!
Tag-Along Bikes
A tag-along bike is something that can be an ideal way for your child to start learning, and begin the transition of riding a bike by themselves. These attach to your bike and your kid pedals along while still connected to you. A tag along bike is awesome for working on balance and pedaling with your child without you worrying they will lose control. So all the cooler, as it lets them get in on the action!
2. Safety First: Essential Gear
Anyone can say that biking is fun, cycling always has his precautions. A brief list of the basic safety equipment, without which cannot make a ride safe and fun.
Helmets
There are undeniable reasons for you and your child to wear a helmet. The most important piece of safety gear is a well-fitted helmet, which will protect your head if (and when) you fall. Make sure when selecting a helmet that it fits your child well and doesn’t wiggle on their head. The helmet should be flat on their head, covering the forehead and creating a “V” shape with straps on each side of the ears.
Protective Gear
If your child is new to cycling or you plan on riding off-road, kid-specific knee and elbow pads are a good idea for extra protection (in conjunction with the helmets mentioned earlier). Reflective clothing or vests can help you stand out so that others (like careless drivers) are more likely to see you, especially if theyre texting and driving in low-light settings.
Bike Maintenance
A Good Bike is a Safe bike Before you ride Take time before each ride to ensure your tire pressure is good, that the brakes function properly and that your chain has adequate lubrication. Ideally, you should teach your child how to do these quick maintenance checks anyway so they can take some responsibility for their own bike.
3. Planning Your Route
However, it can be a better experience for both you and your child depending on where you ride. One of the most important things you will need to consider is planning a safe and fun route.
Choose Kid-Friendly Routes
Stick to safe routes for your child’s age and ability. Move to bike paths, parks or quiet roads with low traffic. If you can, avoid riding along busy roads or traffic-ridden areas until your child gets the hang of it. It also makes the experience a smoother one for kids, particularly those on the younger side who will feel less tired and more entertained by flat terrain.
Plan for Breaks
Children are quick to become lethargic, so you should map out when and where to take several breaks during your ride. Try to find an area where you can take a break, through park or playground settings as well as nice shady spots in which you could sit down and enjoy a snack. The resurgence is not only to recuperate but likewise an enjoyable time for you and also your little one; it gives him a breather as well as offers you an opportunity of flying new locations.
Avoid High Traffic Areas
If your commute involves riding on the main roads then you want to look for streets with bike lanes or any other road that is less congested. Allow your child to ride safely by practicing riding on the right side of road, using hand signals at all times and adjusting themselves with their surrounding area. Even if no one is around, you must keep a look out and stay nearby.
4. Making the Ride Fun
Biking with your child, should be as fun for you and them. Therefore, what can you do to ensure that the ride is as pleasant and eventful for both of you?
Interactive Games
Play “I Spy” or make it a scavenger hunt and search for things like: A red mailbox, tall tree, squirrel You then turn stories of your own while you ride to make the trip an adventure. These games not just make the trip more enjoyable but also can maintain your kid involved and focused.
Set Small Goals
Give them something to work for that is easy, like riding a bike around the block or biking one mile into town. Give the dogs a high five or treat to celebrate city. It also helps to increase your child’s confidence and show them their achievements so far.
Biking with Friends
If you can, make your ride a rally and invite other families. Wildcat Friends, which makes biking a social experience by meeting with other cyclists. This is also a chance for kids to learn from each other and takes on some friendly competition.
5. Teaching Road Safety
Once your little one gets more and more comfortable with their bike you can start to tell them about the rules of the road and basic safety practices.
Basic Traffic Rules
No matter if you plan on biking with your child only down quiet streets or bike paths, knowing basic traffic laws is important. They need to know that they have to stop at the red light, give way for pedestrians and walk on their right side. These are skills the kids can use to be safe and feel more comfortable when they ride on their own.
Hand Signals
When he is old enough to ride on the road, teach him how and when to signal for turns or stops. Practice these cues in a safe, non-traffic zone like a park or an empty parking lot until you child is ready to use them consistently.
Riding Predictably
Teach your child to ride in a straight line without making sharp movements. This keeps riders on top of things so that drivers and other cyclists are able to anticipate their movements. They should learn to make eye connection with drivers before they cross the intersection that someone has noticed.
6. Independent Riding
As your child becomes more confident with their skills, you can start turning them loose on some of the casual ride paths.
Start in Safe Areas
When possible, let your child ride his or her own bike next to you in a safe environment like the park or on some type of path. Get them used to it with little traffic on quieter roads, helping your child along the way.
Supervision Tips
Your child will be getting older and beginning to take on things independently, but you still want an eye (and preferably both) watching out for them. If they are riding behind you, use a rearview mirror. Allow them to discover, but make yourself available to correct or help if required.
Enjoy the Ride Together
Riding a bike with your child is great for getting around, exercising and discovering the world together. Keeping it safe, plotting interesting routes for their energy and level of experience, as well giving them the tools they need to ride in confidence seem like a great foundation for many adventures down the road. Strap on your helmet, hop onto your bicycle and soak it up because those are the days you will always remember.
