At What Age Can Kids Cycle to School?

Cycling to school is a good practice that children can adopt. Not only does it positively impact the planet, but it also benefits their own well-being. But before parents get excited, there are certain age ranges and factors that must be considered. This guide will cover all that, so keep reading!

What Factors Determine if Your Child Is Ready to Ride Bike to School?

 

 

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Age is often used as a baseline when determining a child’s readiness to ride a bike. Generally, as children get older, they become more capable of understanding the rules of cycling. Kids between the ages of 9 and 11 mostly have the skills needed to ride to school on their own.

However, we recommend not to focus solely on age or grade level. Development and ability also play a role. Development is about how your child grows and learns cycling skills, while ability is about how well they can use what they’ve learned.

Every child develops at their own pace. Some children with good balance and coordination might be ready to cycle to class at a young age, while others may need more time to build such skills. A child who can follow traffic rules is also more likely to be ready. Otherwise, it might be better to wait, especially if they’re still learning how to control their kid’s bike or are unsure about crossing streets.

Other factors that can be a sign of their readiness are:

• Your child can ride steadily in a reasonably straight line. This skill is crucial for road safety as it helps them stay in their lane.
• They can cycle the entire distance without tiring or getting too frustrated. This means they have the stamina and patience needed for a consistent and safe commute.
• They understand basic road safety rules, such as those in the Green Cross Code. These include thinking, stopping, looking and listening, waiting, and crossing safely.

How Parents Can Prepare Their Child for Cycling to School?

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There are many ways parents or guardians can support their children, but guarding their safety should be the top priority. Invest in a quality kids bike helmet for head protection, and ensure it is worn snugly and properly fastened all the time. Rig them up with elbow, knee, and shin protectors for extra protection against falls and collisions. Pair these with bright clothing and reflective accessories on the bicycle for increased visibility on the road.

Choosing child- and bike-friendly routes will also give you confidence, knowing your child will ride away from traffic and in a safe neighbourhood. Tip: If you think your child is almost ready, ride to school with them a few times. This will be good practice for them, and it’ll also help you tell about whether they’re okay to ride on their own.

In our guide, ‘Cycling to School: Tips to Ensure a Safe Journey,’ we’ve listed a few helpful tips that you can apply and teach to your child. Be sure to read it for more ideas!

If you haven’t found the perfect two-wheels for your child, you might find exactly what you’re looking for at Bobbin. Shop our selection of kid’s bikes, available for different age ranges, including bikes for 7 year olds and above.

Up next on your reading list: How to Perform a Bike Safety Test