Cycling to School: Tips to Ensure a Safe Journey

Cycling to school means more regular exercise for kids and savings on public transport. However, since they’ll often be on the road without supervision, it’s crucial to l that they’re well-prepared to ride on their own. Here are some tips to ensure a safer journey for your kids when biking to class.

Invest in the Right Kid’s Bike

 

 

 

When shopping for your child’s bicycle, you’ll know it’s the right size if:

• Your child’s feet can touch the ground when sitting on the saddle,
• their knees have a slight bend while pedalling,
• and their arms can reach the handlebar with ease.

Riding a bike that fits them well ensures they can pedal their way to school and back home without discomfort. They might even feel more excited to ride again the next day! Refer to our ‘Kids Bikes Size Guide’ for more information. 

Use Proper Children’s Cycling Safety Gear

 

 (Starling Bike Helmet Green)

 

Safety gear is considered to be your child’s first line of defense in case of a crash. Make sure they wear a snug, properly fastened kids bike helmet for head protection. Pair this with bright clothing and reflective accessories on the bicycle for increased visibility on the road. This will be especially important through autumn and winter when the days become shorter. Also, consider rigging them up with elbow, knee, and shin protectors for extra protection against falls and collisions. They can keep all this gear in their bike baskets or locker while they’re in class.

Tips: Don’t forget to pack a bike lock to keep their two wheels safe and secure. Check out our guide, ‘Heads Up: Why Kids Need a Bike Helmet That Fits,’ for more information.

Map Out their Cycle Route

 

 (Daytripper City Bike)

 

Plan their cycling route and go for bike-friendly paths and roads whenever possible. Avoid main roads and busy junctions to minimise risks and maximise their safety.

If you have free time, ride with them and just turn back before you reach the school. This lets you observe and guide your child and see if they understand and follow safety protocols. Or, even better, schedule a practice ride over the weekend to give your child a refresher on the cycling rules.

Overall, having their cycling route to school mapped out will give you more confidence, knowing your child is on the right path.

The Green Cross Code

(Image Credit: Flickr)

It’s important that your child is familiar with the rules of cycling. One of the best methods to teach them is the Green Cross Code, which they can apply whether riding a bike or walking to school. Make sure your little one knows the steps by heart, including the following:

• Think: Find a safe place to cross the road, such as on a footbridge, zebra crossing, or traffic island. Remind them not to cross between parked cars and on a blind bend. If they can’t see a crossing, teach them to cross where they can be seen in all directions, including the drivers.
• Stop: Stop at the edge of the curb and avoid standing and resting the bike on the road.
• Look and listen: Check for traffic by looking to the right first, then to the left, and then to the right again before crossing. Be aware of one-way streets where all traffic moves in the same direction. Also, remind them to always keep an eye on bicycles or people on rollerblades.
• Wait: Don’t cross until the cars have stopped or the green man shows up at the traffic light.
• Look and listen (again): Once it’s safe, look and listen one last time before crossing the road.
• Cross safely: Walk across the road, whether on or off your bike, but avoid running or skipping.

And there you have it! With these tips and ideas, you can send your child off to school on their bike with confidence. Remember, it all starts with the right bike, and you might find exactly what you’re looking for at Bobbin. Shop today so your little one can practise their ride before school begins!

Up next on your reading list: Teach Your Kid How to Ride a Balance Bike