How to Teach Children to Ride Bikes on the Road

Is your child now more confident with pedalling and able to ride a kid’s bike without stabilisers? If so, it might be time for them to transition from the garden and driveway to the road and explore a bit further. As the parent, you have a big role to play in this—and part of teaching is going over the rules of cycling.

Here’s how you can teach your kid the right way.

Pick a Suitable Training Location

The best spots are away from busy traffic and well-lit—you don’t want to be in the dark! Quiet residential streets are a good place to start for road cycling preparation.

There’s less traffic, so it feels safer and less overwhelming. The slower speed limits also help. It gives them a chance to learn the rules and be more aware of their surroundings.

Local parks with roads or cycle paths can make training more fun for children. With scenic routes and space to practice, they get the feel of cycling outdoors. It’s a good step up from the garden, giving them a taste of what it’s like to ride on the road, but in a safer setting.

Read this guide, “Where Is the Best Place for Kids to Learn to Cycle?” for more ideas.

Teach Them the Hand Signals

Include bike hand signal rules while still in the learning phase for safer cycling, such as:

• When turning left (left turn): Extend your left arm out sideways with all fingers extended. Or use your index finger to point left.

• When turning right (right turn): Extend your left arm sideways, bent at a 90-degree angle at the elbow point. The hand should be pointing upward, and the palm of the hand facing forward.

• Alternative right turn: Extend your right arm out straight with all fingers extended. Or use your index finger to point right.

• Stopping or slowing: Extend your left or right arm sideways and bend your arms at a 90-degree at the elbow point. The hand should be pointing downward, and the palm of the hand facing backwards.

These are ways to communicate their intention with fellow cyclings and drivers. It’s also a good idea to go over how cars use blinkers, brake lights, and reverse lights. Teach them to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they’ll stop before crossing.

Set Cycling Road Rules for Riding Solo

With practice, patience, and time, your child will be ready to ride on the road, even on their own. And when that time comes, give them a few extra safety points (aside from the standard cycling rules), like:

Do not cycle far ahead

While letting them explore is nice, don’t let them go way too far and venture into unfamiliar areas. Get them familiar with the route so they know where to pedal.

Cycling to school, for one, is one of the best ways to encourage your young rider to take the road. Or going to the park with friends or visiting grandparents a few blocks away. Let them ride within a safe range where you can check in on them if needed.

Stick to the left for UK roads

Wherever they’re going, remind them to ride their bike on the left-hand side of the road. This is meant for cycling, keeping them in line with traffic and avoiding accidents. It’s the same rule as pedestrians walking on the left and drivers staying on the left.

Check it’s clear before passing parked cars

Road cycling, even just crossing to school, means sharing the road with cars, even when idle. Tell them to look around and make sure there are no obstacles or people when riding past parked cars. Also, remind them to check for any sudden movement or hazards, like car doors opening, to stay safe.

Wait for mum and/or dad at junctions

Riding with your little ones on your adult bike? Cool. Let them take the lead while you keep an eye on them behind. But hang on, not all the time—you need to be ready to step in, especially at junctions. Encourage your child to wait for you there so you can guide them safely through the area. This helps them learn to stop and check for safety before crossing.

Wear a helmet

All it takes is one careless driver or a brush against the kerb to fall off a bike. When cycling around concrete, for goodness’ sake, wear a bike helmet!

Round-up

Here’s a quick rundown on how to teach your child to ride their Bobbin bike on the road. First, pick a quiet and safe spot, like residential streets or local parks. Next, show them the hand signals so they know what to do while out riding. Finally, set some rules, alongside the usual UK ones, of course.

Up next on your reading list: What Age Can Children Ride a Bike on the Road?