Why is safety in children's cycling important? A parents guide
- 17 Oct 2024
Cycling is more than just a mode of transportation or exercise; learning to ride is a key milestone in every child’s life. The sense of freedom and adventure that comes with riding a bike makes it a crucial part of childhood. However, while kids enjoy the excitement of cycling, ensuring children's cycling safety is essential. In this blog, we explore the importance of bike safety for kids and offer tips to keep your child safe on their cycling adventures. Teaching children about bike safety while cycling instils lifelong habits that extend far beyond their childhood.
“Cycling is an important life skill and at the Bikeability Trust, we believe all children should have the opportunity to learn how to ride. As a form of active travel, cycling not only benefits the environment and our communities, but it is also a great way to stay fit. Children who cycle benefit from short and long-term health benefits, including increased overall fitness levels and stronger leg muscles and joints.
It is also fantastic for mental health – getting outside on your cycle in the fresh air is a great way to de-stress, socialise and release happy hormones, which are great for improving mood. We want all children to be able to access cycling and lead happier, healthier lives.”
Emily Cherry, CEO of the Bikeability Trust
For expert tips from Bikeability, click here to read the ’Teaching a child to ride a bike with Bikeability’ blog >>
TOP TIPS
1) Choosing the right bike size
Selecting the right-sized bike is one of the most critical factors in ensuring your child's safety while cycling. A bike that is too big or too small can lead to poor control, making accidents more likely. Frog Bikes has a detailed sizing guide, ensuring you pick the correct bike for your child’s height, inside leg measurement and cycling ability. A correctly sized bike means your child can reach the handlebars and pedals comfortably, making the riding experience safer and more enjoyable.
Sizing tip: When your child is sitting on the saddle, they should be able to touch the ground with their toes. This gives them a sense of security and better control, especially when stopping or starting.
https://www.frogbikes.com/en_GB/blog/the-frog-kids-bike-sizing-guide/
2) Always wear a helmet
Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, especially when children are cycling. Without proper bike safety measures in place, they are vulnerable to a range of injuries, from scrapes and bruises to more severe incidents like head trauma. Wearing the best bike helmets, reflective gear, and appropriate clothing significantly reduces the risk of injury and ensures that children can enjoy cycling without putting their well-being at stake
Image credits: @katieridesherbike
How to fit a kid's helmet
1) Ensure it’s the correct size by measuring the circumference of the head
2) Make sure the helmet is correctly positioned (two finger widths above the eyebrows)
3) Tighten the rear wheel to ensure the helmet does not move around on their head
4) Tighten the chinstrap (ensure you can place two fingers under it)5)
5) Do not buy a second-hand helmet as this could have damage that is invisible to the eye
6) Remember to check the fit regularly as children grow, and always replace the helmet after any significant impact
A study from 2016 collected data from over 64,000 cyclists around the world and found compelling evidence that wearing a cycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury by almost 70% and fatal head injury by 65%. It is the largest review on cycling and helmets to date. The study also found that the risk of sustaining a general head injury is reduced by 51% and facial injury by 33% when a helmet is used (Olivier, Creighton, 2016).
Source: https://www.headway.org.uk/news-and-campaigns/campaigns/cycle-safety/
*** PLEASE NOTE: The fitting section is general guidance only and the manufacturer's guide for correct fitment should always be followed. Please visit a store that carries a range of helmets (sizes and styles) and choose a helmet that fits correctly and is appropriate for the cycling activities planned. If in doubt consult a member of staff in-store who is experienced in fitting children’s cycle helmets.
3) Teach safe cycling habits
While having the right equipment is essential, teaching your child how to ride safely is equally important. Following good habits can help prevent accidents and ensure that your child becomes a confident and responsible cyclist.
Key safe riding tips:
- Stay visible: Teach your child to wear bright clothing and educate them that drivers may not see them so they need to be vigilant. Wearing appropriate hi-vis clothing, using lights and reflectors, and regularly checking the bike's condition helps keep young cyclists safe.
- Use hand signals: Make sure they know how to signal to other road users that they are turning or stopping, even if they are riding on quieter streets.
- Start slow: When children are learning, stick to quiet roads, parks, or cycle paths until they’re comfortable and confident with balancing, steering, and braking. Take a look at Cycling UK’s journey planner to find the most suitable routes >>
If your child is a little unsteady on a bike consider cycle training to help them with the basics. Click here to give your child a life skill with Bikeability>>
Image credits: @oliverrideshisbike
4) Creating safe cycling environments for kids
Ensuring the safety of children while cycling goes beyond individual responsibility; it also involves creating safe cycling environments within communities. Ensuring our children's safety while cycling starts with creating safer streets. This means advocating for dedicated bike lanes, implementing traffic-calming measures, and raising driver awareness about sharing the road with young cyclists. By taking these steps, we can build a safer environment for kids to enjoy riding their bikes. By prioritising the needs of young cyclists, communities can encourage active lifestyles while minimising the risk of accidents.
Click here to get tips for safe and fun urban cycling >>
Image credits: @emelierusso
“Safety & awareness have always been the first and most important points to address when cycling, for us as a family. Unlike at meal times where I find myself negotiating over how many peas to eat before pudding, with safety in cycling, there are a few non-negotiables. These include: we don't get on the bike before we have our helmet on, and we stop at every road/crossing to look and listen out for any vehicles. No matter the circumstance, if we're late for school/work, we respect these rules as they form essential long-term, life-saving habits. Having consistently done this since using a balance bike it's becoming ingrained in our son which gives me more confidence as Rohan gets older and begins to cycle more by himself.”
Tej, Our Frog squad ambassador’s dad
Image credits: @rohan.thak3r
5) Regular bike maintenance
Safety measures such as bike maintenance checks empower children to navigate their environment with confidence and independence. A well-maintained bike is a safe bike. Frog bikes are built to last, but like any piece of equipment, they require routine maintenance to stay in top condition.
Image credits: @henryslocks
Maintenance Tips:
- Brakes: The brakes are a critical safety feature on a bike, so it's important to make sure they are working properly. Encourage your child to check the brakes before each ride. They should squeeze the brake levers and make sure the brakes engage smoothly and quickly.
- Chain: A well-lubricated chain will help your child's bike run smoothly and prevent wear and tear on the chain and gears, so make sure to lubricate the chain regularly with bike-specific chain lubricant. Choose a wet lube if you tend to bike in wetter conditions and a dry lube for more arid climates.
- Bolts: The bolts and nuts on a bike can come loose over time, so it's important to check them regularly. You should ensure all bolts and nuts are tight, but not over-tightened, to prevent damage to the bike. A bike-specific torque wrench can help achieve the correct tightness and an adult should always assist.
“Regular bicycle maintenance is not just about keeping your ride smooth; it's the key to safety, longevity, and the joy of cycling”
-Amir, Research and Development Manager, Frog Bikes.
Click here to find out how to keep up with bike maintenance >>
Here’s what the experts at Bikeability recommend:
“Our top tip for cycling safety is to make sure you keep your cycle clean and in good working condition. Built-up dirt and debris can lead to damage, so it’s really important to make sure it’s clean. It doesn’t have to be spotless, a bit of mud on the frame isn’t going to hurt. But the important bits of your cycle, like the chain and the cassette, need to be looked after. One easy thing you can do is make sure your chain is oiled. This will stop any squeaking, keep it running freely and stop other parts from getting damaged.”
6) Always check tyre pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial for both performance and safety. Under-inflated tyres can make the bike harder to control, while over-inflated tyres increase the risk of a puncture.
Tyre Pressure Tips:
- Check regularly: Use a pressure gauge to ensure the tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure (usually marked on the sidewall of the tyre).
- Recommended PSI: Frog bikes have specific recommended tyre pressure ranges (PSI) based on the model and size. Stick to the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal performance and bike safety.
- Tread Inspection: Check for any signs of wear or damage on the tyres, such as cracks or excessive wear on the tread, and replace them as necessary.
Bikeability says, “Have your tyres got enough air? They should be as firm as an apple.”
Click here to read the Frog Bikes manual for tyre tips >>
Image credits: @thewoodentraveler
Bike safety checklist
Make sure you’re prepared before hopping out on a bike ride, by checking off each of the items on the checklist.
Click here to download the bike safety checklist activity sheet >>
Developing good habits early on: Children are naturally enthusiastic and adventurous, which is fantastic for developing cycling skills. However, it can also lead to a fearless attitude if they’re not taught proper safety habits. Introducing safety practices early ensures they understand the risks of cycling and develop responsible riding habits.
The joy of cycling should never be overshadowed by safety concerns, especially when it comes to children. By prioritising safety measures such as wearing helmets, following traffic rules, and promoting safe cycling environments, we can ensure that children enjoy all the benefits of cycling while staying protected from harm. Let's work together to safeguard their joy and create a culture where every child can cycle safely.
Take a look at the resources we have created for you below.
