Children and Bicycling
Wheel Life column - 3 July, 1999
by Todd Litman and Suzanne Kort - Victoria Transport Policy Institute
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Children and Bicycling |
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Our children began riding in a bicycle trailer soon after they were born. When they were infants, we secured them in a car seat strapped into the trailer. We even went camping with our first child bundled in the trailer surrounded by sleeping bags and diapers! We recommend bicycle trailers over a child's seat that mounts directly on the bicycle: they are easier to use, offer more protection, can carry far more (as much as two children and a load of groceries), and will accommodate children up to about 7 years of age. Although bicycle trailers are relatively expensive, they are a worthwhile investment that provides years of useful service. We have also been very happy with our trail-a-bike, which attaches behind an adult's bicycle, and is suitable for carrying children from about 4 to 8 years of age. Our children enjoy it because they can pedal and have a good view. Of course, like many parents we were eager for our children to begin riding on their own. Perhaps too eager. We bought a little 16-inch wheel bike for our older son on his fourth birthday, but he was almost 6 years old before he rode without training wheels. There are two ways to help children learn to bicycle. You can install training wheels. At first they can touch the ground, but after a while you can raise the training wheels a centimeter at a time so the child learns to balance. If the child is ready (typically at about 6 years old) they may learn to ride without training wheels. Start by lowering the seat so the child can touch the ground with their toes. Find a nice flat place to ride. Teach just one skill at a time.
Practice sessions should be short, about 20 minutes maximum. Keep it fun. Have frequent snack and play breaks, and end the session if the child gets tired or frustrated. Most children can ride on their own after a few sessions, but some children take longer so be patient. It is important that children have the correct size bicycle. Children's bikes are available in 12, 16, 20 and 24 inch wheel sizes. Most children grow into a larger bike size every two years. We strongly recommend buying a quality bicycle and having it maintained at a bikeshop that you trust. Don't be fooled by sale prices or fancy paint jobs that hide cheap products. Although a quality bike may cost more at first, it provides safe, trouble-free cycling, and can last through several children, which saves over the long run. Young children should only ride while supervised by an adult, and on paths or streets with minimal traffic. Parents should teach and enforce the following rules:
This year we often rode with a group of four to eight children to elementary school as part of the "Way to Go!" School Program, which promotes alternatives to driving for school trips. We found it helpful to have one adult at the front to lead our "rolling schoolbus," and another at the rear to watch for problems. Beacon Hill Park is a good place to ride with young cyclists. Roadway traffic is slow, and part of Bridge Way is closed to automobiles. There are plenty of places to stop for a break, including the Beacon Hill Children's Farm (open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Bring snacks or purchase treats outside the park at the Cook Street Village in Fairfield or the Beacon Drive-In at 126 Douglas Street. |
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Summer is here, school is out,
and that means free time and fun for kids. It's a good time for children to develop their
bicycling skills. Today we'll offer some suggestions for parents, based on our experience
raising two bicycle enthusiasts, now aged 6 and 10.
