Biking is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. It’s a great way to get exercise, explore your neighborhood and spend time outdoors. But it can also be dangerous, especially if you’re not following the proper safety precautions. From wearing the right gear to choosing the safest route, we’ll share some tips on how to keep your kids safe while bike riding.
Track Their Bikes
Before your kids hit the streets on their bikes, make sure you have a tracking system in place so you can always know where they are. There are several GPS-enabled bike trackers on the market that can be installed on any bicycle. This way, if your child ever gets lost or goes off the grid, you’ll be able to track their location and bring them home safely. If you want to enable e-bike tracking via GPS, you need to purchase a Bluetooth-enabled handlebar lock. This will enable you to track the location of your e-bike if it ever gets stolen. And, if your child is ever in an accident, you can use the tracker to find their exact location and get them the help they need.
Teach Them Road Safety Rules
Before your kids start riding their bikes on the road, sit down with them and go over the basic rules of road safety. This includes knowing when to yield, using hand signals, staying in the bike lane, and being aware of traffic around them. If your child is old enough, you can also teach them about the Dutch Reach method, which is a way to open car doors without putting yourself in danger. Once they understand the rules, take them on a practice ride around the block so they can put their knowledge into action.
Get Them The Right Gear
One of the most important things you can do to keep your kids safe while bike riding is to make sure they have the right gear. This includes a helmet that fits properly, as well as knee and elbow pads. If they’ll be riding in low-light conditions, they should also have reflective gear or lights on their bike so they’re visible to drivers. Wearing the right gear will not only help protect them in the event of a fall, but it can also make them more visible to drivers and help prevent accidents.
Choose The Safest Route
When you’re planning your child’s bike route, avoid busy streets and opt for quieter side streets instead. If possible, stick to routes that have bike lanes or are away from traffic altogether. And, be sure to map out the route before they go so you can be sure they’re staying on track. You can also download a bike map of your city so they always know where the safest routes are.
Teach Them About Bike Maintenance
One of the best ways to prevent accidents is to make sure your child’s bike is in good working order. Teach them how to do basic maintenance like checking the tires, brakes, and chain before they ride. This way, they’ll be less likely to have a mechanical issue while they’re on the road. And, if they ever do have a problem, they’ll know how to fix it or at least get themselves to safety. For example, if their chain falls off, they should know how to put it back on or flag down a passing car for help.
Supervise Them When They Ride
It’s important to supervise your kids when they’re first learning to ride their bikes. This way, you can catch any mistakes they make and help them correct them. Once they get the hang of it, you can gradually start giving them more independence. But even when they become more experienced riders, it’s still a good idea to go on rides with them from time to time so you can make sure they’re staying safe. And, before your kids start riding their bikes, sit down with them and set some ground rules. This might include things like not riding at night, always wearing a helmet, staying in bike lanes, and obeying traffic laws. If they know the rules they need to follow, they’re more likely to stay safe while bike riding.
Following these tips will help ensure your child’s safety while bike riding. But, it’s also important to remember that accidents can happen even when everyone is being careful. So, be sure to teach your kids what to do if they are ever in an accident or their bike breaks down. And, make sure you have a plan in place so you can get to them quickly if something does happen. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your kids safe while they enjoy the freedom of riding their bikes.