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Children
& Teens : preschool cyclists ages 1-5
Whether
a child is still a bicycle passenger traveling with a parent or
adult on an approved child safety seat or just beginning to try
riding under adult supervision, it's never too soon to start teaching
her or him the basics of bicycling safety.
Although preschool cyclists do not have the cognitive skills necessary
to deal with complex cycling situations, it is vital that this age
group begin learning basic safety rules alongside fundamental motor
skills. Getting a head start on safety now will put kids on the
track to smart lifelong cycling.
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learn
about important safety information. more |
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learn
the fundamentals of good bicycling. more |
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view
an extensive list of resources on the web. more |
Cautions
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Children under the age of one should never be transported
on a bicycle. Until a child is able to hold up his or her
head independently, do not allow her or him to ride as a passenger.
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Most children under the age of five will probably not be ready
to cycle. But for those who want to learn, they must always
remain under the close supervision of a parent or other adult
caretaker.
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Tools and
Skills
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For the preschool cyclist, the essential is key. Learning
to control a bicycle while beginning to understand the ways
to be careful when you cycle is the most important lesson
a child of this age can grasp. |
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Bicycles are fun to ride, but they are not toys. Teach preschool
cyclists that bicycles are different from a Big Wheel or a
toy tricycle. Never let them ride without an adult. |
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For preschoolers who are still strictly a bicycle seat passenger,
talk to them about safety as you cycle. Explain why you are
stopping to look for traffic, etc. Remember, children will
learn to do whatever they see parents and adults do! |
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Teach the under 5 cyclist to balance and control the bicycle,
to cycle in a straight line, to turn without falling, to pedal
smoothly, to stop and start. |
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Teach preschool cyclists how a crash can happen and how to
look out for things that could hurt them: Watch out for cars
going in and out of driveways. Stay away from cars with engines
running. Stop when you get to the end of a sidewalk or driveway.
Watch out for other bicyclists and pedestrians. |
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Teach the under-fives to stay away from the street. Emphasize
how hard it is for drivers to see little kids on bicycles
and show them how they can make themselves more visible. |
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Help children pick out the right
bike and helmet
that best suits their needs and size. Explain why helmets
are so important and must be worn at all times. Wear your
helmet and set an example. |
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Help familiarize preschoolers with the different parts of
a bike and helmet. Show them how to use the bike's brakes
to slow and stop. Teach them to keep their hands and feet
away from the spokes and chains. Teach them the importance
of getting a bicycle repaired when something is broken. |
Links
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