Parents biking with their children
If you're trying to organise daily or weekly family bike rides, there are certain things you need to keep in mind. Though this activity is supposed to be fun, you need to watch out for your kids' safety too. These are the 4 most important things you need to look out for before heading out on the road with your kids.
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Choose Kid-Friendly Routes
If you’re an experienced cyclist you may not mind what kind of routes you’re taking. However, in case you want your kid to get involved in daily bike rides, you need to find some safer options for them. This is an amazing way to keep your kid entertained and engaged in a family activity. This is how you can make sure your children enjoy every ride you take together:
Firstly, check the potential bike routes before you head out. Try to avoid busy roads, hilly routes, and other paths where your kid won't be able to navigate easily. Instead, opt for taking more quiet and safe roads with lots of space.
Stay close to your kids when you’re riding bikes together. Don’t stray away too far from them. This will most likely make them feel anxious about cycling.
In case your kids are very young and new to cycling make sure you prepare them in your neighborhood first. Organize a family ride on the pavement in a quiet and safe neighborhood first.
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Practice Bicycle Safety
Even though family bike rides are supposed to be fun, it’s important that you think of your children’s safety too. You must let them know that a bicycle isn’t a toy, but a vehicle that they need to treat as such.
You need to teach your kids proper hand signs and how to navigate according to some basic rules of the road. Sit down with your kids and go through bike safety rules together before you start going on family bike rides.
Make sure you teach them basic bike maintenance tips before going on rides. Show them how to check their own brakes and tire pressure too. In addition to that, make sure they know to ride on the far right side of the road with traffic, and never against it.
Make them wear brightly-colored clothes and turn their lights on in the dark. They should also be wearing reflectors so that other motorists can see them on the road.
Lastly, try to always stick together, especially until your kids get familiar with all the rules of the road.
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Pick the Proper Bike
Picking the proper bikes for your kids according to their age and physical abilities as well is very important. You need to take your kids’ size and height into consideration before purchasing bikes for them. Though bicycles can be pricey, they are a great investment and you can always find high-quality kids bikes on reliable online shops. Just make sure your kids get a chance to choose what they like too.
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Get the Right Gear
Lastly, besides choosing the right bike, you also need to buy proper cycling gear. This will ensure your child’s safety above anything else.
For instance, you need to make your child wear a helmet. Have a talk with them and explain to them the importance of wearing a helmet for their safety. In order to prevent any head injuries on your bike rides, your kids need to be wearing properly-fitting bike helmets. Even if you’re just riding around the neighborhood, make your kids wear their helmets.
Secondly, make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. Appropriate attire will keep your kids warm and safe during your rides. If it’s raining, make sure your kids have proper rain gear for these weather conditions. Also, invest in some cozy and warm coats, socks, mittens, and beanies if it’s cold outside. You can also get affordable ski goggles and masks that you can use for chilly weather.
Buy reflective tape too. It’s your best friend. No matter where your child is riding a bike or what time of the day it is, adding reflective tape on your trailers, bikes, and helmets will make your kids visible to other people involved in traffic. You can also add a safety flag to your trailer so that you can be easily spotted on the road.
You also need proper lighting. If you are riding bikes in low-light conditions, consider using both your bikes’ headlights and taillights so that you can see better and can be spotted easily by others on the road.
Lastly, make sure to always bring refreshments. Pack some light snacks and water to make sure that everyone stays energized and hydrated during the ride.
Conclusion
In conclusion, family bike rides are all about making sure your kids are safe while also having fun and enjoying some quality time with the family. Follow these tips and your family will absolutely love your weekly family rides.
