Taking Your Child Biking

Cycling is a wonderful way to get around. You're out in the open and getting exercise. Parents are understandably eager to get their children out biking. But biking at any age is dangerous, and parents should be cautious about taking their children onto the city streets.

The best place for a child to learn to ride a two-wheeler is on a playing field. A field with short grass and lots of bald patches is ideal. Falling on grass or packed earth is a lot easier on a child than falling on asphalt or concrete!

Once your child becomes a competent rider, try going on a bike trail. These trails often go through scenic areas and can be a great way to explore parts of your city that you don't normally see. Most importantly, there are no cars to contend with. But just because bike trails have no cars doesn't mean they are danger free. Bike trails can be very crowded, especially on weekends. A fledgling cyclist will usually not be moving very fast, and other cyclists whizzing by will sometimes treat you and your child as pylons. Be sure to instruct your child to always stay on the right side of the trail! An ill-timed turn into the left lane could cause a serious collision with another cyclist.

When you feel ready to have your child ride on the road, ride on side streets only! I ride all the time in the city, and I almost never see children cycling on main streets. Pick a time and day when few cars will be about. Tell your child the traffic rules. Explain how to give hand signals (adults should be using these signals, as well). Your child should ride slowly and steadily, and should be vigilant when passing parked cars for the possibility of a suddenly opened door.

If you do have to travel on a main street, it is best to dismount and walk your bikes on the sidewalk. I don't recommend riding on sidewalks; pedestrians are justly miffed at cyclists passing them with centimetres to spare. Bikes are moving vehicles and should stay on the roads.

Have fun biking with your child. But stay safe!