Cycling and Children

Children should be taught that a bicycle is a vehicle and that cyclists must follow the same rules as other vehicle operators. As adults, we often take for granted that children know how traffic works and what signs mean. Practice and experience combined with adult supervision will reinforce the lessons taught. Also remember that parents can set a good example by wearing bike helmets themselves.

Is your child ready to cycle to school without an adult?

Your child wants to ride a bicycle to school and you're worried. What should you do? Remember, you are the best judge and you must be comfortable with the decision. Keep in mind that children under the age of 9 do not have the skills to cycle safely without adult supervision.

Here are the major factors to consider:

  1. Can your child handle a bicycle well enough to:
    • check over his or her shoulder while travelling in a straight line
    • brake quickly and confidently to stop at a predetermined point
    • ride with one hand while displaying clear hand signals
  2. Can your child demonstrate these skills:
    • the ability to gauge the speed of other vehicles
    • knows right from left
    • the ability to concentrate on a task and avoid distractions
    • lock up the bicycle on his or her own
  3. Does your child understand the rules of the road, such as:
    • what yield means and where he or she is expected to do so
    • what "right of way" means
    • the meaning of road signs and where to look for them
  4. Will your child wear a helmet on his or her own? Helmets should be CSA CPSC or Snell certified and fit properly. All cyclists under 18 must wear a helmet.

For more information on how to get your children ready to cycle, contact the Envirocentre at 613-580-2424, ext. 27399 and Safe Kids Canada at 1-888-SAFE-TIPS.

Taking your child with you

There are many options for bringing children on a bike trip. The best option for you depends on the age of your child.

Infants

Cycling with infants who do not have sufficient neck strength to hold their heads up while wearing a helmet is not recommended. It is best to wait until your child is able to sit up on his or her own and can wear a properly fitted certified bicycle helmet.

Toddlers

Toddlers are best transported by bicycle trailer or in a seat mounted to the bicycle frame. Always make sure your toddler is wearing a properly fitted bicycle helmet and that the equipment is firmly secured to the bicycle.

Trailers

Bicycle trailers offer a more stable and secure environment for your toddler. The extra space can be valuable for bringing along toys, snacks, extra clothing or other supplies. Unfortunately, trailers are less visible and result in your child being farther away from you. To maximize safety, attach an orange safety flag to the trailer for greater visibility, and try to ride with another adult behind the trailer.

Rear-mounted seats

Bicycles equipped with a rear-mounted seat bring your child close to you when cycling. However, these seats shift the bicycle's centre of gravity and can make it unstable. Parents who wish to use a rear-mounted seat should first practice riding with a weight comparable to the child's in the seat. A good seat has a high back, a lap and shoulder harness, and foot guards to protect feet from the spokes.

Front-mounted seats

Front-mounted seats vary in design and placement on the bicycle. Seats mounted to the handlebars should be avoided as this can disrupt steering control. Other front-mounted seats that attach to both the seat and handlebar stems can be more stable and keep your child in front of you, allowing for a more watchful eye on the child and the road.

Young children

Young children can ride on their own or with mom and dad using a trailer-bike. This device attaches to the seat post and transforms an adult bicycle into a tandem built for kids. It is especially useful for longer trips where young children don't have the stamina to ride on their own. Remember that children should wear a properly fitted certified bicycle helmet when using a trailer-bike or cycling on their own.

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