Our advice for cycling with your children in complete safety!
Going on a bike ride with children can be a fun and memorable experience, so it's important to take precautions to keep them safe. This should be the number one priority when driving with children, so take your time and enjoy the ride safely with our checklist!
Are children's helmets properly fitted?
Helmets are essential to protect children's heads in the event of a fall or collision. Their coordination and balance are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to cycling accidents. By wearing a properly fitted helmet, the child's head is protected in the event of a fall or collision, which can help prevent serious or even fatal injuries. It is therefore important to ensure that each child wears a helmet of the correct size for their head circumference and that the helmet fits snugly and is secured under the chin.
Have you chosen a child-friendly itinerary?
When biking with children, it's important to choose routes that are appropriate for their skill level. Main roads with heavy traffic can be dangerous for children. We advise you to choose routes with little traffic to minimize the risk of accidents. Cycle lanes and greenways are good options as they are often separated from vehicle traffic and are safer for cyclists, especially young cyclists.
Are the bikes in good condition?
Before going on a bike ride with children, check that the bikes are in good working order. The brakes must be in good condition to ensure quick and safe stopping when needed. Tires should be sufficiently inflated to improve grip and handling and to prevent punctures. It is also important to check that the chain is well oiled and that the gears shift easily to avoid any transmission problems. Also check the saddle height of your children's bikes to make sure they are seated comfortably and can touch the ground with their feet. A saddle that is too high can cause instability when they have to stop, while a saddle that is too low can affect their performance and efficiency while pedaling. Finally, don't forget to wear appropriate clothing for the bike ride!
Are you visible to your children?
As an adult accompanying children on a bike ride, it is important to lead by example by wearing a helmet and respecting the rules of the road. By wearing a helmet, you show children that safety on the bike is important, you also show them that it is important to protect their head in the event of a fall. Also be sure to wear brightly colored clothing to improve your visibility on the road. By wearing brightly colored clothing, you help drivers find you more easily, which reduces the risk of an accident..
Are children within earshot and under supervision?
Keep children within earshot so you can guide and help them if needed. Children sometimes have difficulty anticipating obstacles on the road, and they may need your help to cross an intersection or to avoid a hazard. By staying close to them and being attentive to their behavior, you reduce the risk of accidents and intervene quickly if necessary. Teach children to stay alert on the road and to report any hazards they encounter. By encouraging them to be aware of road signs, traffic lights and other road users, you can help them develop their confidence and independence while cycling while staying safe.
