Cycling with your child is not only fun and healthy, it also helps children develop independence and traffic insight. But of course this has to be done safely, in this blog we share tips to ensure that you can cycle safely with your child through traffic. Can you already see your child cycling next to you, laughing? Together on the road, independently and safely, that is what it is all about, isn't it?
Make sure your child has a safe bicycle
In order to be able to safely navigate traffic, your child first needs a safe bike. Make sure the bike fits his or her height well, if necessary, check the BikeFlip size chart to determine which bike this is.
Furthermore, it is important that all functions of the bike still work properly, for example, regularly check the brakes, lights, tires and chain. This way you ensure that the bike does not simply break while riding. Do you have a subscription to BikeFlip? Then you can always submit a repair request so that we can come by to look at the bike!
Practice traffic situations together
When you are cycling, you can playfully explain the traffic rules to your child. By explaining traffic rules in practice, your child will learn them faster and will be able to cycle independently sooner. For example, don't just say "on the roundabout we go left" but tell them that you should always cycle counterclockwise on a roundabout and that you should stick out your hand when you leave the roundabout. By explaining the situation in combination with doing it in practice, your child will easily learn to cycle safely in traffic.
Wear a helmet
Wearing a helmet on a bike is not mandatory in the Netherlands, but it is recommended for beginning cyclists. Wearing a helmet significantly reduces the chance of head injuries and ensures that you can let your child cycle with peace of mind. A bike helmet does not only have to be functional, it can also be beautiful! Therefore, find the best bike helmet together with your child so that your child wants to wear it and does not just wear it because he has to.
Cycle together
Cycling with your child is of course the safest, you can then keep a close eye on whether your child is cycling safely. But there will come a time when your child wants to cycle alone, for example to school or to friends. Cycle routes together first. Let your child make choices ('where should we turn now?') and then discuss together what went well. That way your child can cycle super safely to his or her destination!
Ensure good visibility
There are several things you can use to make your child more visible in traffic. First of all, almost all bicycles have reflectors to increase visibility. So check carefully whether your child's bicycle also has this, if this is not the case, there are also reflectors available that you can mount on the wheel of the bicycle.
Furthermore, you can create much more visibility with your child's clothing. When buying a jacket, for example, think about a striking colour so that all road users can clearly see your child.
The last thing you can do to increase your child's visibility in traffic is to purchase a bicycle flag. This is especially recommended for children with small bicycles, road users often see them less quickly. With a bicycle flag, your child will be seen sooner in traffic, so it's super safe!
Start in a safe environment
Don't start cycling in the busy city right away, but build it up slowly. For example, start cycling in a quiet place like a park or a schoolyard. Are you able to steer, brake and look there? Then start cycling carefully in more busy situations so that it's not too many new things at once.
Conclusion
Cycling with your child is a great way to get out and about together and to teach your child important traffic skills. By paying attention to good equipment, visibility and practicing traffic situations, you lay a solid foundation for safe behavior on the road. Start slowly, set a good example yourself and build it up step by step. Trust grows with every pedal stroke. Set a good example and experience safe kilometers together!
💡 BikeFlip tip: Is your child still too young to ride a bike? Read our blog about how to make sure your child can ride safely in a bike seat.
