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How a Child Sees Traffic
As your child learns to ride a bike, remember that children view the neighborhood around them differently than adults do. They aren't just mini-adults on small bikes.
While you can clearly see how well your child is balancing or braking, it's harder to gauge how he perceives traffic and potential dangers.
Robert Gramenz, DO, a pediatrician at Tacoma South Medical Center, offers the following recommendations for parents.
Infants
Parents shouldn't take infants along on bicycle rides during a child's first year.
"No child under age 12 months should ride in a bicycle-mounted child passenger seat," says Dr. Gramenz. "Young infants lack the solid head and neck control needed to prevent injuries resulting from normal bouncing and bumps, as well as the unexpected rapid stop or change of direction."
If you want to take a child over age 12 months with you on a ride, read about carrying young children in bike seats and trailers.
Preschoolers
Preschoolers tend to think of a bicycle as just another toy. But bicycles are vehicles, and if they are ridden in the street, the rider is subject to the same rules and dangers as other modes of transportation.
"At this age, children are best served if they can ride their bicycles in an enclosed and adult-monitored practice area," says Dr. Gramenz.
Start your child with good habits: A child should always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet, even when just practicing around your home.
Always supervise children who are under 5 years old while they ride. Encourage them to practice balancing on the bicycle, and be there for that magic moment when they start riding without training wheels. (See our tips on teaching a child to ride.)
Ages 5 to 8
Tip: Children at this age can begin learning basic bicycle maintenance skills.
Children ages 5 to 8 should never ride alone on busy streets, and in general, should stay on the sidewalk. "They cannot judge speeds and distances well enough to venture onto the streets without an adult riding with them," says Dr. Gramenz.
As children build their skills, you can take them on training rides around your neighborhood if the streets don't have much traffic.
"Have them practice looking over their shoulders without swerving," he says. "When riding on low-traffic streets with an adult, children can begin to learn about road hazards, hand signals, and traffic signals.
"It's important to emphasize that the rider must scan the traffic situation before making a hand signal," he adds. "And be sure to teach children the importance of making eye contact with motorists."
Children learn by example and imitate older children and adults. Since they may have a limited sense of danger, you should be extra cautious. When riding with children, always be patient and consistent in your safe-riding behavior.
Make a habit of talking through each of the following safety precautions with your child when you're going for a ride together.
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Check each bike's tire pressure and brakes. |
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Each person puts on his or her helmet and makes sure it's in the proper position. |
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Stop at the end of driveways and sidewalks. |
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Watch for cars going in and out of driveways. |
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Be careful moving around all vehicles with engines running — even if they're parked. |
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Follow traffic rules. Never ride against traffic. |
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Always use hand signals to indicate turns. |
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In a group, ride single file. |
You should encourage children to put away their bicycles in the evening. Bicycle riding at dusk and in the dark is dangerous, even with lights and reflectors.
Ages 9 to 12
Tip: Children this age love to check out the cool gear for cyclists.
Many children can begin riding on the road at this age if they can show that they have the necessary skills. Still, at this age most children cannot judge the speed of approaching traffic.
"Parents should help the child to select the appropriate route to get to their destination, and if possible point out dangerous spots," says Dr. Gramenz. "At any age, learning about the best streets to use for bicycling is a part of the sport."
Children also need to practice "preventive reconnaissance" — being alert for potential dangers and avoiding them.
Another skill is lane positioning, which also should be practiced with adult supervision. When sharing a road with cars, bicyclists should ride in a straight line and in a predictable manner (no sudden swerves if possible; signal your turns).
Parked cars are a hazard because of the risk of a door opening suddenly in the cyclist's path. "The general rule of thumb is to ride at least three feet away from parked cars," says Dr. Gramenz. That means avoiding heavily traveled roads where cars park along the curb — unless, of course, there is a separate and wide bicycle lane.
Ages 13 and up
Tip: Teenagers are able to complete endurance rides but should train for the event well in advance.
All the previous considerations still hold as teen cyclists hone their skills. Continue to provide supervision.
"Make sure that teen riders can manage panic stops safely," says Dr. Gramenz. "Also, they should be obeying the traffic laws."
If a trip of any length is planned, every rider should carry the equipment necessary for repairing a flat and know how do it. "I encourage families to help their children develop a mastery of bicycling skills," he says.
Speak Up for Cycling
Dr. Gramenz also urges families to speak out in support of cycling.
"We all should be advocates for the safest possible bicycling conditions, and we cannot neglect the need for appropriate changes in road planning and maintenance to reduce the risk of cycling for everyone.
"We can advocate for safe, fun cycling and promote it with our children, among our friends and coworkers, and to our civic and legislative leaders."
By Pamela Richardson
Group Health staff writer
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