Back to School Bike Safety
With term two now kicking off, here’s a few of our top tips to keep your young ones safe on the bike!
Basic Bike Check
On the off chance that your child has been off the bike over summer, make sure to check that their ride is still running smooth. There’s also a chance that their bike may be too small if it’s been a while since they last hopped on. Check tyre pressure, shift through the gears, and watch out for anything out of the ordinary. If the bike presents any problems, be sure to book it in for a service just to be sure.
Route Planning
No matter the age of your young one, make sure they’re riding the safest route to school using bike paths and bike lanes where possible. While a route along the road can sometimes be quicker, taking the safest route should always be a priority.
Buddy up
If possible, organise for them to ride with a buddy. This increases safety, visibility, and means there’s always someone looking out for them. In addition, this practice can encourage others to join on commuting by bike to school which is great!
Visibility
Visibility is a massive part of cycling safety especially for smaller riders who can be harder to see. A few of the best options to increase visibility are using a brightly coloured helmet, hi-vis vest, and of course carrying lights for poor visibility conditions.
Roadside maintenance
As your kids get older, it can be useful to teach them about basic bike maintenance such as changing a tube and fixing a dropped chain. If you don’t have the know-how to do this, check your local bike shop or co-op to see if they do demo days.
Encourage and support them
Getting back into the school routine is a great time to build quality and independence-based habits, starting with how our kids get there. Supporting your young rider with the tools, knowledge and confidence to ride safely doesn’t just help them now—it sets them up for a lifetime of active and healthy travel. With a bit of planning, encouragement, and the right gear, your child’s school commute can be safe, fun and motivating. Be sure to cheer them on as they ride into a new term with confidence!
