8 Principles to Keep Young Cyclists Safe & Sound

Cycling is one of the most popular activities for children – no wonder! It is not only a great way to keep fit but also to have fun. However, like in almost every sport, there is a danger of accidents and injuries in cycling. The most effective way to keep your bike ride safe and prevent your little rider from injuries is to stick to a few basic rules and principles.

By following these 8 principles you can effectively prevent your little rider from many unnecessary accidents.

Choosing the right bike size is key. Riding a bigger bike is always harder to control and can result in a crash and cause injury. On the other hand, a smaller bike does not offer enough stability and a suitable gear ratio. To go faster, your child will have to spin their legs like crazy. Inappropriate bike size will also restrict your child from developing their riding skills.

However, having the right bike size is not enough. The bike needs to be set up correctly and well-adjusted. Therefore, pay attention to both the height and angle of the saddle and handlebars and ensure that the brakes are reliable. If the bike has a rear derailleur, make sure it shifts smoothly.

The total weight of the children’s bicycle also plays an important role. Your child will find it hard to pick up and park a heavy bike, but most importantly, such a bike is difficult to control when riding. A heavy bicycle can quickly discourage even an enthusiastic young rider from cycling. This is why we produce RASCAL bikes with the lowest weight possible.

Our tip: Not sure about the right bike size for your little one? Check our article Appropriate Children's Bike Size.

It is important to keep your child’s bicycle in the best possible condition all season round – mainly pay attention to the brakes, tires and drivetrain.

Keep the children's bike always clean: wash it with a suitable bike detergent after a wet or dusty ride. Use a degreaser to remove accumulated grease dirt from the chain and the entire drivetrain, rinse thoroughly, dry it with a cloth and lubricate the chain.

Our tip: To find out more on bike maintenance see our article Children’s Bicycle Maintenance: A Practical Guide for Parents

A bicycle helmet is a basic safety element that is mandatory for children in many countries. It prevents serious head injuries and protects against direct sunlight on hot summer days. The fit and comfort of a helmet is crucial. The child’s helmet should not be either loose or too tight. Teach your young cyclist that riding without a helmet is not a good idea – even for short occasional rides. Bike gloves can protect hands in case of an accident, but they especially provide extra comfort and reliable grip.

For a small cyclist to be seen in public they should wear clothes with reflective elements or use accessories with reflective elements. Every child’s bike should be equipped with reflectors. We also recommend using the front and rear lights even in daylight - they will significantly increase your child's safety.

Our tip: If you want to learn more about bike accessories for safer rides check the article How to Make Your Kid’s Bike Even Safer.

Choosing a suitable location is another key factor for having a safe bike ride. Less frequent places such as playgrounds, parks, cycle paths, gravel roads and the like are ideal. Avoid areas with heavy traffic as there is a much higher risk of having an accident.

If the little one spins their pedals in the backyard of your house, make sure that the environment is safe for them with no obstacles that could cause a crash or injury.

Before cycling on the road and in public, explain the meaning of the most frequent traffic signs and teach your child the basic traffic rules. You should also work on skills such as looking both sides when about to cross a road or signalling a change of direction with their hand.

Children should mainly ride in places, where there is no car traffic. If you still need to ride on the road, make sure the little rider is in full control of their bike. However, when planning a family bike ride, definitely avoid places with heavy traffic.

Smaller children should never ride their bikes alone without having adult supervision. An adult will make sure the child’s ride is safe, predict possible danger along the way and assist when needed. Parents or older siblings can even inspire their little one or turn the ride into even greater fun.

Long rides can make children tired and increase the risk of losing attention and crashing. Plan regular breaks on your rides and ensure you always carry enough fluids. Encourage your little cyclist to drink regularly, especially during hot summer days.

Our tip: To get tips on carrying a water bottle when cycling check the article The Drinking Regime of Young Cyclists: Why Is It Important and How to Follow It?

The safety of young cyclists should be every parent’s priority. Following the above-stated rules will reduce the risk of injury and allow your little rider to make the most of their rides. Purchasing protective equipment, having your child’s bike serviced regularly, and teaching you’re your child about the traffic signs and rules is wisely invested time and money for sure.