How to teach children to ride a bicycle safely

Exercise can help children stay healthy and improve their concentration. Bicycling is a favorite activity for many young children. In addition to strengthening the body, it is also a fun activity. So how do you teach your child to ride a bicycle? What safety precautions should be taken?

How to teach your child to ride a bicycle

Practice in the park first: When teaching children to ride a bicycle, they should practice in a park or barrier-free place first. Because children may stumble, it is dangerous if there are cars next to them.

Pay attention to stationary objects: When the child starts to get a little better, you can slowly move to other places to practice. But be sure to pay attention to stationary objects, such as benches, telephone poles, etc., because the child may accidentally bump into them.

Get familiar with the bike before riding: Make sure your child is very familiar with how to control the bike and can turn and brake with ease before you let him/her start practicing riding a bike on the road.

Safety rules for children riding bicycles

Riding on the right side of the road: Due to Taiwan’s road rules, vehicles are required to drive on the right, so be sure to tell your children that they should drive on the right side of the road when riding a bicycle and not in the opposite direction, otherwise accidents are likely to occur.

Lights and reflectors: Your child should avoid riding a bicycle in the dark. Although there are street lights on the road, it is very easy for a bicycle to be hidden in the dark at night. Therefore, install lights and reflectors on your child's bicycle, and wear brightly colored clothes when riding.

Pay attention to cycling safety: Teach your children to follow the flow of traffic when riding, and not to ride in the opposite direction. Keep one hand on the handlebars when riding, and obey traffic rules. All traffic lights must be understood and obeyed, such as stop at red lights and go at green lights.

Components of a bicycle: Teach your children the basic components of a bicycle, such as gears, tires, brakes, etc. If possible, teach your children what to do if a gear comes loose, how to react if the brakes don't work while riding, and how to seek help if you get injured.

Strictly supervise your child: Be sure to strictly supervise your child's practice. Don't let your child ride a bicycle on the road until you are sure that your child can ride a bicycle independently and can deal with emergencies.

Wear helmets and protective gear: When children are going to ride bicycles on the road, they must wear helmets and protective gear. No matter how much the children don’t want to wear them, they must be strictly required, because the road is like a tiger’s mouth, and it is most important to be careful.

How can parents set a good example?

Pay attention to driving safety: always wear a seat belt when driving, and wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle or bicycle. If you maintain this habit, your children will also develop this habit.

Stay calm and alert: When driving, stay calm and don't yell at other drivers or pedestrians. Stay alert when driving or walking, and always pay attention to the vehicles and road conditions around you.

Pay attention to traffic rules: Explain to your children the various traffic signs and traffic rules, and the importance of obeying them. Develop the habit of obeying traffic rules even at small intersections.