well SPOKEn (Advice on buying a first bike - Safety Issues)

Member Name: dibuzz

Product:	Advice on buying a first bike - Safety Issues
Date:	27/08/01 (373 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a fun and healthy activity

Disadvantages: some kids reluctant to wear safety equipment

When I was young buying your first bike was a big thing. These days it usually happens while you are too young to remember anything about it.

I like to let my kids try a few bikes before they choose so we usually try halfords or toys r us first. I usually ask for advice on sizes of bike and helmet but anything else is left to the kids. After all they are the ones who will be riding it.

If my local bike shop has a suitable bike they like I will buy from there rather than a big store as you get a much more personal service and aftercare.

For a young child a trike is best until at least two. Some children are ready for a proper bike by then but if not don't try to force them just because "our Johnny can ride a proper bike now". If they are not ready the bike will just be outgrown before it is used.

When choosing a first bike the only thing more important than the child's preference is safety. The bike must be the right size. Don't be tempted to buy one a size too big to save money. Even with stabilisers on the child's toes should be able to touch the floor while sitting on the seat.

If all your child's friends can ride without stabilisers and he can't, don't worry or try to force him to try. He will know if he is ready or not andbalnce is the key. My daughter was only 3 but my youngest son was nearly 6 when they learned. This surprised me as my son walked at 10 months so we assumed he had better balance but has only just learned to stay on a scooter.

If you make sure they wear a safety hat from an early age they are less likely to complain about it. My second son was very reluctant until his friend's father refused to let him go on a bike ride without one. Although he prefers not to he does use one now but I think it is sad that children get laughed at for wearing safety gear when they are the ones being sensible.

Bikes are expensive and it is tempting to bu
y used but please make sure you check them thoroughly. A 10 year old bike can look fine if it has been looked after but it may not be up to the current safety standard. This applies especially to places small fingers can be trapped in.

When your child comes in with a competely mud covered bike and clothing and all you can see is a toothy grin in a muddy face please don't shout. They have had great fun and it is now time for them to learn to clean and oil their own bikes. After all, mud washes off - boredom doesn't.

One problem you need to face is where they will ride their bike. Toddlers are no problem as they can ride in a small space as long as it is flat. When children get to 5 or 6 it is still acceptable to ride on the pavement but then the problems start. There is always somebody who will complain about bikes on the pavement (usually the same woman who says you are irrisponsible if same child rides in the road).

If the roads are quiet you could teach your child a basic version of the highway code and allow him to ride there but most roads are far too busy. I am afraid this is where you need to be hard faced about it and stand up for your child. In this day and age children need to play where they can be seen and older people must understand that the world has changed.

Teach your kids to be polite and respect other people but point out that their safety is the most important. If children are careful and look where they are going there is plenty of room on the paths and pavements for them and pedestrians.

When your child gets to the age he has to ride in the road make sure he either wears reflective clothing or has reflective stickers on his bike. I also recommend the cycling proficiency course. Maybe your local school could organise it.

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