Hot Wheels: Exploring Children’s Bicycle Safety

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Genevieve Cunningham

For a kid, a bicycle is pure magic. The moment they learn to ride, it’s like unlocking the door to their very own freedom—whether that’s cruising to the park or exploring the neighborhood. Biking is a classic rite of passage, and it’s as much about joy as it is about adventure. We all remember the thrill and are excited for our little ones to feel it, too.

But let’s be honest: once you’ve had your turn in the saddle, safety becomes a top priority. If you’re feeling the parental jitters, don’t worry. Keeping your child safe on their bike is a breeze with a bit of prep work. With the right precautions, your kids will be zooming around with confidence, enjoying their new wheels to the fullest.

The benefits of riding a bike

Before we get into the safety aspect of bike riding, it should be noted that this particular activity is incredibly healthy. In fact, it brings multiple benefits to the table, benefits that are well documented. Although we usually look at benefits in terms of adults, most of the benefits cover all age groups.

• Muscle development - Riding a bicycle can be hard work. It’s fun, but it’s also challenging. People who ride a bike regularly can expect strong muscle development, especially in the lower half of the body. Strong glutes and legs are a hallmark trait of bike riders.
• Calorie burning - Bike riding can be a calorie torcher. Although most kids don’t need to worry about calorie burning for weight loss purposes, they do need to maintain a healthy body and remain active. Bike riding is an excellent way for kids and adults alike to meet this goal.
• Endurance - Riding a bicycle helps us build endurance. The more we ride, the longer we’re able to ride. And this endurance can spill over into other areas of life. Kids and adults who ride regularly may find it improves their ability in activities that have nothing to do with riding a bicycle.

When it comes to kids, specifically, you can expect these benefits, along with a few that may be more beneficial to a growing child.

• Coordination - Kids are still developing their balance and coordination, and riding a bicycle can help. Because it requires both skills to maintain bicycle safety, allowing a child the freedom to ride (and fall!) can help them develop these skills—and other motor skills—faster.
• Independence - Kids need independence. They need to test their limits and be on their own a little bit. Biking allows them to experience a touch of independence in a safe and structured way, making it a great activity for kids and parents alike.
• Outdoor time - Kids in today’s world aren’t getting enough time outdoors, perhaps because of our increase in screen time. But kids need outdoor time just as much as they ever have, and riding a bicycle can help them get it.
• Social opportunities - Kids riding bikes together is a tale as old as time. Kids can connect and have fun and socialize when they ride together. It might even be a chance to connect as a family, as bike riding is something people of all ages can enjoy.

While all activities come with risks, the benefits of riding a bike far outweigh the risks, especially if you keep the following safety tips in mind.

How to keep kids safe

Although biking is a normal and treasured part of childhood, as parents, we still worry about safety. Keeping our children safe while doing any activity, biking included, is one of our top priorities. Luckily, keeping kids safe while riding their bikes is easier than it has ever been.

• Always wear a bike helmet - Wearing a helmet is essential to biking safety. According to the American Association of Neurological Studies, more than 40,000 head injuries per year are attributed to cycling. Helmets may reduce the risk of head injury by 48 percent.
• Talk about where to ride (and not to ride) - Kids should definitely know their limits when it comes to where to ride their bikes. Teach your child your expectations. Let them know safe trails, roads, parks, and other places to ride before cutting them loose.
• Talk about the rules - If your child plans on riding on the road or through neighborhoods, make sure they understand the rules of the road. They’ll need to understand traffic signals, stop signs, riding on the correct side of the road, hand signals for turning, and using the bike lane.
• Get to know the bicycle - Make sure that your child understand the bicylce. They should understand where the brakes are located and how they work. They should know where the reflectors are located on the bicycle. They should know what to do if their bike breaks while riding. The more familiar they are with their bicycle, the better they’ll be able to handle various situations as they arise.

How to pick the right bike

One of the most exciting moments of childhood is picking out your very first bike. The colors, the streamers, the emblems. It’s like Christmas morning. For parents, it can be a little more stressful. Besides the cost, we also have to worry about getting the right kind for our children so that they can ride safely. But you don’t have to stress out. There are only a few things to keep in mind.

• Get the size right - When choosing a bicycle, it’s important to get a properly sized bike. Getting a bike that is too small or too large can mean that the activity isn’t enjoyable—or worse, it raises the risk of injury. A kid’s bike sizing chart like this might help you get started.
• Try it out - When you take your kid to the store to get a bicycle, don’t be afraid to have them sit on it right there in the store. This will give you a much better feel for whether they’re able to handle a bike of that size, and they can let you know right away whether they’re comfortable or not. You wouldn’t purchase a car without sitting in it first, and you shouldn’t purchase a bicycle without trying it out, either.

It’s also important to remember that there are many different kinds of bicycles. Choosing the right one will require you to determine its purpose in your life and the location of your rides. Whether you’re choosing a bike for yourself or for a child, choosing the right kind can make all the difference.

• Mountain Bike - Mountain bikes are designed for off-road use. These are usually the right choice for people taking their bikes on a tough trail, or for older kids and adults. Small children may not be ready for the difficulty of a mountain bike.
• Road Bikes - Road bikes are best for paved surfaces. If your child will be riding across town or always on sidewalks, this may be a good option. If the backyard is their limit, a road bike may be unnecessary.
• Cruiser Bikes - Cruiser bikes are for leisure. They generally only have one speed, they boast big balloon tires, and the seat sits upright. They’re great for slow, leisurely riding.
• Kid-specific bikes - Kid specific bikes are small, easy to handle, and may even come with training wheels. These are the absolute best choice for any child who is just learning the ropes of the riding world.

Bike riding is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. If you’re worried about keeping your child active during the busy back-to-school season, why not allow a little extra bicycle time? They’ll enjoy it and benefit from it, and you can watch your child learn, grow, and explore in a safe and fun way. It’s a win all the way around: Kids safe, parents happy, childhood made.

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