The first step to safety with a bicycle is the bicycle itself. Making sure that the bicycle is kept in good operating condition is important. Your child should check the brakes regularly and in the case of hand brakes, worn pads should be replaced. Rims that have missing spokes should also be replaced to ensure that the wheels are sturdy, especially if your child is doing a lot of jumping. Reflectors and headlights are helpful accessories if your child rides in traffic frequently. You should also check that your child’s bicycle is adjusted properly for his height. If the child cannot touch the ground properly, this situation can make his ability to stop and start difficult and can pose a serious threat when riding in traffic.

Clothing is a very important element to practice bicycle safety. Your child should wear a helmet at all times to prevent him from sustaining a head injury. Smaller children who are still shaky on their bicycles may want to wear elbow and knee pads also. For children who ride regularly in traffic, reflective or light colored clothing is recommended, especially for riding past dusk in the evening. These clothes will enable oncoming motorists to see them against the dark sky.

Younger children should not ride in traffic at all and older children should refrain from doing it unless there is no other choice. Your child should try to stick to marked paths or trails instead of busy city streets. If your child does need to ride in traffic, he should always remember to travel in the same direction as the traffic. Hand signals should always be performed when turning in traffic so the motorists will know which way the child is going to go. The standard hand signals are extending the left arm straight out to turn left and bending the left arm at the elbow with the forearm pointing up to turn right. These only take a few minutes to do and can prevent your child from being hit by an oncoming vehicle.

For older children, riding double is never a good idea. Single-seated bicycles are not designed to be ridden with two people on them. It throws your balance off and both you and your passenger can be hurt in a spill.

Many children also enjoy jumping on their bicycles. This is not recommended on a bicycle with a standard design. For children that want to do a lot of jumping, the mountain bikes that are on the market hold up best during this activity. The rims are reinforced and do not bend as easily to make for easier landings. It is recommended that these children should do this kind of jumping in existing bike ramp areas. Building ramps and jumps on their own can be a key for disaster.

Bicycling can be a lot of fun, but it can be dangerous as well. By teaching your child bicycle safety, you can ensure that he has a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Fortunately, there is a good variety of styles, models and makes that you can choose from when you go shopping for bicycles for your kids. While toddlers like tri-cycles, older children prefer the regular model. Many adolescents prefer the lowrider bike.

Lowrider bikes are based on the design of a motorcycle. They have high handlebars, broad tires, long wheelbase and a casual, laid back riding position. Handlebars are deigned to position the arms at eye-level. Low riding position adds to this comfort. Additional features like straight-laced spokes and sissy bars add to the comfort and pleasure of the bike. The main purpose of the bike is not speed, but reliable, comfortable performance.

Beach rider bicycles are flashy, sturdy, comfortable, safe and unique. As far as kids are concerned, their most attractive feature is their unique, individualistic look. If you want to express character (which teen doesn’t!), it’s got to be a beach cruiser!

Tips to keep in mind while choosing bicycles for kids:

Variety: Twenty years back, there were limited choices if you wanted to buy bicycles for kids. But, these days, the market is saturated with brands, colors, models, features and choices. You have kiddie bikes for the small, mountain bikes for those who like a rugged ride and two seaters for kids who like to ride with a friend. With so many choices, you need to pay attention to two important things: quality and your needs.

Buy a bike that answers the needs of your child. For most teens, beach cruisers are the safest option. The low back design is kind on the back and the sportsy style looks ultra chic. These bikes are not high on speed and their design is such that they give maximum balance and grip on the roads.

Craftsmanship is just as important. Many parents like to go with the latest fad (and their kids pressurize them to!). But, you need to pay attention to things like the material used, brakes, shock absorbers, seat, pedals, wheels and so on. For instance, coaster brakes are safer for smaller children while hand brakes may be used once the child is over 9 years old. The safety and versatility of the biking experience depends on all of these.

The size of the bike also matters. As far as bicycles for kids are concerned, the size is determined by the wheel size. Have an expert decide the right size of the bike for your kid. The last step is to locate a reputed dealer!

With bicycles coming in so many colors and designs, you might want to give your child a free hand when selecting the colors and design of the body. Girls generally like to opt for shades of pink but don’t take it for granted that your daughter will appreciate the hot pink you selected!

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