It is not always obvious for parents to send their children to school by bike because of the busy traffic. However, children only learn to assess traffic better if they also participate in it regularly, experts say. The message to parents: cycle to school with your children and remind them of the risks every time.
Learned early …
- To make children good and independent cyclists, it is best to start early. Young toddlers gain experience on the balance bike and develop a sense of balance.
- Once your children can ride a bike independently, have them practice on the sidewalk or another place with little or no motorized traffic
- Use the bicycle as much as possible as a means of daily transportation.
- Give tips (for example: “watch out for car doors that can suddenly open”) and keep repeating them!
Contrary to popular belief, children are mainly involved in traffic accidents because they themselves are distracted, not the drivers.
Cycling to school, what can you do as a parent?
- Wear a bicycle helmet. A helmet significantly increases the safety of the cyclist.
- Plan a safe route. The school insurance covers the normal route between home and school. So it doesn’t have to be the shortest route.
- Does your child, between approximately 10 and 12 years old, have sufficient cycling skills to cycle to school independently? Then explore the route together (several times) in advance and discuss the dangerous points and make precise agreements if necessary: always stop here, cross there, …
- A new bike is a real investment. Could your child do without it? Certainly not. So it is best to make sure that it is well insured against any unexpected damage, vandalism or theft.
5 extra tips
- Check if your child has the necessary cycling skills. Can he look back and reach out his arm without swerving? Can he judge the distance and speed of vehicles? Is he aware of possible dangers in traffic?
- The fastest or shortest way to school is not always the safest. Therefore, find the safest route, without busy roads or dangerous intersections.
- Practice with your child how to communicate with drivers. Show them how to make eye contact with drivers to show they have seen you, and how to extend your arm to indicate where you are going.
- Take the time to explore the school route with your child, preferably while they are carrying their backpack or school bag. Even if your child is still at the same school as last year, the traffic situation may have changed. Point out dangerous spots such as busy exits and intersections.
- Take your child’s bike to the bicycle repair shop for a thorough check.
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Read the full articles at: radio2.be & touring.be