How To Teach Your Pre-Teens And Teens To Stay Safe While Cycling
As the weather gets warmer, you may find your pre-teens and teens spending more time outdoors on their bikes. While this is a great way for them to get some exercise and fresh air, it’s important to make sure they’re staying safe.
Here are a few tips to help you teach your pre-teens and teens how to stay safe while cycling:
Teach Them The Traffic Laws And Regulations
When using roads or highways, bikers have the same liberties as drivers. They must, however, also abide by all traffic regulations. It is vital to ensure the children are aware of the rules that apply to them before you set out on your bicycle.
Cyclists must ride on the furthest end of the road while moving in the same direction as vehicles. Depending on your location, different laws may apply. It can be beneficial to read the local regulations that are relevant to you and ensure the kids abide by them.
However, if your child is injured while cycling, contact a bicycle accident lawyer immediately for legal assistance. You can schedule a free consultation to ensure you find the right lawyer for you.
Teach Them The Basic Hand Signals
Using hand signals when turning or stopping is a crucial safety measure to follow when cycling. Doing so will alert other drivers and assist them in preventing collisions. When it’s dark outside or there is little light, it’s crucial to use hand signals so that cars can see you.
Turning, stopping, and yield signals are a few hand gestures that cyclists frequently employ. You can check for a tutorial online or ask your neighborhood bike store for advice if you’re unsure how to utilize hand signals appropriately. You may practice and learn how to use hand signals with many smartphone apps.
Ensure They Always Wear A Helmet
One of the most important pieces of safety equipment for a cyclist is a helmet. A helmet can help to protect your child’s head in the event of a fall or collision. It’s also important to make sure that the helmet fits properly. A loose helmet can actually do more harm than good, so it’s worth taking the time to get fitted for one at a local bike shop.
Ensure They Are Alert When Cycling
Most individuals have already heard of the risks associated with inattentive driving. Nonetheless, distractions can happen to cyclists when they are riding their bicycles.
Individuals run a substantially higher chance of having an accident if they ride bikes while looking down at their phones. Additionally, you should refrain from using headphones when cycling because they will impair your hearing and cause you to become distracted. Altogether, it is best to avoid using your phone while riding. Teach them to stop in a secure location if they need to answer a phone.
Ensure They Are Visible When Riding
It can be beneficial to emphasize the importance of being visible to other drivers when cycling since this is a crucial additional safety measure. The kids can accomplish this by riding a bike with lights and wearing bright or luminous apparel.
Wearing brightly colored apparel during the day will help them stand out to drivers and make you more noticeable. A front and a rear light on your bicycle at night can be helpful to ensure cars can see them approaching and departing.
It is crucial to teach your children to abide by the laws of the road. Unsupervised riding for children is not recommended unless they have proven that they always abide by the regulations. It is essential to inform them of the dangers of not donning the necessary safety gear, and they should be well aware of the risks involved.
