Do you remember learning to ride a bike? I remember the exhilaration and freedom, riding around on my hand-me-down bright yellow banana-seat Schwinn (think Stranger Things kids…that show nailed it). It was the best feeling to cruise the neighborhood with my friends!
However, there was not a helmet in sight. And we really paid no attention to any safety or traffic rules on our bikes. We just went for it! Bike safety and awareness have come a long way since then, thankfully. And now we have help from experts such as the folks at Pedalheads.
Pedalheads offers camps that teach kids how to ride a bike and how to do it safely. As we get closer to summer, now is a great time to think about bike gear for the whole family. One of the Pedalheads experts, Nick Pavlakis, kindly offered us some tips for choosing the right bike gear for your child to keep them safe and successful.
Selecting the Right Bike Gear for Your Child
With endless options out there for biking enthusiasts, it can feel overwhelming to choose the best items for your kiddo. Here are Nick’s non-negotiables for keeping your child as safe as possible on a bicycle.
The Bike Helmet: Watch for the 4 S’s
A properly fitting helmet is the most important piece of bike gear for anyone, no matter their age. When picking one for your child, Nick reminds us to look for the four S’s:
- Sticker: Any helmet you choose for you or your child should have a sticker inside that indicates safety compliance. Look for stickers that say CPSC Certified, ASTM F1447, or Snell Memorial Foundation.
- Straps: These are the helmet’s “seat belts.” Be sure the straps come down in a V-shape to your child’s chin. And check that you can’t fit more than two fingers between the chin and the strap.
- Straight: Your child’s helmet should sit straight on their head, not at an angle, and not tilted too far back. Another two-finger rule applies here. You should only be able to fit two fingers between the helmet and your child’s eyebrows.
- Snug: Ask your child to nod and gently shake their head to ensure the helmet doesn’t wobble and move.
The Right Bike
Just like we do with clothing hand-me-downs, it can be tempting to find a bicycle your child can grow into. After all, it’s economical to purchase something that can last a long time, right? However, Nick cautions that when it comes to bike safety, too big is too dangerous. Choosing the appropriate bike is crucial for your child’s safety, comfort, and confidence.
When sitting on the seat, your little one should be able to place their feet flat on the ground and easily reach the handlebars and brakes. If they have to wobble and stretch their tippy toes to reach the ground, the bike is too big.
For a young child around 2-5 years old, consider a balance bike to help develop coordination. These bikes do not have pedals, allowing your kiddo to build confidence and safety skills while learning to balance.
Additional Protective Gear
Accidents happen, especially when kids are learning to ride. If your child is particularly cautious or worried about falling (and who can blame them?), consider some of these options:
- Elbow and Knee Pads
- Gloves
- Closed-Toe Shoes
Visibility is another important consideration when choosing the right bike gear for your child. Lights, reflectors, bright clothing, and safety vests will all help your kiddo stay safe as they enjoy the freedom of cycling.
Is It Safe To Choose Used Gear?
Used bicycles and helmets are seemingly everywhere as kids outgrow their gear. Nick and the Pedalheads crew caution parents to avoid used helmets if at all possible. Without knowing the full history of the item, you can’t know how safe it will be. If the helmet was in an accident, it may be structurally unsafe.
For the actual bike, a used option can be perfect as long as it fits your child well. If you go the used route, consider taking the bicycle to a shop for a thorough safety inspection to be sure things work properly.
Choosing the right bike gear for your child doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Prioritize safety, comfort, and a good fit, and involve your child in the process to make it fun. With the proper gear, you can give your child the confidence to explore, ride, and enjoy the outdoors.
And if getting some help with teaching your child to ride safely sounds good, consider the Pedalheads camps that they offer around the Portland Metro area and beyond. You’ll have a happy little cruiser in no time!
Pedalheads is on a mission to inspire as many kids as possible to believe in themselves and live confidently. Their team reaches for this goal by offering camps to help children learn to bike and swim safely and competently. Learn more about their offerings at https://pedalheads.com/en.