Tips for Parents to Keeping Family Bike Rides Safe

Riding a bike is fun. But if you have a family (with kids), then it can become an amazing
group activity where each family member get’s to have fun, plus you can all bond over the
experience.

All in all, it’s a really great way of spending time together and creating memories. This is
especially true if you have a fast-paced lifestyle where you cannot find much room for
everything. Family cycling is not only fun, it’s also healthy.
In this article, we’ll present some important yet effective tips/safety precautions when it
comes to family cycling, just so that the children stay safe and out of trouble.

6 Safety Tips for Family Bike Rides

Accidents while cycling can and do happen. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Between 2010 and 2021, annual bicycle fatalities ranged from 623 to 966, with an average of around 883 per year.

Bicyclists accounted for about 2.2% of all traffic fatalities in 2021, highlighting the increased vulnerability of cyclists on the road, especially when riding near motor vehicles without dedicated bike lanes.
But there is something we CAN do. Below, you’ll find six important measures on how to protect your children while having a fun family activity – riding bicycles.

Select Appropriate Routes/Paths

You can enjoy your family bicycle ride with ease depending on the surface area that you’re
riding on and the risks involved in it. Slippery/muddy paths will obviously present more
danger than a sturdy/dry one. Also, narrow paths also increase the risk of falling off the path.
Roads, while they initially seem safe, can also be dangerous since children might not have
the same perception and awareness that adults have when it comes to road safety, so it’s
best to avoid them (if possible) until the kids get more experienced.
Look for the parts of the road that are free from any extreme risks such as sharp or wet
corners by scanning the nearby roads or parks for the best path available. Ideally, do this
before you do the actual family bike ride (as part of the planning process).
It would be advisable to visit local parks’ pages, and if the parents in the review section state
that the path is okay, you are covered.

Make Sure That You Are Using Safety Gear

The right kind of equipment is a must for one to have a safe ride (especially for kids).
However, protection from injuries is more than just wearing a helmet; other things such as bright/reflective clothing (both day AND night), knee braces, and sunglasses (depending on
the weather) are important.
According to a meta-analysis by the U.S. National Safety Council (NSC), bicycle helmets
can reduce the risk of head injuries by a whopping 60% and brain injuries by 58%. This is
why many states and cities have implemented bicycle helmet laws to protect cyclists.

Below is a short explanation of helmet size selection (for kids):
● To select the best fit, the measurement should be done around the widest section of
the head; about one inch above the eyebrows
● Sizing adjustments will enable kids to fit most adult helmets, but specialized kid’s
helmets might be a better/safer option because they weigh less
● Assess whether a particular helmet dug into any part of the head (especially after the
adjustments for ideal fit were made)

Obey The Road Code/Rules

When it comes to riding a bike together with your children, first explain (very thoroughly)
basic road safety rules policies like signaling and following signals. Because, even if you try
avoiding the road, once in a while, you might be forced to cycle on one. Keep in mind that cyclists (usually) don’t have to pass any road rules exams. This is especially true for children. And while adults might have the required awareness about road safety and road culture, kids probably don’t. Educate them about road signals – how to use them and what they’re for.

Ensure Visibility and Focus on the Road on Family Bike Rides

In terms of accident prevention, visibility is of utmost importance. Why? Well, if someone can
clearly see you, the chances of someone hitting you accidentally drop dramatically. Use
reflective clothing, and fix lights and reflectors onto the bike.
Additional tip: Check the batteries on the lights, as they may be close to depletion.
Help your kids understand the importance of focus/attention. Particularly, emphasize on
them not to use any mobile devices while riding.
Also, earbuds. Earbuds/headphones shouldn’t be used whilst cycling. These gadgets are the
bane of every cyclist (regardless of whether they realize it or not). Enjoying music sounds
and appears innocent enough, but a person listening/focusing on music or a podcast has no
idea of what is going on around him/her in terms of sound. Their focus lies elsewhere. This
point is even more relevant when it comes to children. People will have a very hard time getting audio warning signals (e.g., sirens, vehicles passing by, buses/trucks/trains, etc.). If you (or the kids) HAVE to listen to music (for whatever reason), at least make sure that the volume is not high enough to prevent you/them from hearing other sounds.

Do Bike Inspection/Servicing Regularly

Some easy tips to help kids learn the importance of checking the condition of their bikes:
● Show them how to check the tire pressure level (plus how many bars the pressure
should be at)
● Show them how to check brake functionality, and if the brakes are not very
responsive, show them how to tighten them
● Show them how to inspect the condition of the chain (without getting oil/grease all
over their hands)
● Get them into the habit of checking if their reflectors/lights are there and whether
they’re functioning properly
One practical way of assisting your children in the bicycle maintenance routine is to establish
a habit where they check their bikes with you before each and every ride. This way, you’re
doing it as a group. It’s more fun. And if anyone has any questions, answers are easily
accessible.

Know What to Do in Case of an Accident

Accidents (unfortunately) do happen. If you or your family members are caught in a bike
accident, the first thing that you do is assess if everyone involved is safe, more particularly
the children.
If there are any injuries present, see if you can treat them where you are. If not, call/go see a
doctor. Medical records may be important if some actions in law are needed.
Report the incident, take pictures, and record videos/pictures to document all aspects (e.g.,
damage to the bicycle, cuts, bruises, and other injuries, other involved people, damaged
objects, etc.), and collect the names and contacts of all participants or witnesses.
If you are a parent, it is a good idea to consult a lawyer for bike injuries. They can assist in
handling the issues related to claims for accidents and safeguarding the interests of the
family.

Conclusion for safe Family Bike Rides

There is a potential risk in everything. Even if you walk out the door right now, you can slip,
fall, and injure yourself. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. It’s important to be
precarious, but we also have to be realistic.
Riding bikes with your children, as a family group activity, is no exception to that rule. All you
have to do is take the appropriate measures to reduce the chances of any injuries, and
you’re good to go. At that point, cycling with your loved ones becomes a fabulous experience that everyone can enjoy to the fullest!

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