Riding to school
Cycling to school is a great way to improve your child's health and independence, and helps them develop good transport habits for the future. Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, run 'Bike It' practical projects all over the country.
http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/bike-it
Before your child rides to school consider the following:
Bike
Any bike can be used, but certain features will make it easier:
- Make sure the bike is well maintained, and in particular the brakes are effective and the tyres pumped up.
- Smoother tyres roll better than knobbly ones, but make sure they are reasonably puncture resistant.
- Low gears will help if the route is hilly.
- Many children's bikes come with suspension, but it adds a lot of weight and is not necessary for the average school run.
- Mudguards are essential if your child is to avoid sitting at school with a damp bottom!
- A bell is a useful polite audible warning but train your child to shout in an emergency. It is more effective and can be done at the same time as braking.
- Even if your child is not going to ride in the dark consider flashing LED lights. These are a great visibility aid in dull conditions.
Clothing
Dress for the weather and for visibility:
- Layers are more versatile than one big heavy coat. Consider a lightweight jacket/jumper and a separate lightweight waterproof. These can be layered to suit changing conditions. Make sure jackets are a bright colour.
- Hands get colder on a bike than walking so make sure your child has suitable gloves that allow full control of the brakes.
- When cycling in winter a 'Buff' type head tube keeps their neck cosy and can be pulled up over face and ears while still allowing a helmet to be worn.
- If a helmet is used make sure it is the correct size and is adjusted correctly so it is a snug, secure fit and does not affect visibility or hearing.
Luggage
A bike is a perfect way to carry luggage, but it does need to be done safely:
- A few light books and a pencil case can conveniently carried in a small rucksack.
- For heavier or bulky items such as sports kit or a musical instrument consider a luggage rack. This puts the weight low down where it won't adversely affect the bike's handling. Dedicated pannier bags with quick release clips make fitting convenient and secure.
- Never hang a bag from the handlebars – if it swings into the front wheel it can cause a nasty crash.
Route
Check out potential cycling routes to school yourself by bike before getting your child to ride them. Remember the best route by bike is unlikely to be the same as you would take by car. If you are not familiar with 'alternative routes' in your area speak to other people who cycle regularly - they will know all the safe 'cut throughs' etc. Most parents will want to accompany young children who are cycling but even for older children it is advisable to ride with them at first and establish together potential risks and how best to deal with them. Some schools have accompanied 'cycle trains' where groups of children ride in together.
Training
It is vital that a child can handle their bike competently before they undertake riding to school. They should know how to ride safely and with consideration for others. There is a national standard for cycle training which is offered in many schools - ask your local road safety department for advise on what is available in your area or visit www.bikeability.org.uk. Other training can be accessed
via www.ctc.org.uk.
