Want to get your little one into bikes? A balance bike is a brilliant way to introduce them to the fun and excitement of riding! But beyond all the adventure and thrilling times, there’s one very important thing that should always come first – safety. Accidents can happen in mere seconds. Kids are still developing, so their self-preservation skills are, in most cases, not enough to keep them safe. That’s where we as parents have to do everything in our power to ensure they’re having fun without it being a hazard.
So in this article we’re going to list a bunch of different essential tips for keeping your kids safe while they’re on the ride.
Safety with Balance Bikes
They must always wear a helmet
Wearing a helmet is a non-negotiable and is the most essential safety precaution you can take to ensure your child’s safety when they’re on the balance bike. Even the most advanced or most cautious riders could fall or be in a collision, and the helmet is their first line of defense when protecting their precious little head.
Equally as important as wearing a helmet is making sure they’re wearing the right size. So, ensure that the helmet you buy fits them properly and meets all of the standard safety requirements. The right helmet should fit snugly (not too loose or too tight), it should not be tilting but be level, and the straps should buckle up securely under the chin.
Get the additional protective gear
When riding bikes, the more protective gear your child wears, the better. Should you really want to ensure their safety and minimize battle scars, then consider dressing them in additional protective riding gear like elbow and knee pads.
Always check the bike before they ride
A regular inspection may seem a little tedious sometimes, but this is your child’s safety we’re dealing with here. So, before your little rider heads out, it’s always best to check the following:
● Brakes – Make sure the brakes are highly responsive
● Tires – Ensure the tires are properly inflated and check that there is no sign of significant wear and tear
● Seat – Make sure that the seat is at the appropriate height for your child, facing the right way and is not loose
● Handlebars – Ensure that the handlebars are the right height for your child and are secure
● Loose parts – Check that there are no loose parts on the bike (like bolts) and tighten anything that needs to be tightened
Brush up on basic riding rules with your child
As much as riding feels like something freeing and is something fun to do, it also comes with its own set of rules that keep everybody safe. Here are some of the basic riding rules you should teach your children and brush up on every now and then:
● Always look both ways before crossing any roads or driveways
● Always ride to the left of any oncoming cars
● Always keep a distance of 4-5 feet from other riders
● Teach them simple hand signals or code words to indicate when they are going to be turning, slowing down or stopping to warn others
Always choose safe areas for them to ride
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to be aware of the area your children are riding in, so you should always choose the most appropriate places for them. For instance, little ones on push bikes are still figuring out how to use their brakes, so the safest options for them to ride on would be flat, smooth surfaces like driveways far from busy streets this way, you’ll minimize the possibility of them gaining too much speed or being in a dangerous situation with vehicles.
Always ensure you can see them
Anything could happen even when your child is close by, so keep a close eye on them when they’re riding their bike. We’re not saying they have to be riding in circles around you, but ensure you can see them at all times and that you can get to them quickly if they need your help.
Ensure they’re wearing appropriate riding clothes
If your child falls, it’s not always going to be a broken bone or a rush to the hospital, but they can still get scrapes and bruises. Of course, we want to minimize the amount of injuries, and in order to do this, you’ve got to make sure your child is dressed appropriately when riding their bike. Dress your child in long clothes to give them a bit of a buffer should they fall off or
collide with other bikes. Also, ensure they’re wearing closed-toe shoes with good grip – sandals and shoes with laces are a recipe for disaster.
Another thing to remember when it comes to dressing your child for riding their balance bike is that you want them to be as visible as possible. So, choose bright-colored clothing to improve their visibility, especially if they’re riding on the road.
Final Thoughts
Get your child a balance bike and you’ll be unlocking a whole new world of adventure for them, but we always need to be mindful and put their safety first. By going through these essential safety tips, you’ll ensure that they’re geared to have tons of fun in the safest way possible. So, what are you waiting for? You can find cheap deals & discounts on balance bikes right here!
