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All children wish they could have a bike to ride. Most of our children don’t understand the responsibility of bicycle riding. Before you go purchase that perfect bike, here are a few tips you can share with your child to keep them safe and having a blast.

When buying a bicycle it should fit your child. Take your child with you to the store to pick out their new bike. Let them sit on it and even ride it, where permitted, to make sure the seat fits, that the handlebars are the right length and that they can safely place their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the bike.

Next, take them to purchase a helmet and knee and elbow pads. Make sure the helmet fits snuggly on their head. If it is too big it can fall over their eyes while riding. Also be sure that the pads fit securely. If the pads are too lose they can slide down their legs or arms causing your child to lose control over the bike and rendering the pads useless for their intended purpose.

Be sure if your child is not an experienced bike rider to have training wheels that will fit on the bike. Until your child becomes experienced enough to ride alone, training wheels are a necessity in the learning process.

Once your child has successfully learned to ride their bike and is old enough to ride without you take them out and show them where they can ride safely. Be sure to teach them all the rules of the road and your rules too. This will ensure your child’s safety and happiness on their new bike.

Submitted by Nicole