Cycle Training

Bella - 18th January 2000

Cycle Safety

...Cycling is great exercise and gives children a sense of independence. What we should do is make sure cycling is as safe as possible.
It's tempting to buy a bike your child will 'grow into'. However, this can be dangerous as a bike that's too big is more difficult to control. Simeon Bamford, from Cycle Training, recommends you take expert advice when buying a bike for a child. If possible, take the child with you. Otherwise make sure you have your child's inside leg measurement. Simeon gives three basic tests for size:
When the child is sitting on the saddle he should be able to touch the ground with the toes of both feet at the same time.
The crossbar should be at least two inches below the groin when standing astride with both feet flat on the ground.
The bike shouldn't be too short - the distance from elbow to fingertips should equal the distance from handlebars to seat.
For training, contact Cycle Training (tel: 020 7564 5990). Southwark Local photo