Cycle Training

Good For You - Winter 2000

Cycling with Confidence

Vicky Carnegy puts parents minds at rest over children and cycling

You're worried. It's natural, you're a parent after all. Your child wants to cycle, not just in the park where you feel they are safe and secure, but on the road to school, to their friends, to their clubs, everywhere. Yes, you know that you should be encouraging them to get out and about rather than sitting indoors in front of the computer but how do you help them to be safe and sensible out there, especially since you can't even remember the last time you sat on a bike?
Relax. Cycle Training Ltd is just one of a number of schemes around the country that can teach people how to use their bikes on the road. With a little help and advice you should be able to give your child the independence that they want without turning your own hair grey. But first see if your child's bike is still the right size and that everything is in working order before they go out on the road. If you are unsure about any adjustments then take it to a local bike shop where they will deal with everything from a simple puncture to a full service.

Buying a bike
Go to a real bike shop rather than a supermarket or toy shop. You will be able to choose from a range of both new and second hand bikes and are more likely to get good advice.
Any good shop will give the bike a free service after it has been used for a short time. This is important especially as cables tend to stretch when they are first used.
Make sure that the bike is the right size and that there is room for growth. Your child should be able to touch the ground with their toes whilst sitting on the saddle.
BMX's are great for stunts but remember that they have only 1 gear. A range of gears will make any road riding easier and faster, especially up hills.
The bike must have a rear reflector fitted and lights are also a legal requirement if it is used after dark. New bikes are supposed to be sold with a bell.

Equipment

Keep it simple. Other than a bike there is not much else that you need.
If your child is to be cycling to school, fit a luggage rack to the bike. Then they won’t have to carry a heavy school bag on their back.
Gloves are useful in cold weather, as while the rest of the body stays warm through pedalling the hands always seem to feel the cold.
A rain jacket and possibly lightweight waterproof trousers can be a good idea. These can be tucked away in a bag to be brought out when necessary.
Shoes should have non-slip soles, so an ordinary pair of trainers is fine.
Many cyclists wear fluorescent or reflective clothing. This could be a jacket or a shoulder belt (a “Sam Brown” belt).
A helmet may help if your child should fall and hit their head. If you get one make sure you buy it new and that it is marked with one of these standards: BS EN 1078, SNELL, or ANSI Z 90.4. It must fit snugly over the forehead and not move easily when tugged. Get help in fitting from your bike shop.

Training
This is the most important aspect to consider before your child starts cycling on the road. Children need to understand how roads work so they know what to do in all situations.
If you are lucky your child's school will provide some training. This usually starts in primary school at years 5 & 6. Your Local Authority may also provide summer schemes so it is well worth contacting them. Schemes vary considerably in content so you should consider the following points.

Instructors should be enthusiastic, regular cyclists. You wouldn't want your child to learn from someone who rarely uses a bike.
On-road training is important. Only by practising on real roads can children learn how to cycle in traffic. Playground exercises can start the process but are no substitute for the real thing.
The training has to be pitched at the right level. Your child may be ready to cycle on quiet local roads but may need to practise more before using main roads.
One-to-one training can be a real confidence boost, especially if your child is taken over the journey that they need to practise, for example, their journey to school.
Maintenance training. Your child should learn how to check over their bike to make sure that it is roadworthy. There may even be a separate bike fixing course that they can take.

With good training your child should soon be getting about confidently on their bike. Who knows, it may even inspire you to have a go!