Letting Your Child Ride A Bicycle Alone

The world around us is changing. Parents are more concerned about their children than ever. From bullies at school to social media, from unsafe parks to dangerous looking strangers, allowing a minor on the streets alone has become a hot topic of discussion. This discussion becomes especially challenging when children want to ride a bicycle to school or spend summer vacation exploring local neighborhoods.

Why have a bicycle if you can’t ride it, and why limit riding to the sidewalk or street in front of your house or a preapproved safe route around the block? A question every child, limited by parental fears is up against. The answer is a simple one for some and more challenging for others.

It makes for a pretty picture, but in reality most parents aren’t bicycling with their children.  However, many have provided safe bicycle routes by working with local bicycle shops, city planners, schools and community centers. Even police departments have gotten involved. Many cities, states and localities require a child be a certain age before being out without a parent – including riding a bicycle, yet children of all ages nationwide want the independence of riding to a local library, park, swimming pool, or to a friend’s house – especially during summer break.

Know your neighborhood and your neighbors.  Although abduction is a fear, bigger fears surround traffic and safety.  It’s easy for families living on streets with lots of children and all-knowing stay-at-home moms. Permitting young children to ride up and down the street in front of their house or to a neighbor on the same street is allowed. Children who live in high traffic areas or in neighborhoods where children are scarce and most houses empty during the day, in the eyes of the parent are more at risk.

Irrespective of the “subject matter experts” whose opinions you read in books and scan on the internet, you know your child and your community; the decision is yours to make. Keeping local ordinances and laws in mind, equip your child with guidelines, a time limit, a watch, money, identification, a list of emergency phone numbers and a cell phone if possible.  Make sure the bicycle is appropriate for the child’s age and size. A fitted helmet, proper clothing, emergency outerwear and a bottle of water is highly suggested. Bicycles break down and have flat tires. Kids get labored, overheated, distracted, challenged by a hill they thought they could conquer or the actual distance to a friend’s house.

Bixby Bicycles carries accessories, safety equipment, replacement parts and maps of bicycle trails and biking routes.  We offer introductory and advanced classes and coaching at all levels.  Whether your child is riding on sidewalks, on country roads or on busy city streets, there are rules, regulations and guidelines, for children and for adults. If they know the rules, follow the laws, are acquainted with their equipment and prepared for mishaps or emergencies they’ll enjoy the summer, enjoy the ride and you’ll feel better about letting your child ride a bicycle alone.