Children often lack the basic bike-handling skills and knowledge of traffic needed to prevent accidents, according to David Mozer with the International Bike Fund. Education and safety awareness can reduce the number and severity of bicycle accidents. Kids bicycle safety classes are offered for young cyclists by themselves and with parents. Schools, law enforcement agencies, cycling organizations and other groups offer classes to teach kids how to ride their bikes safely.
Pedestrian and Bicycling Information Center Video Library
The Pedestrian and Bicycling Information Center, a service of the U.S. Department of Transportation, provides a video library on its website to use in bicycle safety classes for children and teens. The videos are aimed at different age groups to teach several issues of bicycle safety. "Ride Smart: It's Time to Start" focuses on helmets. "Bike Safe Bike Smart" teaches elementary and middle school students to about bicycle safety.
League of American Cyclists
The League of American Bicyclists, a national organization with chapters throughout the country, offers two bicycle safety classes for kids. Kids I teaches parents how to teach their children to ride a bike and covers safety checks, helmets and bike sizing. Kids II, a seven-hour class designed for fifth and sixth graders, focuses on traffic skills and covers bicycle skills and recognizing safe routes. The League provides on its website a search system to find classes offered in your area.
Local Government Agencies
Many state and country departments of transportation offer bicycle safety classes for kids. For instance, the Pima County Department of Transportation's bicycle and pedestrian program offers a variety of classes for kids of all ages and provides participants with free safety equipment. Other agencies that might offer the classes in your area are cities, counties, county parks and recreation and police departments.
Bicycling Advocacy Associations
Many local and state bicycling advocacy organizations provide bicycle safety classes for kids. Advocacy groups promote increased use of bicycles and they also promote safety through education and awareness. The Bicycle Transportation Alliance, located in Portland, Ore., offers classes that teach bike handling skills, avoiding hazards and bicycle safety checks. The Alliance leads group rides for kids to learn about safety while bicycling near their schools with adult volunteers. Find an advocacy group in your area and ask about their safety classes.
References
- International Bike Fund: Programs - Bicycle Safety Education/Injury Reduction
- Bicycling Info.org: Educating Children and Teens
- League of American Bicyclists: Course Descriptions
- Pima County Bicycle and Pedestrian Program: Bike Classes for Everyone
- Bicycle Transportation Alliance: Bike Safety Education Classes
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