Riding a bike is a big step toward freedom for children. By sixth grade, or age 12, that need for freedom is intense. Unfortunately, skills and cognitive ability might not provide the sixth-graders with everything they need to keep themselves safe while experiencing freedom on their bikes. In preparing them for going out for rides farther from home, questions can help guide them as you assess their readiness.
Background
Developmentally, sixth-grade children may have bike abilities and skills that are fairly accomplished, and yet they may not be fully trustworthy with complete freedom for bicycling. They may not have the patience to follow the laws or may not understand them. They also may be risk-takers and may want to grandstand and stunt ride without regard to traffic, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.
Safety Rules
Questions for sixth-graders about safety include traffic laws. Kids at this age may be ready to ride in traffic on more major roads and need to understand the traffic laws like any motorist, according to BicyclingInfo.com. Some questions to quiz them include: What direction should you ride on the road? Bicyclists should ride with traffic. What do the traffic signs mean? Do you walk your bike across the street? If it's busy, they should.
Safety Gear
Helmets may not seem cool, but even in small accident, they can save a life. Ask your child to show you all of the gear on her bike, including brakes and lights; it's important that she know the bike well, according to BicyclingInfo.org. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends asking kids whether they follow recommendations, such as: "Do you wear reflective clothing and reflectors when you ride, so others can see you?"
Decisions
How to ride safely with friends and how to plan time are part of safety considerations for sixth-graders and bikes. Choosing a good route is an important safety skill and should be discussed, recommends BicyclingInfo.org. Ask your child what route he intends to take when he goes out for a ride. Can he utilize bike lanes or paths, or lower-traffic streets? Being home well before dark is a good idea, too.
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