The path leading to daycare or school is ideal for introducing children to active transportation, including cycling. At first a relative will pedal for him, then soon he will be grabbing the handlebars of his own bicycle.
Vélo Québec recalls that “in Québec, more than 80% of elementary-aged students live within walking or cycling distance of their school” and benefit from pedaling to get there.
In particular, children are more alert, do better in school and learn to move around independently. There is less congestion in the neighborhood, risk of accidents, pollution and noise. Without forgetting that this activity makes communities more pleasant, safe and promotes good neighbours.
“At the beginning of the season, at the start of the construction holidays and before the start of the school year are three more hectic periods”, for the purchase of bicycle equipment allowing you to pedal with your child, notes Frédérick Duchesne, co-owner of Demers Bicyclettes and cross-country skis.
First walks
Comfortably seated in a baby seat or a trolley attached to an adult’s bicycle, the child will first quietly tame the surrounding sounds, the passing landscapes, the movements of the bicycle, etc.
Photo courtesy, Demers Bicycles and cross-country skis
Trolley Thule Cross 1
According to the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), a child installed in a seat or trolley must be at least 12 months old, so that the muscles in his neck are strong enough to support his head in the event of accident. He must also be able to sit on his own and be able to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet.
“The helmet is not recommended before a year, because it is the neck that risks absorbing the shock in the event of an impact and not the head… Which cancels out the advantages of the helmet”, indicates the SAAQ on its website.
A little practice
There are a variety of other pieces of equipment for riding with your child, such as a saddle and footrests installed on a frame in front of the cyclist, a trailer seat placed at the back of the bike or an electrically assisted cargo bike to transport several children.
In any case, since the extra load will change the handling of the bike and the braking, the SAAQ suggests a little practice first. By placing a bag of potatoes corresponding to the child’s weight in the trailer or on the seat, the rider will slowly become familiar with cornering and braking.
Towards autonomy
Photo courtesy, Demers Bicycles and cross-country skis
Trail-Gator tow bar.
Around the age of 4, children looking for autonomy can first pedal on a half-bike or on their own bike attached to the back of their parent’s using a bar. towing, taking advantage of the supervision of an adult who will introduce him to the rules of road safety.
Photo courtesy, Demers Bicycles and cross-country skis
EVO Beep Beep balance bike.
When he is finally ready to ride on his own, the balance bike (lower and without pedals) will help him gain self-confidence, before getting on a bike adjusted to his size and well equipped, with or without small wheels. stabilizers.
The schoolyard, a park or an alley will then prove to be places conducive to learning, says Vélo Québec, before taking quiet streets with an adult to learn how to travel on the road network to school.