A Chicago Mom’s Guide to Teaching Kids How to Ride a Bike
by
May 5, 2017
So I set out to conquer my parental panic attacks while giving him a solid guide for understanding bicycling, the rules of the road and general directions to get him familiar with the neighborhood. Along the way, we found Chicago bike stores we love, tips for mastering this hobby, as well as goals for when he becomes a seasoned rider (Bike the Drive!). Now, that sweet freedom is all the more fun for everyone.
Tips for biking
• Practice patience: Talk in advance about the importance of patience—knowing that it will take time and practice to improve on balance, using brakes, steering, and pedaling. Revisit the patience conversation often as setbacks and stumbles will surely occur.
• Schedule and safety: Riding a bike requires routine practice. Decide on a regular day and time to devote to practice, whether that be once a week, a few times on the weekends or even 15 minutes per day. Time should also be allotted for safety checks: Does your child know how to fasten his/her helmet? Are the gears of the bike working properly?
• Review basic road signs: Encourage your child to point out red STOP signs, Curves Ahead, Bumps, ‘Children at Play’ and other signage that may influence riding. Be sure to continue these discussions outside of your bike practice (i.e. have your child point out this signage while riding in the car on the way to school or while taking a walk).
Flickr/Aaron Brinker• Talk direction: Before you even leave the driveway, be sure your child knows the difference between left and right. Write a big ‘L’ or ‘R’ on the tops of their hands or even label their handlebars with a Sharpie. Once right vs. left is understood, remind your child to listen clearly and occasionally glance over their shoulder to see cars that may be approaching from behind. Also, talk street names! Make a fun game out of knowing what street you are on and where you are headed while on your bike.
• Get real about goals: Take the time to talk openly about what a child can expect from bicycling—independence, one’s own mode of transportation, and perhaps even a route or special destination, like visiting a friend’s home.
• Accept setbacks and frustration: Taking a tumble on a bike isn’t easy for kids nor parents to endure. Weather permitting, consider leggings or form-fitting pants (like pajama bottoms) so that knees don’t skin as easily if a fall occurs. Keep the tone positive but don’t hesitate to acknowledge that these falls can feel scary or frustrating.
• Plan your routes: Head to a park, a school or a local sweet shop. By practicing these routes, parents are strengthening their child’s understanding of their neighborhood. Street signs, sidewalks, traffic, and even things such as bumps and hills are to be accounted for. Most importantly, work up to these goals and don’t expect your child to memorize them right off the bat.
Where to buy your kid’s first bike
In addition to being measured, fitted and adjusted for the ideal bike, bicycle shop staff may provide helpful pointers for accessories. My two safety must-haves: a fitted helmet and a bicycle lock. If your child tends to ride on rougher terrain or is prone to wipeouts, talk to an expert about bicycle pad options for knees, elbows and hands. Some additions to consider after safety has been addressed: a water bottle holder, a basket, a blinking LED light for riding at night, reflectors and/or a bell or horn. These Chicago bike stores are a great spot to start:
Kiddles Sports
• Roscoe Village Bikes, Chicago: A purchase from Roscoe Village Bikes includes two years of adjustments and services so your child can grow with his/her bike. They routinely promote a sense of community via family bicycle rides throughout the city, as well as organized group rides for experienced riders that depart from the store.
• Village Cycle Center, Old Town: This shop has a walk-in/ride-out policy of one hour. Another perk: A 30-day test-ride guarantee. If your child’s bike is not working out they way you hoped, bring it back to find a better fit.
• Kiddles Sports, Lake Forest: You’ll find lots of bike options at this family-owned shop but their sweet spot is ease-of-fit for your child. They carefully walk you through their bicycles and encourage test rides outside the store along the retail esplanade.
• Everyday Cycles & Motion, Evanston: Everyday caters to the family cyclist, practical cyclist and sport cyclist. But overall, they strive to make biking an enjoyable and easy part of your everyday life. Some of their family bicycles in stock can haul two to three kids or groceries for a week.
• Higher Gear, Wilmette: Located in the Plaza del Lago retail strip, this store hosts regular group bike rides and works to cater to interested riders of any age. Their kid bikes feature lightweight frames that are easy for young ones to pedal and control. Their website is chock full of resources including informational videos, calendar of events and bicycle brand details.
Where to bike with your kids
When you’re ready to leave the ‘hood: Nearby parks and schools
Your kiddos are probably familiar with your local playgrounds and schools, which makes them all the more ideal destinations on bicycles. Aim to visit schools on the weekends to eliminate the chaos of bus traffic, but go to your local play areas any time. Once you arrive, note if there are any bike racks or storage available and test out those bike locks. Practice these routes over and over. When they become familiar to your child, start to show them ways in which these routes can differ but still take them to the same destination.
When you’re ready to foster some independence: Local stores
A friend recently shared that each of her three daughters had the same goal in mind when they learned to ride a bike:—to go together to the local doughnut shop. The route was a little long and had to be practiced, but in accomplishing this there was a delicious sweet treat at the end of the tough ride. For my son, the goal we are discussing is the new ice cream store in town. The location doesn’t have to be fancy or even treat-themed—it can be a library for books or even a bank to cash in a piggy bank.
When you’re ready to venture out for a family ride: Kidical Mass Chicago
Kelly Q. Anderson
Kidical puts on monthly organized family bike rides that cover a distance between two and four miles (approximately one hour time frame with stops). Every type of kid-friendly bike accessory is welcomed from infant seats to bike trailers and festive dress is optional but encouraged.
When you want to learn more about the sport: Glencoe Grand Prix
Each summer this North Shore suburb hosts a world class professional cycling event that is very family-friendly. Not only will it foster your child’s curiosity about the sport and its elite athletes, but the Grand Prix also holds children’s bicycle races organized by age group, with even the youngest of riders free to pedal their tricycles, Balance bikes or training wheels.
When your child becomes a seasoned rider: Bike the Drive
Flickr/Chicago Bicycle ProgramBike the Drive is a fantastic city cycling event in May (this year, it’s on May 28) that closes one of the busiest—and most famous—streets in all of Chicago (Lake Shore Drive) and opens it up to bicycle riders of all ages and experience. Peruse these kid-friendly tips to decide if your child is ready to Bike the Drive, or perhaps just be a spectator.
https://www.mommynearest.com/edition/chicago/article/a-chicago-moms-guide-to-teaching-kids-how-to-ride-a-bike
