We also go to school safely by bicycle.
The Bicycle to school campaign is undoubtedly a very important nationwide campaign to promote healthy and ecological commuting to school. However, one thing discourages many people from sending their children to school by bicycle – the fear of an accident. Here are some tips on how to get kids to school safely by bike.
As children grow, we need to place more and more of our trust in them for their self-confidence. A separate trip to school by bicycle is one of them. Before you do, however, there are a few steps you can take to protect your children for their safety and your peace of mind. Pupils between the ages of 11 and 14 are especially vulnerable on the road. They are old enough to go alone, but they are under the influence of friends, distractions and even mobile phones or headphones. And these are all risks.
The second important accessory on the head is headphones. However, they do not belong on the ears while driving to school. Cars are quieter, there are also quiet electric cars around us, but also fast and quiet electric scooters. A student should concentrate more than his eyes while driving to school. Sound is often the first warning that something is wrong.
The golden rule of travel is to see and be seen. It is better to light yourself in front and behind, turn on the light before driving, regardless of the weather. Reflective clothing helps a lot. The bright yellow light jacket weighs nothing, it is easy to pack into the school locker and at the same time protects it as the first layer against possible mud or water. When choosing a route to school together, make sure that your child can easily handle pointing before turning.
School backpacks can be quite heavy. You also have to think about that on the bike. The rucksack can overwhelm the student during sharp braking or turning. Therefore, a cycling trip with a heavy rucksack to test it is not harmful, even if the child tells you how well he can ride his bike. Never allow the rucksack to be carried on the handlebars. If it is in the front of the basket, you have to get used to the fact that its weight causes a sharper turn. At the back, watch out for hanging straps that can get tangled in the wheel.
There is no need to talk about checking the bike’s functionality. But just to be sure – the basis is uncompromisingly functional brakes, a good derailleur and correct tire pressure.
