Cycling is a great sport for children to take up. Not only does it help keep them fit and healthy, but it’s also a way to gain some quality family time with your little ones. However, as good as it is to get out on your bikes, you do have to be aware of the risks to ensure that you and your children are safe on the roads.
By its very nature, there are some minor risks to cycling. It’s not uncommon for your little one to end up with bumps and bruises after a ride, but the British Medical Association says the health benefits outweigh the risks by 20 to one.
This is true, but with winter just around the corner, bicycle safety should still be a priority for any parent.
Frost and ice
The UK may have seen record temperatures of 22ᵒC this Halloween, but since the beginning of November the cold weather has set in for winter. Even if it looks like a crisp sunny day, there could still be frost and black ice on the ground, making it very slippery under your wheels.
Wet weather
One of the great things about cycling is that it can be done in just about any weather, provided you take the necessary precautions. It will take you and your children longer to stop when braking in the rain, and iron drain coverings can also be very slippery. To avoid falling, tell your kids to apply the front and rear brakes at the same time.
Safety gear
Cycling accidents are pretty common, but they’re also rarely anything to worry about. A quick turn or loss of balance will usually result in your child ending up on the floor. You can help prevent bruises and scrapes by ensuring they’re fully kitted out with elbow and knee pads, and wearing suitable clothing – as well as a helmet of course.
With winter just around the corner, have you started thinking about your Christmas shopping? Instead of buying a bike, try winning one.
To be in with a chance of winning brand new bikes for kids, enter the Halfords Christmas competition; Letters to Santa! All you have to do is take a photo of your child’s handwritten letter to Santa about why they would like a bike, scooter or skateboard and upload it to the Halfords Christmas page.
Take part in “Letters to Santa” competition and win this bike!
The competition will run from 10 November @ 12:00 for 4 weeks in total. All entrants must be aged 18 years or older while entrants under the age of 18 will need permission from an adult to get involved. Winners will be selected at random at the judge’s discretion and there are four prizes up for grabs over four weeks. These are:
Week 1: ExySharker Skateboard in Green
Week 2: Y Fliker A3 air scooter in Red and Black (for 7+ year olds)
Week 3: One Direction Bike (for 6-8 year olds)
Week 4: Apollo Force Boys Bike (for 6-9 year olds)
I always find it scary the amount of people who dont wear helmets when biking. Its a bit of a pet hate of mine and now you can pick up really colourful ones from Asda and Tesco so no excuse really.