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I'm a Dutch parent, not an adrenaline junkie taking unnecessary risks with his kid. Of course all outings will be age and skill appropriate. For now he rides on
by Freak_NL 4y ago
I'm a Dutch parent, not an adrenaline junkie taking unnecessary risks with his kid. Of course all outings will be age and skill appropriate. For now he rides on the sidewalk (which is allowed for children) under supervision. Bicycle accidents statistically peak when children turn 11/12; when it's usually out of your hands in a cycling country. Younger kids aren't much of a problem if taught properly.
- jacquesm 4y agoAh I thought you had the child in traffic, that changes matters considerably. Riding on the sidewalk when you're that small is the best solution. 11/12 is indeed the risky age: strong enough to attain appreciable speed, but not smart enough to do so responsibly. One of my kids is right in the danger zone and has so far managed to avoid falling, which probably means that if and when he does it will be bad. I caution him whenever we go cycling together but autumn (wind, leaves) is coming and going home from school is such a motivating thing for him that I can't really get him to slow down. Tricky!
- withinboredom 4y agoSpend some time teaching them how to fall! Don’t put your hands out, use the meat in your body, etc. Get it to the point they can do it without thinking about it. I’ve been hit by pickups running red lights and walked away with a few little scrapes and the bike utterly destroyed. Training can save your life and bones.
- touisteur 4y agoYes, one or two years of well taught judo intro are also a lot of help in learning to 'fall'.
- brnt 4y ago> For now he rides on the sidewalk (which is allowed for children) Note that, to my Dutch surprise, bikes are legally obliged to go on sidewalks in many (most?) countries.