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Children
& Teens : beginner cyclists ages 5-8
Between
the ages of five and eight is the most popular time for kids to
learn how to ride a bicycle. Make it the most popular time to learn
safe riding skills, too.
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learn
about important safety information. more |
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learn
the fundamentals of good bicycling. more |
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view
an extensive list of resources on the web. more |
Cautions
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Because kids' cognitive abilities- skills necessary to safely
handle complex traffic situations- are still developing, children
ages 5-8 are advised not to bicycle on busy streets or major
arterials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends that children in this age group stick to
cycling on sidewalks only. |
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Beginner cyclists should only bicycle with adults when
learning to ride. |
Tools and
Skills
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Concentrate on teaching the 5-8 year old to develop or continue
to develop basic riding skills, like knowing when and how
to shift gears as he or she pedals. Teach the 5-8 year old
to look behind herself or himself for approaching traffic,
while simultaneously cycling in a straight line. |
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Teach 5-8's to recognize what can cause a fall and how to
control a fall. They should learn how to spot roadway hazards
and dodge them. Visit
the League of American Bicyclists website - better bicycling
fact sheets, Rock Dodging, for more >>
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Teach 5-8's how to ride carefully on sidewalks, wet roads,
and trails. Explain the dangers of night riding, such as low
visibility and reduced sight distance- and make sure that
this age group avoids riding at night. |
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Teach 5-8 year-olds about sidewalks, neighborhood streets,
paths, trails, and What Makes a Good Route. At this age, they
should learn what bike lanes and bike routes are. Visit
the League of American Bicyclists website - better bicycling
fact sheets, How to Ride in Bike Lanes, for more >> |
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Teach 5-8's to pay attention to and obey traffic signs, signals,
and other markings. Visit
the League of American Bicyclists website - better bicycling
fact sheets, Traffic Principles, for more >> |
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Teach them the importance of cycling with traffic, not against
it. Like all cyclists, they should ride on the right.
riding on the right Visit
the League of American Bicyclists website - better bicycling
fact sheets, Reasons to Ride on the Right, for more >> |
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Teach 5-8's to better judge distances and speeds. Make sure
they understand that it is impossible to positively judge
distances and speeds. |
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When crossing the street at an intersection or crosswalk,
a 5-8 year old bicyclist should dismount and walk the bike,
while taking care to watch for vehicles. |
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Teach 5-8's how bicyclists and drivers communicate and negotiate
with one another. Show them how to use standard hand signals,
and make eye contact before moving in front of a car. Explain
that a cyclist cannot predict what a driver or anyone else
in traffic will do. Emphasize the importance of always showing
respect for others traveling on the road. Visit
the League of American Bicyclists website - better bicycling
fact sheets, Sharing the Road, for more >> |
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Teach 5-8 year-old cyclists to familiarize themselves with
their bicycle and helmet. Demonstrate basic maintenance skills,
such as patching tires. Teach them about the brake lights
and headlights they will need, how to carry cargo, how to
use rain gear, and how to park and lock a bicycle. |
Links
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