As parents, your child’s safety is always a top priority, especially when it comes to activities like riding a bike or scooter. It’s important to check if your child is due for a new helmet or better fitting bike regularly. How do you know when it’s time to upgrade your child’s helmet and their bike? Let’s talk about a few ways you can tell.
First, let’s talk about helmets. If the helmet no longer fits snugly, and the straps are unable to be adjusted to keep it secure on their head, it’s likely time for a replacement. Test if your child’s helmet fits by following these guidelines:
-The straps should form a “V” under their ears
-Two fingers should fit in between their eyebrow and helmet
-The helmet fits properly and is tight enough if they can fit one finger between the chinstrap and their chin
Additionally, if your child has been in any crashes while wearing the helmet, even if there are no visible signs of damage, it’s safer to replace the helmet because they are designed to absorb impact and may not provide the same level of protection after a crash.
As children grow, their bikes should grow with them and there are a few signs it may be too small. If your child is struggling to reach the handlebars comfortably, or if their knees are hitting the handlebars when pedaling, it may be time for a larger bike. Similarly, if your child has outgrown their bike in terms of skill level, such as mastering balance and coordination on a smaller bike, it might be time to transition to a bike with gears or hand brakes for more advanced riding.
To test if your child’s bike fits properly:
– Their feet should be able to reach the pedals comfortably without having to stretch.
– Have your child stand over the bike with their feet flat on the ground. There should be at least 2 inches between their body and the top bar on the bike frame.
– When riding, their knees should be slightly bent when the pedal is at the bottom (closest to the ground) and have a slight bend in their elbows.
– They should be able to control the bike and maneuver it easily when riding around.
Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, ensure proper fit, and be mindful of your child’s growth and skill development. By staying proactive, you can help make your child’s biking experience safe and fun as they continue to grow and explore the world on two wheels.
For additional information on proper bike and helmet fit, look into our assembly for your child’s school, or visit bikeclub.com as an additional resource.