Be a Good Role Model: Obey the rules, wear your helmet. a child learns to balance and handle a bike many years before he or she is able to develop a sound judgment about traffic, and a realistic appreciation of risk. Children under 9 should be supervised when they cycle.
Practice makes permanent. If you teach your children bad habits, they will find it hard to change later. Get it right first time!
The earliest most experienced cyclists start riding with their children is when the child is around 18 months, and can support the weight of his or her head with a helmet on.
The debate about whether a trailer or a rear bike seat is better depends on your riding circumstances, your ability and your preference. A trailer tends to be more stable, and allows more room for toys and snacks, but the child is further away from you and low to the ground. Trailers are not suitable in high auto traffic situations: it is hard to hear, the child is not very visible, and the fumes are blowing into his or her face. It is always best if another adult can ride behind the trailer. Bike seats mean your child is close to you, but they shift the centre of gravity higher and further back. Your bike can become quite unstable. Practice with a twenty-five pound bag of potatoes before you strap your child into the seat. A novice, or inexperienced adult cyclist should avoid adding a bike seat.
Whichever choice you make, remember to always strap in your children, and ensure they have a helmet on. Of course, you should have a helmet too. If you are lying unconscious on the road, you are not able to protect your child.
when your child first learns to ride a bike, a turn in the park or around the block is the extent of a trip. If you want to go further, try a trail-a-bike. This trailer looks like a bike with one wheel. It attaches to your seat post and your child sits on the extension, on a bike seat, holding handlebars, and pedalling (especially useful when climbing hills). This invention allows you to cycle with your children when they do not have the stamina to go long distances.
 Follow the zany adventures of Emile as he learns the ins-and-outs of bicycle safety from his father and his friend, Jasmine. Intended for children under the age of eleven riding on their own for the first time, this guide is a good refresher for cyclists of all ages.
To order multiple Young Cyclist's Guide, please contact the Young Cyclist's Guide Distribution Centre via fax at 416-235-5068. The fax must contain name (i.e. School Name), mailing address, phone number, number of copies requested (must be in multiples of 100), and contact name. The guides will be purolated to the provided address. The Young Cyclist's Guide, and its shipping, are free of charge. If you have any questions or concerns with the fax process, please call the distribution centre at 416-235-3473.
The OCA does have single copies available at its office.
The Young Cyclist's Guide is produced by the Ministry of Transportation in cooperation with the Ontario Cycling Association.
The Guide is also available online at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/cycling/youngcyclist.htm
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