Kids Bike Safety Rules: How to Cycle with Your Kids on a Cargo Bike

Want to bring your kids positive emotions that will remain in their memory for a lifetime? Why not take them to a joyride on a cargo bike? It’s the safest and most adventurous option for cycling with children. Designed to withstand heavy loads, these tricycles can simultaneously carry several kids, a dog, and your belongings while keeping the riding experience smooth and enjoyable. There’s also an option of adding different bike accessories (ergonomic seats, sun and rain canopy, lights, etc.) to make each ride even more convenient and safe for children. We will consider everything you need to know to protect your little ones when cycling, from helmet use to bike safety traffic rules for kids.

Always Wear a Helmet That Fits

What is the primary safety measure professional riders take? They always wear a helmet that fits. It’s essential for both adults and kids, as only a well-fitted helmet provides an adequate level of protection against head and brain injuries in case of accidents. Here’s how to choose it properly:

• Find out the needed helmet size: grab a regular measuring tape for fabrics and wrap it around the head, placing it an inch above the eyebrows. Hence, you will have a starting point for choosing the needed helmet size.

• When trying out a helmet, make sure it sits firmly but not too tight: ideally, you should be able to place two fingers between the helmet’s brim and the eyebrows so that it does not obscure the vision while riding.

• Evaluate the helmet’s adjustability and convenience: the straps should form a tight 'V' under the earlobes and never hang loose. At the same time, they should allow opening the mouth easily.

• Make sure a helmet sits well: avoid purchasing a helmet that actively moves around when shaking the head – it’s probably too big. If the helmet does not cover the head or sits very high, it’s too small. 

• Opt for quality: choose lightweight and breathable helmets that comply with ASTM or CPSC safety standards.

Follow Traffic Rules and Signals

Following traffic rules and signals will not only protect you during rides but also show your children how to behave responsibly on the road. Always bear in mind these safety rules for kids riding a bike with you:

• Ride in the same direction as traffic and never against it.

• Do not ride on the road if the traffic is too heavy. It’s better to use dedicated bike lanes whenever possible.

• Do not take your hands off the handlebars.

• Keep your distance when riding near parked cars since the doors can open unexpectedly.

• Plan the turns in advance and lower the speed before changing direction.

• Use the crosswalk on busy interactions (get off the bike when crossing the road).

• Always stop at red lights, just as cars do.

• Use hand signals to notify other road users about your intention to turn left or right.

Also Read: Biking with Baby: Complete Guide on Keeping It Fun and Safe

Ensure the Cargo Bike is in Good Condition

Other crucial kids biking safety rules involve checking the condition of your tricycle before each ride. The process takes minimum time and can save you a lot of effort later on. Here’s a checklist of the bike components you should pay attention to before going cycling with your kids:

• Tire pressure

• Brakes

• Lights and reflections

• Chain lubrication

• Battery charge (for electric cargo bikes)

Checking the condition of a bike is also crucial if you rent or purchase a used model. Before making the deal, inspect all the components for cracks, dents, and rust, make sure the brakes work well, and check the wheels for wobbling and bents. 

Properly Secure Kids and Cargo

The most reliable cargo bikes (e.g., the Royce II, Inspire, or Royce Mid-Drive) have 3-point harness seat belts so that you can secure your little ones in the cargo box, preventing them from falling out. Bike safety rules for young kids (7-18 months) also imply using a specialized child seat for proper head and back support during rides.

If you carry some extra stuff, firmly secure it using straps or elastic cords. You can also get a lockable storage compartment from Ferla to hide your belongings from view while keeping them safe. It’s worth noting that all the weight should be distributed evenly on both sides of the cargo box. You can also use a bike rack to place some of your goods there and free up more space for your kids or pets inside the box. 

Choose Safe Riding Routes

Plan riding routes in advance, especially if you are going on a family trip far away from home. Bike paths and low-traffic streets are the safest choice for carrying kids, but you can also ride through the parks, woods, recreational areas, and lake/riverside trails. Bike safety rules for kids prohibit using high-risk roads like:

• Highways

• Busy multi-lane roads without bike lanes

• Industrial zones with heavy car traffic

• Narrow roads for fast-moving traffic

• Roads with poor visibility

Leverage technology to choose the safest and most convenient routes for your bicycle trips with kids. There are many good apps that may serve you well, including Google Maps, Komoot, and Strava. 

Read Also: Cargo Bike Weight Capacity

Ride at a Safe Speed

Biking safety rules for kids cover certain speed limitations to protect you and your little ones from all kinds of accidents. That’s especially true for cargo bikes, as they are larger and heavier than regular cycles. With that in mind, higher speeds make it harder to control the bike when it’s loaded, for example, if you need to stop or change direction quickly. Lower speeds will also help you maintain a consistent pace, making long rides easier.

The best cargo bikes come with an electric pedal assist system and can reach speeds up to 20-28 mph. Such models are more convenient to operate since you can get faster or slower in seconds, as well as stop immediately when needed. However, bicycling safety rules for kids still imply that the best speed for carrying children is 10-12 mph. 

Be Extra Cautious in Poor Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can impact cycling, requiring you to be extra careful when riding with children. Rain and snow decrease visibility, while wet and slippery surfaces reduce tire grip, which increases braking distances and makes turning more dangerous. If the weather gets bad when you are cycling, follow these rules for bike safety for kids:

• Turn the lights on to enhance your visibility

• Put an enclosed rain canopy on your cargo bike

• Use glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from rain, wind, or snow

• Ride at lower speeds

• Reduce tire pressure to get a better grip with the surface

Use Reflective Gear and Lights

The use of reflective gear and lights is a must for cycling in the dark or when the weather gets bad. According to the bicycle safety rules for kids, children should wear reflective clothes or accessories even if they ride in a cargo box. It’s also a smart idea to install reflectors on the spokes and pedals, as well as equip the bike with front and rear lights. Some advanced bicycle models like Ferla Royce II allow installing an LED light floor for enhanced visibility in the dark.

Conclusion

Following kids bicycle safety rules is a great responsibility that allows your little ones to get the maximum pleasure from riding while minimizing all possible risks. Remember to wear a helmet, secure your kids properly, and install reflective gear and lights on your bicycle. Plus, follow traffic rules, choose safe cycling routes, and ride at moderate speeds for an accident-free riding experience. Last but not least, keep your bike in good condition to prevent breakdowns – with proper maintenance, a quality cargo cycle will serve you and your kids for years.