Riding a bicycle is a major step towards independence and mobility for children and, like walking, is a skill that can be used throughout a lifetime. Supervised practice time on the bicycle is the most important way for children to gain riding and safety skills. It can also instill confidence and create better riders as well as better future drivers who are more aware of cyclists on the street.

Before riding to school, children should first:

• Understand how to wear a helmet properly.
• Understand the Rules of the Road
• Be able to ride in a straight line while scanning the situation ahead, behind and to the side.
• Be able to stop quickly using the bicycle’s brakes without swerving, falling or colliding with anything.
• Be able to swerve in a controlled manner to avoid a hazard or collision.
• Know if their bike is safe and ready to ride. (Air, Brakes, Chain/Crank, Quick-Check)