The School Run — Preparing Your Child To Cycle To School (and Get Fit!)

Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years, and in 2012 more than one third of children were overweight in the States. This is a staggering statistic for any parent to hear. It’s going to take time, but it’s not impossible to turn such numbers around on a household level. The surgeon general’s recommendation of ‘regular, moderate, physical activity’ will play a critical role in both the combat and cure of rising obesity rates, and makes cycling to school a worthwhile consideration in the battle to keep your little ones healthy. It’s also more considerate of the environment than driving for such a short, fuel-expending journey every day. But before you send them out into the wonderful world of cycling, however, there are a few considerations.

Service their bike

It doesn’t matter if your kid’s rocking two wheels on an incline-blasting 24 speed mountain bike or a little pushbike with pink plastic daisies on the handle; for the sake of their safety, the bike has to be in top-notch condition. Make it part of their routine to service the bike before term. This includes checking out inner tubes for punctures, cleaning and greasing the chain, checking brake pad alignment, tightening up nuts and bolts and inflating tires. Not only will the bike be a safer ride, it will last longer, wear better and look cared for.

Plan out their route ahead of time

It’s important your child feels confident about the road ahead, so plan in some practice runs at your route a couple of weeks before term starts. Go out together; it’s a great opportunity to point out rules concerning the traffic, how to behave should something unexpected happen, and, crucially, give you both some peace of mind.

Dress your child, and their bike, for safety

You must buy your child a good-quality cycle helmet to protect them, and it could be useful to get them some cycling gloves to save their hands from blistering. Make sure they’re not wearing scarves, or anything else that could dangle and get caught in the gears, and that long hair is tied neatly out of the way. On dim, drizzly mornings, a cycle lamp on the front and back of the bike will help them stay visible, as will a brightly colored cycling jacket.

Cycling is great for your child’s health. What’s more, it helps to save the environment, and is economical for the family on a budget. Make sure your children have a sound schooling in the fundamentals of their new hobby, and with any luck, it will help them find the path to becoming more active for life.

Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm

Nicola Wilkie is a keen cyclist and mom of two and firmly believes in bringing up kids to be active and curious about the world. She loves to go away with her family on cycling weekends.