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Benefits of Biking
Every childhood is marked by
milestones that show your child is growing up: learning how
to tie shoelaces, the first day of kindergarten and the first
sleepover away from home.
One big milestone is learning how to ride a bike. More than
just a rite of passage, bicycling offers many
benefits for children and for the whole family.
Not only is bike riding fun, it's also a great way to stay
fit. Cycling increases
aerobic activity, helps control blood pressure, burns off
extra calories, builds muscle and increases stamina. And
these are just the physical benefits. Biking also offers a
good way to relax and relieve stress. And the time out in
the sun helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports
bone and joint health.
Family Time
Every parent knows the feeling that there just aren’t enough
hours in the day. Family bike rides offer you the chance to
make the most of your time with your family. Going for a ride as a family
will let you spend quality time with your children while
also getting in a good workout for yourself. By going on rides
together, you’ll also set a good example for your children
on the importance of lifelong exercise and health.
Biking Encourages Independence
Even if you all go out as a group, when your children are on
their own bike, they’re riding solo. For elementary-age
kids, that level of independence can help them mature and
take greater responsibility for themselves. And when kids
are ready to go out on their own, biking offers an even more
independence and freedom – important experiences for tweens
and teens as you help prepare them for the responsibilities
that come with milestones like getting a driver's license or
heading off to college.
Bike Safety
Of course, bike rides require more than just a bike. At the
very least, your children should wear helmets every time
they get on their bicycles. Elbow pads and knee pads are
also recommended.
Make sure your child has proper footwear, as well. Even
though it’s summer, children should wear closed-toe shoes
when riding. Sandals and flip-flops leave the toes exposed
to the bike chain and gears, which could turn an otherwise
minor fall into a much more serious injury.
Bike safety doesn’t start and end with the right equipment
though. Younger children may be able to ride without help,
but they probably don’t fully appreciate the risks posed by
riding in the street or crossing intersections. This is
especially true for a small child on a small bike who can
easily be overlooked by drivers. Parents should accompany
young children on all bike rides, teaching them to obey
traffic signs, stop at intersections and watch for cars.
Follow these tips and your child and the whole family can
enjoy the benefits of biking this summer and for years to
come.
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