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Article by Chris Timm

The 4 Best Pieces of Kids Cycling Safety Equipment

We’ve partnered with Bikeability, the government’s national cycle training programme that gives kids the skills and confidence they need to cycle on today’s roads. Whether it’s through Bikeability cycle training or giving them a head start with money with Rooster Money, we’re proudly supporting young people to learn new skills, build their confidence and earn some independence. As we’re sponsoring Bikeability’s Cycle to School Week, we’ve co-written this cycling safety equipment article to make sure your kids have everything they need to stay safe on the road. Don’t forget to check out Bikeability’s website to learn more about cycle training, in and out of schools, and how we’re supporting Cycle to School Week.

Cycling is a great way for your kids to enjoy the outdoors, travel to school, and gain their own independence. But before your kids put their foot to the pedal, they need to understand the importance of putting safety first. Introducing your kids to essential cycling safety gear is a great way to protect them from injuries and build good safety habits from a young age. To give you peace of mind when they’re out cycling, we’ve pulled together our 4 best pieces of cycling safety equipment for kids.

1. Helmets

When it comes to cycling safety, helmets are the most important piece of equipment to protect your kids. If your kids get into an accident, a helmet could be the difference between a small scrape and a serious injury. Make sure they don’t leave the house without it and make sure they wear it when they’re on their bike.

When looking for the right helmet for your child, you’ll want to look out for:

  • Proper Fit - A helmet should fit snugly on your child’s head without being too tight. It should sit level on the top of their head, covering their forehead without blocking their view.
  • Safety Certifications - When choosing a helmet, look out for the symbol EN 1080 on the packaging or the helmet itself. This is a symbol from the British Standards Institution (BSI) to show that the helmet has passed all the right safety standards and is suitable for your kids.
  • Adjustable Straps - Look for a helmet with easy-to-adjust straps so your child can keep a comfy and secure fit as they grow.

2. Reflective Gear

Reflective gear can help your child to be seen by drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists using the road. The bright colours can improve their visibility in low-light conditions and it’s an easy way to prevent any accidents from happening.

There are a few reflective items of clothing your child can choose:

  • Reflective Vests - These lightweight vests can be worn over regular clothes and the reflective material can catch light from all directions. If your child thinks a reflective vest is a bit too much, you could always settle for some bright coloured clothing instead. Just try to find something eye-catching for when it’s darker outside.
  • Reflective Stickers - These reflective stickers can be put on the bike frame, the helmet or any other parts of the bike to make sure it’s visible from all angles.
  • Reflective Tape - This tape can be stuck to almost anything, whether that’s clothing, a backpack or other accessories. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to keep them visible on the road.

3. Bike Lights

Sticking with the visibility theme, bike lights are another important piece of kit to keep your kids safe on the road. They can light the way to show your kids where to go, but also make sure other road users can see them. This is super important in the darker winter months or if your kids tend to ride around after dark.

When choosing a bike light for your child, you’ll want to look out for:

  • Brightness - The brightness of a light is measured in lumens. Choosing a light between 200-500 lumens should be enough to keep your kids visible on the road.
  • Battery Life - You’ll want to find a light with a decent battery life, especially for kids that enjoy the longer cycle sessions. To keep it simple, have a look for a rechargeable light so you can quickly charge it up between rides.
  • Waterproofing - Given the typical British weather, it’s worth checking the light can withstand rain and splashes.
  • Easy Mounting - You’ll want a light that’s easy to set up, so look for lights with quick-release mounts to make it easier for your kids to get on and off.

4. Bike Bells

In busier public areas and shared cycle paths, kids might want a bike bell to let people know they’re coming. They can be a handy way to help your kids alert others and navigate through different environments.

When choosing a bike bell, have a think about:

  • Loudness - When choosing a bell, make sure it’s loud enough to cut through noisy environments (but do spare a thought for your poor neighbours who will no doubt hear it all the time).
  • Ease of Use - Choose a design that’s easy-to-reach for small hands. The simpler the better for these things as you never know when they might need it.
  • Durability - Once again don’t forget to choose something that can survive the British weather. Choose a bell made from sturdy materials that is made to last.

That wraps up our list of the 4 best pieces of kids cycling safety equipment. Whether you choose just one or all the items on this list, take your kids out with you when choosing the equipment so they can have a go themselves before they get riding. That way you’ll have peace of mind knowing they have everything they need to enjoy a safe cycle on their own. If you’re looking for more handy back to school guides, read our article on giving your child independence for other ways to safely give them a sense of after-school freedom. You can also check out our ultimate back to school parent’s guide to help your kids get off to a flyer in the new school term. For more useful tips, check out our handy back to school hub for even more videos and articles to help you and your family take on the term.