Whether you're on a cycle path or on the road, the rules apply everywhere. And because children are participants as much as anyone else, it's very important that we teach them from an early age the rules of the road and how to behave properly on a bike.
What are the basic rules we should teach children about cycling?
1. A cyclist is a driver.
So the same rules of the road apply to them as to cars. So always obey traffic signs and signals.
2. If possible, ride on the cycle path.
If a cycling trail is not available, ride on the right at the edge of the road.
3. Give way to pedestrians.
Be careful at crosswalks and cycling trails that are combined - that is, for pedestrians as well.
4. Keep safe and visible.
Never set off without a helmet and try to be as visible as possible on your bike (especially when in low visibility). Use reflectors, coloured reflectors, flashers. Do not use a mobile phone while cycling.
Learning as a shared activity
Children learn best by imitation. That's why we should set an example. Follow the rules
and show children how to behave properly on the road. Practice makes a hundred times better. than theory! Drive around with your children and teach them what the rules are and how to behave in the traffic. situation. First, start by practising in a quiet environment - ideally in a park or nearby home. Gradually progress to busier environments and learn to manage more complex traffic situations. Always try to explain the rules in the simplest and clearest way possible. Let your child ride under close supervision until you are sure he or she can move safely on the road on his or her own.
Learning by playing
Ideally, use games and activities to help your child learn the basic rules in a playful way
in a fun way. For example, try a traffic light game! Make your own traffic lights out of paper and let the children and let them drive according to the signals. You can also have fun with a skill ride, where you mark out a route on the ground for cones on the ground and let the children drive the route (e.g. slalom, figure eight,...). If you have a flat asphalted area, you and the children can draw your own roads with intersections, pedestrian crossings and, of course, traffic signs. The children can then ride their bikes or scooters along the roads.
You can also make cards with traffic signs (stop sign, give way, no traffic, no traffic).
etc.) and let your child ride the bike in a quiet place. The cards will gradually
show them to your child as he/she progresses - he/she must react correctly to them according to the rules of the road. Always start with easier games and gradually move on to more challenging ones. Adjust the difficulty to the child's age and ability.
Try a traffic playground
A great way to teach children to drive safely around town is definitely a traffic playground.
This is where they can try out moving "in traffic" and practise good behaviour.
Most traffic playgrounds are open to the public at certain times and offer the opportunity to try out different vehicles.
