Characteristics of Cyclists Ages 5-7

Fearless: Many young children have not developed an understanding of danger.
Easily distracted: Many young children can focus on only one thing at a time. If they are distracted while riding, they may turn unexpectedly, often in front of traffic
Narrow field of vision: Children have about two-thirds of the peripheral vision of adults.
I-can-see-you, you-can-see-me: Children often assume that if they can see an approaching vehicle, the driver can see them
Poor judgment of speed: Children may "dart" out into traffic because they believe it is safe to do so, when in fact traffic is moving much faster than they think.

Small size reduces visibility: Because they are so small, young cyclists and their small bicycles are difficult for motorists to spot in traffic.
Size and strength affect handling: Young cyclists can have a difficult time with hand brakes, both because of the forces needed to squeeze the levers and because tiny fingers can have trouble reaching.
Centre of gravity is high: Children's heads are larger and heavier in proportion to the rest of their bodies, compared to adults. This causes their centre of gravity to be higher. This not only affects bicycle handling, but often results in children striking the ground head first in a fall. Since children also have softer bones than adults, the consequences can be disastrous.

Falls: For all cyclists, falls are the number one cause of injury. To an even greater extent than older, more experienced cyclists, children can be expected to fall more when learning new techniques.
Driveway and mid-block rideouts: Children enter the roadway from driveways, parking lots and sidewalks without stopping and watching for traffic. This behaviour is the most frequent cause of car-bike collisions involving children.
Wrong-way riding: Riding facing traffic is among the most hazardous practices, greatly increasing the chances that a cyclist will be struck by a motor vehicle.
Unexpected left turns: Young cyclists turn or swerve without warning into the paths of overtaking cars or cars approaching from the opposite direction. A similar situation is created when wrong-way cyclists turn or swerve to the right into oncoming traffic.
Sidewalk riding: Although a leading cause of cyclist injury, many young cyclists are encouraged to ride on the sidewalk. When a cyclist rides on the sidewalk, every lane and driveway becomes an intersection that road users would not encounter. As well, motorists do not expect to encounter vehicle traffic coming from the sidewalks, especially when sidewalk cyclists approach the roadway from the motorist's right or are obscured by bushes, hedges or fences.

Use techniques that respond to the outlook of these students:

Avoid "scare tactics". Emphasize positive behaviour and its rewards. Encourage them to always look around ahead of time, whenever they are going to cross an area where there might be traffic.
Encourage them to scan, shoulder check and look left and right before proceeding through traffic.
Encourage them to wait until a car has stopped completely or passed before they attempt to enter traffic.
Emphasize the use of approved cycling helmets, properly fitted.

Compensate for the effects of their physical development

Get children to wear bright clothes and safely decorate their bicycles and helmets in bright colours.
Encourage children to ride where they can be seen on the road (lane and destination positioning).
Check that children can operate hand-brake equipped bikes. Otherwise, coaster brakes (pedal operated) are recommended.

Emphasize behaviours that reduce risk of injury

Encourage children to wear helmets and to wear them correctly.
Teach young cyclists early to always stop and look for traffic before entering the street.
Curtail wrong-way riding early. Encourage children to ride on the right hand side of the roadway.
If children ride on the sidewalk, teach them to watch for traffic at every driveway and to walk their bikes when they come to lanes and cross streets. Make sure they never ride across driveways, lanes or streets when their view of these areas is blocked by fences or bushes. Get them to warn pedestrians before passing and to give them lots of room.
Encourage children to ride during daylight hours only.

Kindergarten
Bicycle Safety Kindergarten

Grade 1
Bicycle Safety Grade 1

Grade 2
Bicycle Safety Grade 2