BMX bikes are fun and exciting for kids; while this was huge in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it’s safe to say that this has made another comeback! While this extreme sport is no doubt impressive, it’s pretty dangerous too. And if you are like us and have a Stuntboy (!) in the family, you may find yourself in a few bumps and scrapes. Like any sport, there is going to be some level of danger, especially for a child that wants to learn. So, when it comes to learning how to ride BMX bikes, here is everything you need to know as a parent to keep your little one safe!
This is a collaborative post.
We remember BMX bikes on KiddyCharts with a nostalgic fondness. It was something that WE always wanted to have, so we feel that there are going to be loads of kids out there now with exactly the same feelings. Let’s make sure they are all safe when the bug hits!
Wear the right gear
This is probably the most basic, but your child needs to wear the right gear. Wearing the right gear can significantly reduce the risk of injury during riding. While it can be debated that cycling gear looks unflattering, in the first few years, your child is going to need this to prevent any nasty injuries. Plus, they’ll know they’re protected, which will also make a massive impact. Choose helmets that fit snugly and comfortably all the way around. But why not consider knee and elbow pads for your little one, too, when first starting out?
Have them wear the right clothing
One of the most important safety tips for BMX riding is to wear the right clothing. This will help other people on the road see you so they can avoid running into you or hitting your bike. Like all kids that get into athletics whether it be football, hockey, skating, or anything else, the right gear for BMX cycling also needs to have a major importance. Two very important things to keep in mind are:
- Wear reflective clothing: This isn’t necessarily needed unless your kid is cycling at night, or if it’s a little dark. But make sure they wear something reflective to keep themselves safe.
- Wear the right shoes: So, why do they need to wear the right type of shoes? Well, this will help to increase their grip and comfort as well as provide them with the support they need to stay safe. Most BMX shoes are made from canvas, but they can also be made from other materials, such as leather or suede. These materials are often more durable and offer better weather resistance. Your average tennis shoes lack the needed grip.
Ensure the bike is the right size
Choosing the right bike is an important factor in keeping your child safe when riding a BMX bike. It should be the right size and fit for your child. Since BMX bikes are made differently and operate slightly differently than your standard bikes do, you’re going to need to make sure that everything is the right size for your child.
Most parents have the sentiment of “oh, they’ll grow into the bike”, and while this is true, you still want to avoid any accidents. Not only should your child be able to reach the peddles and handles, but they should be able to reach the ground easily too. When it comes to BMX bikes, safety needs to be an extra concern.
Make sure they stay off the road
Road safety is huge and teaching the rules of the road is a good way to ensure that your child rides safely and knows how to avoid accidents. They should be taught these rules as soon as they are old enough to bike independently. When it comes to BMX bikes, these shouldn’t be on the road (or sidewalk) at all, but instead, should be riding in designated areas such as a skate park.
This is something that every parent needs to enforce for their child. BMX bikes are not the same as standard bikes, plus most local traffic laws don’t allow BMX bikes on roads, cycle lanes, or sidewalks anyways. it is well worth checking what the local laws are for BMX Bikes before your child learns to cycle on one, just so you know. You might be surprised at what you find!
We really hope that you and the kids fall in love with BMX Bikes after reading this – you can all make up for our lost time when we were younger 😂. If you are looking for other great outdoor activities, why not check out these ideas as well on KiddyCharts:
Outdoors ideas for kids
Here are a few more ideas to get you out and about with the kids...!
Forest school activities: How to reconnect YOUR kids with nature
Get connected to nature with some ideas for forest school activities.
Forest school activities for all seasons
A couple of excellent thoughts for outdoor activities whatever the seasons.
Winter scavenger hunt: And you can colour it in too!
A scavenger hunt perfect for winter.
How to go on a bug hunt
Go on a bug hunt in the garden with the kids.
How to make a magical tracking stick to look for the wild things in your garden
Make a magical tracking stick with the kids.
And here are more BMX ideas from across the web too:
Other BMX articles from around the web
Here are some more articles with a BMX theme from some of our favourite sites - including ideas for backyard tracks!
5 Health Benefits of BMX biking
Here are some of the ways the BMX bikes are good for you - so there are even more reasons to get hte kids into them!
15 Fun & Easy Biking Activities for Summer
A general article with more biking activity ideas for the kids, not just focused on BMX.
Build a Backyard BMX Bike Track
Our favourite article - get yourself a BMX bikes track in your own backyard - yes really!
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Helen
Helen
Helen is a mum to two, social media consultant, and website editor; and this site is (we think) the only Social Enterprise parenting magazine!Since giving up being a business analyst when juggling travel, work and kids proved too complicated, she founded KiddyCharts so she could be with her kids, and use those grey cells at the same time.KiddyCharts has reach of over 1.1million across social and the site. The blog works with big family brands (including travel) to help promote their services, as well as offering free resources to parents of kids under 10.It gives 51%+ profits to Reverence for Life, who fund a number of important initiatives in Africa, including bringing running water and basic equipment to a school in Tanzania.Helen has worked as a digital marketing consultant (IDM qualified) with various organisations, including Channel Mum, Truprint, Talk to Mums, and Micro Scooters. She loves to be creative in the brand campaigns she works on.Get in touch TODAY!