Cycling to school has huge benefits for children from helping them stay active to boosting confidence to saving money on public transport. But before your child swaps the backseat for a bike saddle, it’s important to make sure they understand how to ride safely.
Here are the key safety tips every parent should know to help keep kids safe on the school run.
Choose bright, visible cycling clothing
Visibility is one of the most important parts of cycling safety. Bright or reflective clothing helps drivers spot your child more easily, especially on darker mornings or winter evenings.
Great options include:
- High‑visibility vests that fit easily over school uniforms
- Reflective jackets for colder months
- Front and rear bike lights
- A rear reflector for added visibility
You’ll find a wide range of kids’ cycling clothing and visibility accessories at Halfords.
Avoid loose clothing when cycling
Before your child sets off, check what they’re wearing. Loose or baggy clothing can get caught in the chain or wheels.
To stay safe:
- Tuck loose trousers into socks
- Choose fitted clothing
- Wear shorts in warmer weather
Small adjustments can prevent big accidents.
Make sure their bike helmet fits properly
A bike helmet only works if it fits correctly. A helmet that’s too big or too loose won’t offer proper protection.
Use the three‑step helmet fit check:
Eye check
Your child should look up and see the bottom rim of the helmet. There should be a one‑to‑two‑finger gap above the eyebrows.
Ear check
The straps should form a neat “V” shape under each ear.
Mouth check
Ask your child to open their mouth wide. The helmet should feel snug and stay in place.
If your child wants a helmet that balances style as well as safety, don’t worry! We have lots of stylish options including the Apollo Twinkles Kids Helmet and the Halfords Kids Camo Helmet that’ll keep them cool and safe.
If you’re still not sure whether the helmet is the correct fit, head over to our guide to finding the correct fitting helmet.
Add useful cycling accessories
The right accessories can make cycling safer and more comfortable:
- Cycling glasses protect from wind, grit and rain
- Full‑finger gloves keep hands warm in autumn and winter
- Waterproof shoes or spare socks help on wet days
- Spoke lights and rear lights improve visibility
- Bells and horns help your child alert others
Accessories can make a big difference, especially during darker months.
Pick the right bike size
A properly sized bike is essential for safety. If your child is overstretching for the brakes or hitting the handlebars with their knees, they won’t be able to control the bike properly. Use our kids’ bike sizing guide to find the perfect fit.
Regular bike checks are also important. If you’re unsure how to maintain the bike, Halfords offers a range of bike services to keep everything running smoothly.
Keep the bike secure at school
You’ve got your child the perfect bike. They’ve got all the bike safety equipment they require. Now you need to protect the bike!
The Halfords Essential Kids’ Bike Lock is easy to carry in a bag and will keep the bike secure. It also comes in a cool colour scheme!
If you’re worried about a misplaced key and an impromptu trip to school to break the bike free, consider one of our many combination bike locks. Just as secure, there are plenty of compact options so that your child will have no problem carrying their lock to school.
Plan a safe cycling route
Choosing the right route is just as important as choosing the right bike. Look for:
- Quiet roads
- Cycle lanes
- Off‑road paths
- Routes with fewer junctions
Ride the route together at the weekend so your child can practise safely. If they’re worried about being seen with you, simply turn back before reaching the school gates.
Cycle as a family
Why limit cycling to school days? Take advantage of holidays and weekends to explore the variety of great family cycling routes available in the UK. We even have a dedicated blog exploring the UK’s best cycle and scooter routes for more inspiration.
Cycling with your child will help build your child’s riding skills and confidence on the bike – and you may even end up with the next cycling pro on your hands!
Teach the green cross code
Whether on a bike ride or walking to school, your child will need to cross a road at some point, and they can do so safely with the help of the Green Cross Code. It’s something that we all learnt as children, and you want your little one to know the steps by heart. As a reminder, these are:
- Think– Find a safe place to cross the road.
- Stop– Stop at the edge of the kerb, making sure you can see the traffic. Never stand on the road.
- Look and listen– Check around for traffic, looking to your right-hand side first, then your left-hand side, and finally to the right again. Listen for oncoming traffic too.
- Wait– Don’t cross until it’s safe to do so and if you’re at a pedestrian crossing, wait until all the vehicles have come to a standstill.
- Look and listen (again!)– Once you think it’s safe, look and listen one last time before crossing the road.
- Cross safely– Walk across the road making sure not to run or skip as you could fall over.
Help your child cycle to school safely
With the right clothing, a properly fitted helmet, a well‑maintained bike and a safe route, your child can enjoy all the benefits of cycling to school with confidence.
A little preparation goes a long way in keeping them safe, visible and ready for the ride.
