Kids love their bikes because it gives them independence. When they have independence, their self-esteem and confidence improve. Having a bike can also teach them how to take care of their possessions and give them a sense of responsibility. That’s why it’s a great idea to teach them a few bikes repair and maintenance skills. Here are a few of the resources we’ve curated to help you do that:
- Learn how to inspect a bike – a 5-minute kid’s bike safety check video
- Teach your kid the “ancient” art of bike maintenance – learn what tools are useful, tips on how to make bike maintenance fun and how to learn through making mistakes
- Beginners guide to the most common bike repairs – tips on how to fix a flat, reattach a slipped chain, and more
- Bike maintenance basics – a series of videos on everything from fixing a flat to electric bike maintenance
- Bike maintenance schedule – a few tips on when and what to check to keep kid’s bike running smoothly and safe
- The science of bikes – includes info on how the wheels, brakes, frames work, and a little lesson in physics
- The science of cycling – includes an explanation of why road bikes have thin tires, what are the best materials for frames, and why the bicycle is the most effective way to travel
And a few tips to keep them safe while biking:
- Always wear a bicycle helmet
- Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic. Use multi-use paths or bike lanes when available.
- Learn and use appropriate hand signals
- Respect traffic lights and stop signs.
- Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility. White or light-colored clothing and reflective gear is especially important after dark.
We hope you find these tips useful and have fun maintaining and riding your bike!