The use of bicycles by children: a challenge for the bicycle system
For children, the bike is above all a matter of pleasure. They pedal for fun and to spend quality time outdoors. They see the bicycle as a good leisure activity and also as a simple toy. But did you know that encouraging a child to ride a bike from a very young age can be a real challenge for the bike system?
Cultural issue
The use of bicycles by children allows them to acquire a good cycling culture. It can be considered as a medium and long-term investment for the more general development of cycle travel.
By giving pupils the opportunity to travel daily by bicycle to go to school or as part of extra-curricular activities, they are introduced to cycling while developing their technical, geographical, sporting knowledge, etc. So we are preparing them for the future.
Environmental and health issue
Cycling by children is also associated with an environmental and health issue. To prevent fuel-powered cars from polluting the air around schools and on schoolchildren's journeys, it is important to insist on the promotion of clean, soft or green mobility.
Cycling is also a better solution for reducing health problems such as asthma, allergies and eczema caused by polluting vehicles in young children. It even solves the problem of overweight among some students by encouraging them to practice a complete and regular sport.
Security issue
Question security, cycling is a low-accident mode of transport. Unlike cars, it has only a low risk of accidents, and even in the event of an accident, injuries are usually less serious.
Moreover, the latest figures show a significant drop in the number of accidents involving bicycles piloted by children. This is mainly due to progress in road safety, the improvement in the quality of the bicycles given to children and the improvement in their training on the use of bicycles in the city.
Autonomy issue
The last issue to raise is the issue of autonomy. The practice of cycling by children makes it possible to encourage their independence from their parents.
It offers young cyclists a high degree of autonomy, since they move without being accompanied by third parties. They learn to be responsible for their driving, their safety and that of other road users.