RIDE WITH A KID ON BOARD ROSPA’s has a few pointerson how to carry that most precious cargo of all – your young child
Nick Lloyd
CHECK THE LABEL
Avoid the temptation to plonk your precious infant into a car-boot-salebought unlabelled child seat. “Use one that conforms to the British Safety Standards,” says Lloyd. Seats coded BS EN 14344 are designed for children between 9-22kg. “Make sure your child is within the weight range of the seat you choose.”
RECCE YOUR ROUTE
Busy streets aren’t much fun for a child. “Look to use quieter roads and practise riding in a safe area,” suggests Lloyd. “Having a ‘baby on board’ changes the stability of your bike.” You need to get used to the effect the extra load has – especially as your child may fidget. Dismounting and signalling involve a whole new set of challenges too.
STRAP ’EM IN
While you may be clipped in, with your head down in aero mode and elbows tucked in, your child won’t be. Most injuries suffered by children in child seats happen when their feet get caught in the spokes. “Use a seat with foot-rests to act as a shield between the child’s feet and the wheel,” advises Lloyd. Other things that can make a seat safer and more comfortable for smaller passengers include a high back, handrests and wrap-around seat.
HARNESS THE BENEFITS
Whether it’s a seat that mounts on a rear luggage carrier, a trailer or a front-mounted seat, make sure your bike can take the weight. “And always use the harness,” says Lloyd. Children fall asleep in cycle seats, and might slip out. “The harness will act like a seat-belt to lessen the chances of the child being hurt if you have to brake sharply.” Follow the fitting instructions and ensure the harness has a good restraint system with a childproof quick-release buckle.
COVER YOUR KID
“Always make sure your child wears a cycle helmet because children’s skulls are fragile, and it is good to get them into the habit of wearing a helmet early,” Lloyd says. Wrap them extra snug with a hat, coat and a scarf that isn’t loose (so it can’t tangle in the wheels). “It can be cold on a bike for a child, especially when they’re not pedalling!” Speaking of pedalling, remember a child is quite an extra weight, especially up hills, so take it easy and use lower gears.