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Choosing a kid’s bike and riding basics

Choosing a kid’s bike and riding basics

Choosing a kid’s bike and riding basics

Get kids OFF the screens and ON a bike with Mobile Cyclist!

Anthony Barr, Mobile Cyclist, and Kevin Whited, Transportation Development Coordinator, City of Carmel, share the bike choices for kids these days and which one might be perfect for YOUR kiddo!

Choosing a kid’s bike and riding basics

Benefits of Bicycling:

•    Bicycling as family is a great way to encourage kids to get outdoors 
•    Adopt of healthier, active lifestyle.

•    Like other sports, Children’s bikes have evolved, beginning with their “First Bike”
•    Bikes, Equipment and Training has evolved
•    Learning balance and pedaling … and graduating to “Big Kids” style bike.

•    The key is engaging and involving your children with cycling activities at an early age. 
•    Communities are creating fun, family centered rides
•    Youth cycling programs are becoming more popular across country (previous show!) 
•    Great for sustaining interest as kids mature

So Many Choices for Kids Bikes These Days: Here are a Few..

Bike #1:    (3rys and Under)   “Balance Bikes /  Push Bikes”
•    no pedals / no gear / no brakes  
•    Good teaching BALANCE  develop and learn to “glide” 
•    NEW METHOD: No Training Wheels  (Don’t Learn Balance & Difficult When Take Them Off!) 
Bike #2:   (3yrs – 6 yrs)  –  16” Bike 
•    Pedals
•    Coaster Brake (maybe single hand brake) 
•    Incorporate pedaling motion, better at turning 

Bike #3:  (5rys – 8yrs.) –  20” Bike
•    Both handbrakes (L & R) 
•    Gears 

Basics Things to Consider When Teaching Your Kids to Bike:

•    Get Right Sized Bike – Local Bike Shop – 
o    Don’t get one “grow into” that’s too big
o    Difficult to Get on and Off 
o    Difficult to control – Can get frustrated,  Stop riding or Have Accident
•    Teach in an non-traffic area 
o    Parking lots / school grounds
o    Allow wide flowing turns 
o    If child falls, no worry about traffic 
•    Wear A Helmet – All Kinds of Fun Styles Today..! 
•    Have them Learn to Balance First… 
o    No Training Wheels
o    No Pedals 
o    Lower Seat / Touch Feet
•    Add Pedals Later
•    Raise Seat 

Choosing a kid’s bike and riding basics

Fun Ideas for Kids To Enjoy Cycling :  
•    Community Bicycling Rides 
•    Renting Bikes on Vacations
•    Camping and Biking 
•    Youth Cycling Leagues

Youth Bicycles and Equipment courtesy of Bicycle Garage Indy: https://www.bgindy.com/

BGI Adult and Children’s Bicycle Classes:  https://www.bgindy.com/about/learn-to-ride-classes-pg2419.htm

Carmel Family Fun Rides and Events: https://www.facebook.com/pg/bikecarmel/events/?ref=page_internal

More about Mobile Cyclist … 

•    Barr enjoyed discovering how people could enjoy bicycling no matter where they were or what type of bike they used.
•    His curiosity and creativity led to the idea of showcasing the personal stories of fellow cyclists, the sights and sounds of places that make up the diverse cultures of cycling cities and the people who bring it to life. 
•    After a 20+-year career in the health care industry, Anthony decided to combine his passion and purpose by starting his own production company, Two Wheel Films, Inc. and creating “Mobile Cyclist.”
•    “Mobile Cyclist” is a web series and an Emmy Award Winning TV show that has aired across the state of Indiana on Public Television.  Host Anthony Barr travels the country highlighting the best trails, shops, events, and bike-friendly destinations to enjoy bicycling. 

Head to www.mobilecyclist.com to learn more, to sign up for the newsletter for news on episode releases and see more episodes from all over the U.S. ! 

UPCOMING RIDES & EVENTS :  June / July 

THIS SATURDAY NIGHT – June 22nd
2019 Indy Nite Ride
•    When: 10:00pm – 2:00am  
•    Where:  Indianapolis City Market, 222 East Market Street, Indianapolis, IN 
•    What:  (Slow Ride and Social Event) – leisurely 20-mile tour of Indianapolis at NITE! Experience what it’s like to ride with 3,000 other cyclists under the stars over Indianapolis with a route that takes you on a tour of downtown Indianapolis, The Indianapolis Children’s Museum, Butler University, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Newfields, IUPUI and Monument Circle.
•    How: $30 per person: Regsiter at: http://www.niteride.org/registration.html
•    More Info: http://www.niteride.org/

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT:  June 21st 
Bike Party Brown County Tour De Foam

Choosing a kid’s bike and riding basics

•    When:  7:00pm – 10:00pm 
•    Where: Brown County IN – Hard Truth Hills / Big Woods, Old State Rd 46, Nashville, IN 47448
•    What: (Social Ride – Slow)  We’ll meet at Hard Truth Hills, park in the gravel lot behind the distillery and take our ride from there to different stops along the way. We’ll end at Hard Truth Hills, they’ll have their patio and grill open with food and drinks to purchase so join us and enjoy the live music on the deck outside. The gate will be open so you can pull your bike inside. We hope to see you soon! 
•    How: Free..! – Just bring your Bike and Show Up!
•    Info:  https://www.facebook.com/events/2239318819655837/
Friday, July 12th 
MASS AVE Twilight Criterium – Bike Race

•    When – 4:30pm – 10:00pm
•    Where: 435 E Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204-1501, United States
•    What:  (Bicycle Races) 
•    How: Free Admission to Spectators
•    How: Register https://www.bikereg.com/ic-mac-heroes
•    More Info: https://www.massavecrit.com/

Saturday, July 13th 
IU Health Indy Crit Bicycle Festival 
•    When: 9:00am – 6:00pm
•    Where: 120 Monument Cir, Indianapolis, IN 46204-2904, United States
•    What: (Bicycle Festival and Bike Races) Join us down on Monument Circle for an entire day of cycling action, from rides, to races, kids races, and everything in between! 
o    Fun for the Family:  Kids Races,  Party Zones and of course Great Racing Action !
•    How: Free Admission to Spectators
•    How: Register https://www.bikereg.com/ic-mac-heroes
•    More info: https://www.indycrit.org/

To learn more, visit www.mobilecyclist.com.