What you need to know if you decide to travel with a child

Without helmet, out of place

Aušra Jusė, Head of the Private Client Insurance Division of the Ergo insurance company in Lithuania, recalls that even more attention must be paid to safety when transporting small passengers by bicycle.

“The rider and passengers are not known to be protected by a solid body, airbags, and other car-like attributes that provide an additional sense of security. As a result, all possible safety measures must be taken when riding a bicycle, especially with small passengers. One of the most important is the helmet. If it is recommended that adults wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, it is mandatory for children in special seats. In the event of a fall, the helmet is the main tool that can protect against serious injury ”, emphasizes A. Jusė.

The right equipment is important.

According to the insurance expert, it is also important to ensure that the child seat on the bicycle is properly secured in place. If there is no room for a child seat on the bicycle, then, according to A. Juse, no attempt should be made to master the mounting mechanism or use the seat without following the manufacturer’s instructions.

“It must also be ensured that the seat is comfortable for the child. Only choose equipment that is suitable for small age and weight. In general, the seats offered by retailers are suitable for children from 9 months. However, in each case, it is important not to blindly follow established age limits, but to assess the child’s actual ability to sit independently and stable. Most manufacturers offer seats that are suitable for children under 4-5 years old. It may simply be too difficult to transport the child in a chair for the father or mother later. Also, kids this age probably don’t want to sit in a saddle anymore, and will be eager to try and think about the pedals on their first bike, ”says A. Jusė.

Focus on the child’s clothes.

According to the insurers representative, when transporting a child in a car seat on a bicycle, it is also important to be careful that the child does not get hurt with a foot or toes stuck between the spokes or the springs in the driver’s seat . To do this, make sure that the seat belts are not too loose and that the child can sit stably without leaning over the edge or moving too far forward. According to A. Jusė, it is useful to hold the child’s legs with special straps, which prevent the little one from accidentally touching the spokes.

“Another important thing is proper clothing for the child. When transporting a child in a bicycle seat, scarves, loose laces and other clothing can get caught between the spokes of the wheels and cause loss of control bicycle or small passenger injuries. Therefore, comfortable, travel-friendly children’s clothing should be provided, “says A. Jusė.

The goal is to make the trip enjoyable for the child.

Vaidas Rimkus, a representative of the Vilnius Bicycle School and bicycle coach, says that when riding a bicycle with children, it is also worth paying attention to the travel route. V. Rimkus advises traveling on bicycle paths and avoiding routes with many curves, intersections or, even more, curbs, potholes and potholes.

“Also, when you carry a child in a car seat, you need to pay enough attention. You shouldn’t just put your child in a chair and ride like he’s not even there. For a bike trip to bring joy to a child , it is important to talk to the baby, to draw his attention to the environment, the surrounding objects. Of course, if the seat is attached to the back of the bicycle, you should regularly check how well the child is doing, either is asleep or comfortable. In such cases, it is ideal if one parent carries the child in a seat attached to the rear of the bike, and the other travels behind the child and makes sure the child is feeling well. ” says V. Rimkus.

A safe alternative is bicycle strollers.

According to V. Rimkus, if only one adult is traveling with the child, it is recommended that younger children choose the seats attached to the front of the bicycle. They facilitate the care of the child. Also, it is generally more fun for the child to walk in front. If the child is still being carried on the back of the bicycle, according to the cycling coach, care should be taken not to interfere with the child’s backpack on the adult’s shoulders or, for example, the mother’s hair. is blown by the wind.

V. Rimkus also notes that a special alternative to child seats may be special strollers attached to a bicycle. They provide more security, stability and comfort, according to the cycling coach. Furthermore, strollers often offer the opportunity to transport two children at the same time.

“Basically, child seats or bicycle strollers are safe enough, so when driving safely, taking into account the proper care and attention of children, think of a bicycle with the little ones or with The whole family can be a great experience. Furthermore, children are shown a positive example from an early age that it is fun to travel in an eco-friendly vehicle and to actively spend their free time, ”says V. Rimkus, who is pleased that bicycles can be seen every more often in cities, mentioning families and people of all ages.

A spokeswoman for the insurance company adds that more and more families who love two-wheelers are evaluating risks on the road and choosing protection specifically designed for cyclists. “Cyclist insurance, which is popular with the working population, protects against the three most relevant risks: theft of a bicycle, an accident that occurred while riding a bicycle and damage to third parties. It also insures child seats attached to the bicycle against burglary, which is extremely easy to open with long fingers, “says A. Jusė.