One day or another, summer will eventually arrive. The rain will stop and the cold will give way to oppressive heat. In short, sooner or later, it will be time to take out the bikes and set off to attack our cycle paths.
Parents of young children, be aware that new elements must be taken into consideration before getting on your bike with him.
Not before one year old
According to the recommendations of the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), it is dangerous to ride a bicycle with a child under the age of one, even if the latter is seated properly in the seat provided for this purpose. Why ? Because before he is 12 months old, his neck muscles are still too weak to properly support the weight of his head. In the event of an accident, or sudden braking, the impact could have serious consequences.
Never without his helmet
In Quebec, even if wearing a helmet is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended for everyone, baby included. Sometimes it is the only obstacle between the skull and the worst that can happen; the death. However, the latter is effective as long as it is well adjusted and fastened. here are someinstructions to follow:
- The straps are taut and form a Y under the earlobe.
- Headset does not tip over.
- You can only put one finger under your chin.
- The helmet must bear one of the following markings: CSA, CPSC, ASTM, CEN or SNELL.
- The helmet, not being an option, must therefore be on all outings and baby must be able to tolerate it.
Choosing the right bike seat
Once these two prerequisites are met - baby can hold their head up and wear a helmet with no problem - all that remains is to find a suitable seat.
The perfect seat is the one in which baby is well settled. Once seated, he must have his back straight, his shoulders supported, his head resting on the headrest, his feet on the footrest and the seat belts snug.
It can be a bicycle seat that attaches to the rear support or the front support. It can also be padded or plastic and its price can vary between $70 and $260. Here, only your budget and your personal criteria are the judge of the best seat… for you.
A little practice trick
However, you have a responsibility to be able to maneuver your bike with that little extra package. To be sure, it is advisable to place a bag of sand - corresponding to the weight of your child - in the seat and to carry out a road test before leaving for a ride.
