Road Safety

Biking With a Young Child...

At What Age Can a Child Ride in a Bicycle Trailer?
Manufacturers recommend using a trailer for children aged 1 to 5 or 6. However, if you are using an adapted seat that is secured inside a trailer, an infant under 12 months can ride in a trailer. Because bicycle trailers have little suspension, you should cycle on a smooth surface and limit your outing to a maximum of 30 minutes. The bones of newborns are fragile and should be protected from hard impacts.

Helmets
Infants younger than 12 months should not wear a bicycle helmet. A child's head can only support the weight of a helmet after the age of 12 months. Before this age, the neck absorbs the force of impact, which will cancel out any benefits of wearing a helmet.

Another way to determine if a child is ready to wear a helmet is to check if a helmet fits the circumference of the child's head. This information is listed on the label inside the helmet or on the box. The manufacturer's recommendations are a good way to determine if a helmet is properly adapted to your child's needs.