|
The distinct advantage of coaster brakes is that little hands find handlebar levers rather difficult to operate and unless gently squeezed, the rider might very well land up going over the handlebars.
Back pedal brakes also perform significantly better in wet weather and are extremely durable and of course there are no unsightly wires to get in the way of your child’s fun.
Choose Back Pedal Brakes, the safer option!
 1. Is the bike the right size?
Check the 'standover height', which is the basic element of bike fit. When you straddle the bike, wearing the same shoes you would be riding in, bounce vigorously on your heels – if your crotch touches the frame, the bike is too big for you. You should have 3cm to 5cm of clearance between the top bar of the bike and your crotch and 7cm to 10cm if you’re going to be riding on off-road terrain.
2. Can you comfortably operate the brakes?
So long as your standover height is correct, you will be able to operate the back pedal brakes (should your bike have them). Make sure when you are seated on the bike, you can comfortably reach the handlebars and the brake levers and that they are at the correct angle.
3. Are the Stem and Handlebars at the right height for you?
The handlebars should be between 2.5 to 3cm lower than, or the same height as, the seat.
 It is the owner or parent’s responsibility to make sure the bicycle is in good repair and in a safe operating condition.
Like any sport, cycling involves risk of injury and damage. By choosing to ride a bicycle, you assume responsibility for that risk. So you need to know – and to practice – the rules of safe and responsible riding by being familiar with the safe operation of the bicycle, understand the traffic laws and practice common sense rules of safe and responsible cycling.
Scientific evidence has shown that the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes is a helmet!
|
