dont teach kids to ride bikes rashly beware of childhood bike syndrome

Cycling has become the first sport that parents teach their children. It not only exercises the body but also serves as a means of transportation. But did you know that each age group has its own exclusive 'battle vehicle'? If chosen improperly, it can lead to'children's bike disease'Oh~

Learning should start from a young age, but cycling should not. If children under the age of 3 learn to ride a bike, it can affect the normal development of their legs, leading to children's bike disease.

The so-called 'children's bike disease' refers to abnormalities in the development of a child's lower limbs after riding a children's bike for a period of time. This can result in 'X' shaped legs, where the inner sides of the knees protrude outward when standing, and the ankles cannot come together when the knees touch. This condition resembles rickets caused by calcium deficiency. The knees cannot come together and form an 'O' shape, commonly known as 'bow legs'.

Children's bike disease mainly occurs because some bike designs are unreasonable. The distance between the pedals and the seat may be too long or too short. Some children cannot reach the pedals, while others grow quickly and have to bend their legs while riding. This has a fatal impact on children in their bone growth period. At this stage, children are highly malleable, and incorrect posture over a long period can become permanent.

Additionally, young children have poor balance and poor judgment of unknown roads. If the bike speed is too fast and they encounter a turn, they often fall. Although they may wear protective gear, falling on the road still involves many uncontrollable factors.

In our country, we often see children riding three types of bikes: tricycles, four-wheelers, and two-wheelers. Although there are fewer types of bicycles abroad, the classification of bicycles is more detailed, especially for children. Each age group has a specific type of bike they should ride, clearly marked.

First stage: balance bikes

Second stage: tricycles, scooters (this stage can also be skipped)

Third stage: bicycles

Learning to ride a bike is like learning anything else. Jumping directly to a two-wheeler without a solid foundation is very risky. Therefore, each age group should 'learn' step by step. Only by safely and steadily passing through each stage and mastering various skills can one eventually ride a bicycle well.

A balance bike is often a child's first bike and is the best way to train a child's balance. A balance bike looks similar to a bicycle but lacks a chain and pedals, relying entirely on the child to glide forward. It is an excellent transitional product before riding a bicycle. It requires the child to have both feet on the ground and use both legs to push forward, training the balanced development of the child's leg muscles.

The recommended age for use is 2-5 years old. The actual use should be based on the child's height and leg length to choose the appropriate size of the balance bike.

2 years old and above, height 85cm+, leg length 30cm+: It is recommended to buy an M size with 8-inch wheels.

3 years old and above, height 90cm+, leg length 35cm+: It is recommended to buy a standard tire with 12-inch wheels, size 1.

3 years old and above, height 95cm+, leg length 42cm+: It is recommended to buy an XL size with 12-inch wheels and 62*203 large tires.

Tricycles and bicycles with training wheels are more like transportation tools for children. They help children adapt to the bicycle mode in advance but do not help in training balance. Switching to a two-wheeler will still result in falls.

Children over 5 years old can choose their first bicycle. Choosing the first bicycle is very particular and requires attention to the following points:

1. Choose a 'strong' bike to prevent damage from bumps and collisions.

2. Do not choose a large bike. Select a bike based on the child's own conditions. It is recommended to bring the child along when buying a bike.

3. Check the tires. The outer tire should have clear patterns, and the inner tire should be of high quality.

Long-term cycling not only provides green transportation but also strengthens lower limb muscles, improves endurance, and enhances cardiopulmonary function. Family cycling trips can enhance parent-child intimacy. Teaching children about environmental protection from a young age, parent-child cycling trips are also a great educational opportunity. Children learn to handle bike malfunctions, navigate complex roads, plan cycling routes, decide what food to bring, and determine which outdoor gear is useful. What seems like a simple outing is actually an important life lesson.

So, take your beloved child and go cycling together~